FAQs

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to reconstructive breast surgery. Whenever possible, we prefer to use one of several procedures which utilize your own natural tissue, as these procedures last longer and are more natural looking compared to other procedures. The natural tissue procedures we offer take blood vessels, skin, and fat from other areas of the patient’s body such as the abdomen, buttocks, thigh or other location, and use them to rebuild the breast.

The procedure which is right for you may be different than what is right for a friend or relative, which is why it’s important to have a conversation with a surgeon at Florida Breast Center to discuss your options and determine which procedure is best for your unique situation and body type.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to discussing with you!

Insurance companies are mandated by federal law to cover patients’ procedure of choice in all cases of cancer patients who have had mastectomies, as well as surgery on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry. Insurance policies may vary by state and by provider, but most companies offer coverage for breast reconstruction surgery.

We do NOT accept Medicaid, but we work with all other insurance providers. Please contact us to confirm your coverage and eligibility!

DIEP Flap breast reconstruction is an advanced procedure that offers natural and long-lasting results. The procedure involves using blood vessels (deep inferior epigastric perforators), skin and fat from the lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy. Carefully transferring tissue from the lower abdomen allows us to create a soft and natural breast mound while preserving muscle function.

The DIEP flap breast reconstruction is often a one-stage operation, meaning that all of the reconstruction is completed at once – unlike other procedures requiring multiple surgeries and implants. However, in some cases, additional surgeries may be required for further contouring and symmetry. Your doctor will discuss the details of your surgery plan with you before proceeding.

DIEP flap breast reconstruction offers many advantages, including:

• More natural-feeling breasts
• Greater symmetry than implants alone
• Preservation of abdominal strength and stability through muscle-sparing technique
• Avoidance of foreign body implantation

It’s also an effective solution for those with limited donor skin or who have experienced radiation therapy after mastectomy.

Scars typically fade significantly over time. Additionally, for many women, the reconstructed breast can be firmer and have a more youthful appearance compared to their natural breasts. Your DIEP flap surgeon can provide more detailed information about your results during a consultation.

While every patient’s recovery may vary, a typical hospital stay for DIEP flap surgery lasts about 48 hours.

The scarring resulting from the APEX breast reconstruction surgery flap procedure can vary depending on individual factors such as healing ability, incision techniques, and post-operative care. While scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure, the goal of the APEX flap procedure is to minimize visible scarring by carefully placing incisions and utilizing advanced surgical techniques. It is best to consult with your surgeon for a more personalized assessment of the potential scarring outcomes specific to your situation.

APEX Flap surgery and the DIEP Flap procedure differ in their approach for breast reconstruction. APEX Flap surgery involves using tissue from the lower abdomen, specifically the rectus abdominis muscle, to reconstruct the breast. On the other hand, the DIEP breast reconstruction uses tissue from the lower abdomen, including the skin and fat, but spares the muscle.

Both techniques have their advantages and considerations, and the choice between them depends on various factors such as individual patient characteristics and preferences. It is best to consult with qualified breast reconstruction surgeons to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs.

Some of the benefits of APEX Flap reconstruction include:

• Natural-Looking Results: By using the patient’s own tissue, APEX Flap breast reconstruction achieves a natural appearance, closely resembling the shape, feel, and texture of the natural breast.
• Improved Symmetry: APEX Flap reconstruction offers the opportunity to improve breast symmetry, creating a balanced and harmonious result.
• Long-Lasting Outcome: Since the procedure uses the patient’s own tissue, the reconstructed breast maintains its volume, shape, and durability over time.
• Abdominal Contouring: APEX Flap reconstruction provides the added benefit of abdominal contouring, as excess tissue is removed from the lower abdomen during the procedure.
• Minimal Implant Usage: In some cases, APEX Flap reconstruction may not require the use of implants, reducing the need for additional surgeries and implant-related complications.

While every patient’s recovery may vary, a typical hospital stay for APEX flap surgery lasts about 48 hours.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!

Microsurgical SGAP Flap reconstruction offers several benefits:

• It allows for the creation of a natural-looking breast mound using the patient’s own tissue.
• This technique minimizes the risk of complications and provides long-lasting results.
• SGAP Flap reconstruction preserves the strength and function of the abdominal muscles.

Overall, this procedure can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals who have undergone mastectomy.

The SGAP scar lies in the upper buttock and is easily hidden in a French-cut bikini or underwear. The IGAP scar lies within the lower buttock crease. Otherwise, these donor sites are comparable in terms of the reconstruction they provide.

For the SGAP Flap, the superior (upper) gluteal artery is used as the blood vessel that supplies tissue to reconstruct the breast, while the IGAP uses the inferior (lower) gluteal artery. This source of vascularization is located in a different location on the buttock than for the IGAP Flap, resulting in a scar in a different area.

Which buttock donor site you choose is a matter of preference and anatomy. Both the IGAP and the SGAP Flap can be used for unilateral or bilateral simultaneous reconstruction.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!

PAP Flap surgery can have a significant impact on the appearance of your breasts. By utilizing your own tissue from the lower abdomen, this procedure can enhance the shape, volume, and overall aesthetic of your breasts. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon like Dr. St. Hilaire who can provide personalized information and address any concerns you may have regarding the specific outcomes of the surgery.

The typical recovery time for a PAP Flap procedure can vary, but a typical hospital stay for PAP flap surgery lasts 48 hours. It generally takes around 4 to 6 weeks for patients to fully recover. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and allow your body enough time to heal properly.

Unlike other flaps, the scar of the PAP flap can often be well hidden in the crease of the thigh and lower buttock.

Other advantages of the PAP Flap or stacked flap PAP include:

• Its rigorous and lengthy blood vessels allow for versatility in choosing reattachment vessels at the mastectomy site
• Its elliptical design provides an ideal shape for coning to create a natural breast
• Because the dissection avoids the inguinal lymphatics, there is a great reduction in the risk of lymphedema and seromas
• Like all other perforator flaps, the PAP flap transfers only the skin and fat, thereby leaving the muscle in place to preserve function

Because of all its benefits, the PAP Flap has rapidly become the go-to option following a DIEP flap.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!

Like the DIEP procedure, lower abdominal tissue is harvested during the SIEA Flap procedure, leaving a thin scar and a flat belly (very much like a tummy tuck). The scar will fade over time and is usually not visible in most clothing. Most patients report that the scar is barely noticeable after one year post-surgery.

For many women, the reconstructed breast may be firmer and have a more youthful appearance than their natural breasts. The reconstructed breast will also remain consistent in size and shape, while the natural breasts may change over time. SIEA Flap microsurgery often produces a more symmetrical result than other breast reconstruction procedures, which can help improve overall body balance and aesthetic results.

While every patient’s recovery may vary, a typical hospital stay for SIEA flap surgery lasts about 48 hours.

SIEA Flap microsurgery breast reconstruction offers several benefits. It allows for the use of natural tissue, resulting in a more natural-looking and feeling breast. It also avoids the need for muscle sacrifice, leading to a quicker recovery time and reduced complications. Additionally, SIEA Flap microsurgery preserves abdominal muscles, minimizing the risk of abdominal wall weakness or hernia.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!

The scarring after TDAP or ICAP Flap breast surgery can vary from person to person. Generally, you can expect some scarring around the incision sites, but the extent and visibility of the scars depend on factors such as individual healing, surgical technique, and post-operative care. It’s important to discuss this with your surgeon as they can provide more specific information based on your unique situation.

During your recovery from TDAP or ICAP Flap surgery, you can expect a gradual healing process. Initially, there may be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for wound care, pain management, and any necessary medications. It is crucial to follow these instructions closely to ensure proper healing.

The recovery period can vary depending on individual factors, but typically, it takes several weeks for the initial healing to occur. Over time, you will notice improvements in the appearance and feel of the treated area. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon will help monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.

ICAP flap surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you may even be able to go home the same day.

Microsurgical ICAP Flap breast reconstruction offers several benefits:

• It provides a more natural appearance and feel to the reconstructed breast.
• It minimizes the risk of complications and improves the long-term outcomes of the reconstruction.
• It allows for a shorter recovery time compared to other methods.

Overall, this procedure offers a highly effective option for women seeking breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!

During your recovery from hybrid breast reconstruction, you can expect a gradual healing process. Initially, there may be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area. Your medical team will provide you with specific instructions on wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions. It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery.

Over time, the swelling and bruising will subside, and you will start to see the results of the reconstruction. It is normal to experience some temporary changes in sensation and tightness in the chest area.

Your surgeon will monitor your progress closely and guide you through the recovery journey. Remember to have patience and give yourself time to heal fully.

No, unfortunately, breast implants are not designed to last forever. The lifespan of breast implants varies for each individual, but the implants must be evaluated for replacement or removal every 7-10 years.

Yes, hybrid breast reconstruction is generally considered safe. It is a surgical procedure that combines different techniques to achieve optimal results in breast reconstruction. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that should be discussed with a qualified medical professional like Dr. St. Hilaire.

Some of the benefits of hybrid breast reconstruction include:

• Natural-Looking Results: By utilizing the patient’s own tissue, hybrid breast reconstruction achieves a realistic and natural breast shape and contour.
• Enhanced Volume and Projection: The integration of implants allows for customization of size and shape, providing additional volume and projection as desired.
• Improved Symmetry: Hybrid reconstruction ensures better symmetry between the reconstructed breast and the unaffected breast, resulting in a balanced and harmonious appearance.
• Personalized Solution: Hybrid breast reconstruction offers a tailored approach, considering each patient’s unique anatomy and goals to create a customized result that aligns with their expectations.

At the Florida Breast Center, our skilled surgeons, led by Dr. Hugo St. Hilaire, have mastered the art of hybrid breast reconstruction. With our comprehensive expertise and patient-centered approach, we strive to provide exceptional outcomes that restore confidence and improve quality of life.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!

Yes, breast implant replacement can be performed after your surgery. It is a procedure that involves replacing existing breast implants with new ones. It is important to consult with a qualified surgeon like Dr. St. Hilaire to discuss your specific situation and determine the best course of action.

Implant-based reconstruction can have a significant impact on the appearance of your breasts. By using breast implants, this procedure aims to restore volume and shape to the breasts after a mastectomy or other breast surgery. The size, shape, and overall look of your breasts can be customized based on your preferences and desired outcome.

No, unfortunately, breast implants are not designed to last forever. The lifespan of breast implants varies for each individual, but the implants must be evaluated for replacement or removal every 7-10 years.

It’s easy to schedule your first free consultation with Dr. St. Hilaire and the Florida Breast Center. Just call or fill out our online form, and we’ll determine together if you’re a candidate for surgery. We’re excited to meet you!