Contact
Give Dr. Anu Antony a phone call at (919) 296-0256

Tailored Breast Augmentation: Achieving Natural Beauty

This approach can vary significantly depending on the individual’s needs, preferences, and anatomical factors. Dr. Anu Antony specializes in advanced implant-based reconstruction in Raleigh & Cary, NC, at the Antony Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. She is known for achieving the most positive, natural-looking outcomes.

Overview of Implant-Based Reconstruction Techniques

Implant-based reconstruction generally involves the placement of a breast implant to recreate the breast mound. Dr. Anu Antony offers several variations of this technique, each tailored to provide optimal results:

Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction

  • Description: This method involves placing the breast implant immediately after the mastectomy, eliminating the need for tissue expanders in suitable candidates.
  • Benefits: Direct-to-implant reconstruction allows quicker results and fewer surgeries, making it a less invasive option for eligible patients.

Two-Stage Reconstruction

  • Description: This common approach begins with inserting a tissue expander during the initial surgery to stretch the skin and create sufficient space for the final implant. Once the skin has expanded adequately, a second surgery replaces the expander with a permanent implant.
  • Benefits: Two-stage reconstruction is beneficial for patients who require more time to recover from the mastectomy or who need additional treatments, such as radiation, which might affect the skin’s elasticity.

Pre-Pectoral and Sub-Pectoral Implant Placement

  • Pre-Pectoral (above the muscle): This technique involves placing the implant above the pectoral muscle directly beneath the breast tissue. This technique can reduce pain post-surgery and shorten recovery time.
  • Sub-Pectoral (under the muscle): Implants are placed under the pectoral muscle, which can provide a more natural appearance and reduce the risk of complications such as capsular contracture.
  • Benefits: Both placements have their advantages, depending on the patient’s anatomy, the presence of natural breast tissue, and personal preferences. Dr. Antony customizes the approach to align with the best possible aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Banner media

Recovery Time After Breast Reconstruction

The recovery time following breast reconstruction can vary significantly depending on the specific technique used, the individual patient’s health, and whether the reconstruction was performed in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. Below is a general overview of what patients might expect during the recovery phase of an implant-based breast reconstruction performed by Dr. Anu Antony.

Immediate Postoperative Period

  • Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery to manage pain and monitor for immediate postoperative complications.
  • Initial Discomfort: Swelling, soreness, and discomfort are common and are managed with prescription pain medication.

First Few Weeks

  • Activity Restrictions: Patients are generally advised to avoid lifting heavy objects and engaging in strenuous activities for the first 4-6 weeks. Light activities like walking can be resumed when the patient feels able.
  • Care at Home: Dr. Antony provides detailed care instructions, including how to care for incisions, recognize signs of infection, and manage drains if they are used.

Six Weeks to Three Months

  • Follow-up Visits: Regular appointments with Dr. Antony will occur to ensure proper healing and monitor the integration of the implants.
  • Gradual Resumption of Normal Activities: Most patients can resume normal daily activities, including non-strenuous work, within 6-8 weeks post-surgery. Full activity, including exercise, can often be resumed around the 12-week mark.

Long-Term Recovery

  • Final Results: While patients will notice immediate changes after surgery, the final results can take several months to stabilize as swelling decreases and tissues heal.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Annual check-ups with Dr. Antony are recommended to assess the health and condition of the implants and ensure the patient’s continued well-being.

Emotional Recovery

  • Support and Guidance: Dr. Antony understands that emotional recovery is as important as physical healing. Her team offers resources and support throughout the recovery process to help patients adjust to changes in their body image and regain confidence post-reconstruction.
woman wearing white bra with jacket over

Why Choose Dr. Anu Antony?

When deciding on a plastic surgeon, expertise, experience, and a personalized approach are key to achieving the best results. Dr. Anu Antony embodies these qualities as a Female Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Harvard and Stanford trained, with over 20 years of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. She has refined her skills through advanced training at world-renowned institutions, including Stanford University Medical Center, Cornell Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital, and Harvard Massachusetts General Hospital, giving her exceptional expertise in even the most complex procedures.

Insurance does not cover breast reconstruction procedures performed at Dr. Antony’s practice, but financing options are available through trusted healthcare lenders for patients who need financial assistance.

Art + Science = Beautiful

Dr. Antony’s unique background as an artist trained at the Lorenzo Medici Institute of Art in Italy allows her to blend medical science's precision with fine arts's aesthetic sensibility. This combination ensures that each surgical plan is tailored to achieve optimal functional outcomes and enhance aesthetic appeal, respecting the natural harmony and proportions of the patient’s features. 

Choosing Dr. Antony for implant-based reconstruction in the Raleigh & Cary, NC area means entrusting your care to a surgeon who is committed to excellence, deeply understands the artistry involved in plastic surgery, and is dedicated to achieving your individual goals with the most advanced and effective procedures available today. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Antony to explore how her expert care can help you realize your vision of beauty and function.

Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction FAQs

What is a tissue expander?

What is the difference between direct-to-implant and two-stage reconstruction?

How often do implants need to be replaced?

Is implant-based reconstruction a good option for all patients?

What is a tissue expander?

A tissue expander is a temporary, balloon-like device that is placed under the chest muscle or breast skin. It is gradually filled with saline over time to stretch the skin and create a pocket large enough for a permanent breast implant.

What is the difference between direct-to-implant and two-stage reconstruction?

Direct-to-implant reconstruction is a single-stage procedure where the permanent implant is placed immediately after the mastectomy. This is an option for patients who have enough existing skin and tissue. Two-stage reconstruction uses a tissue expander first, followed by a second surgery to replace the expander with a permanent implant once the skin has stretched sufficiently.

How often do implants need to be replaced?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While newer implants are more durable, they may need to be replaced in 10-15 years or sooner if complications arise. You should have a plan for long-term monitoring of your implants.

Is implant-based reconstruction a good option for all patients?

No. While it is a great option for many, it may not be suitable for patients who have had radiation therapy, as this can increase the risk of complications such as capsular contracture. Your surgeon will discuss the best option for your unique case.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Background media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (919) 296-0256.
Contact Us