At Ginger Slack, MD, breast reconstruction is about restoring confidence and wholeness with expert, compassionate care. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with a microsurgery fellowship, Dr. Slack specializes in advanced techniques, from implant-based to autologous reconstruction. Her meticulous approach ensures natural, sophisticated results that help her patients heal physically and emotionally after a mastectomy or failed reconstruction.
Restore your sense of wholeness and femininity
Breast reconstruction restores the shape, symmetry, and appearance of your breasts after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or failed reconstruction. It can be performed using implants, your own tissue (autologous reconstruction), or a combination of both. The goal is to help you regain confidence and feel whole again. Dr. Slack offers cutting-edge reconstructive techniques tailored to your body and personal preferences, ensuring natural, sophisticated results. With integrated Cancer Care through UCLA Health, you’ll benefit from a multidisciplinary Breast Center, making it easy to see specialists in oncology, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and plastic surgery, along with access to physical therapy and mental health care. Whether you’re considering immediate or delayed reconstruction, Dr. Slack will provide expert guidance and compassionate support throughout your journey.
Benefits of breast reconstruction:
- Restores breast shape, symmetry, and contour after mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Enhances body confidence and self-image
- Provides a natural look and feel with advanced surgical techniques
- Offers options tailored to your preferences, including implants or natural tissue
- Can be performed immediately or delayed based on your treatment plan
- Eliminates the need for external prosthetics
- Helps restore a sense of normalcy and femininity
What are the types of breast reconstruction available?
Autologous reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction, also known as flap reconstruction, uses a patient’s own tissue to restore breast shape. This technique provides a natural look and feel and is ideal for those who prefer to avoid implants. Flap procedures involve transferring skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from another part of the body to the chest. These are the flap reconstruction options:
- DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap: Uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen without taking muscle, preserving core strength.
- PAP (profunda artery perforator) flap: Utilizes skin and fat from the inner thigh, offering a suitable option for thinner patients without enough abdominal tissue.
- SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator) flap: Uses tissue from the upper buttocks, ideal for patients lacking abdominal or thigh donor sites.
- Stacked flap reconstruction: Combines multiple flaps (e.g., stacked DIEP or PAP flaps) for enhanced breast volume in patients with limited donor tissue.
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Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction restores breast shape using silicone or saline implants. This method is less invasive than tissue-based reconstruction and requires shorter recovery times. It is often performed in one or two stages, depending on the patient’s anatomy and cancer treatment history. These are your implant-based reconstruction options:
- Tissue expander to implant: A temporary expander is placed under the skin and gradually filled with saline over weeks or months to stretch the tissue before replacing it with an implant. This method is often used when additional skin or soft tissue is needed.
- Direct to implant: A breast implant is placed immediately after mastectomy, eliminating the need for a tissue expander. This technique is suitable for patients with adequate skin and soft tissue to support the implant.
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Hybrid reconstruction
Hybrid reconstruction combines implants with autologous tissue for both structural support and a natural feel. This approach is ideal for patients seeking the durability of a flap procedure while benefiting from the volume and shaping of an implant. Hybrid techniques allow for improved symmetry and a softer, more natural breast contour.
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Oncoplastic reconstruction
Oncoplastic reconstruction integrates breast reconstruction with lumpectomy, enhancing symmetry and shape while preserving breast tissue. This approach can be immediate or delayed and includes multiple techniques:
- Lumpectomy with breast reduction or lift: Removes cancerous tissue while reshaping the remaining breast for improved symmetry. Often performed on both breasts for balance.
- Delayed autologous fat grafting or implants: After lumpectomy, volume deficits can be corrected with fat grafting (transferring fat from another part of the body) or small implants.
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What can I expect during the consultation?
During your consultation, Dr. Slack will take the time to understand your goals, medical history, and concerns.
She will evaluate your breast anatomy, skin quality, and any prior surgeries to determine the best reconstructive approach for you. You’ll discuss different options, including implant-based and autologous reconstruction, as well as timing—whether immediate or delayed. Dr. Slack will then explain the benefits, risks, and expected recovery for each method, so you know exactly what to expect and can clarify any concerns.
Why choose Dr. Ginger Slack?
Dr. Ginger Slack is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a microsurgery fellowship, with specialized expertise in breast reconstruction. Having completed advanced training at UCLA, she offers the most sophisticated techniques, from implant-based to autologous reconstruction. Her approach is tailored to your unique needs, ensuring natural and refined results. As a trusted surgeon known for her dedication to patient care, she provides expert guidance and ongoing support throughout your reconstruction journey. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Slack to explore your options and take the next step toward feeling whole again.
