Breast Reconstruction 

Breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy, other significant breast surgery, or due to asymmetry or injury is one of the most gratifying procedures that Dr. Weinberg does. He derives tremendous satisfaction in helping his patients restore a sense of wholeness and normalcy to their body image. Dr. Weinberg brings considerable innovation and artistry to his breast reconstructions, and the results are remarkably natural in appearance.

There are 2 main methods employed in reconstructive Breast Surgery. In the first, a new breast is fashioned from the patient’s own tissues, usually from the abdominal wall. This method is used in women who have undergone radiation therapy. The initial surgery is done under general anesthetic and takes about 4 hours. Patients return to work in 4 to 6 weeks. After 6 months, an additional half hour surgery under local anesthetic is required to fashion the nipple, also often from the patients own tissue, or the nipple may be created by means of tattooing.

In the second method a tissue expander is implanted in the chest wall in a 1 hour procedure under general anesthetic. Recovery takes 1 to  2 weeks. The expander is gradually inflated with fluid over 6 to 12 weeks to allow the skin of the chest wall to stretch to achieve the desired size. A second surgery about 6 months later is then done to place a breast implant in a 1 hour procedure. Recovery is again 1 to 2 weeks. A subsequent procedure is again required to fashion a nipple from tissue after another 6 months, or  by means of tattooing.

Because breast reconstruction surgery is usually covered under OHIP, the surgery is done in hospital, at Trillium Health Centre where Dr. Weinberg is Chief of Plastic Surgery. For an overview of what to expect throughout the surgical process from consultation to post operative period, including general risks and side effects, see the general section on Surgical Procedures . 

For Mississauga, Toronto and Ontario patients considering Breast reconstruction, ask your family Doctor to fax a referral to 905-273-3699, and contact us for more information and an appointment by clicking “Contact Us” or "Appointments“ .