Breast Implant Reconstruction

Our surgeons are experienced in both major types of breast reconstruction implants at the time of or after mastectomy.

Breast implant reconstruction is the most common type of reconstruction performed in the United States. The silicone or saline implant is used to replace breast tissue that’s removed during breast cancer surgery, and it often works best when the implant is placed during your mastectomy procedure. This type of breast reconstruction may require the use of additional materials to support or fully cover the implant. The surgery is performed in one of two ways:

1-stage implant: Also known as direct to implant, this places the implant in a single procedure.
2-stage implant: This requires two separate procedures. The first places a tissue expander (a balloon-like device with a metal port) during your mastectomy. This device is expanded over time to create enough space for the implant, which is placed during a second procedure.

In addition to standalone breast implant reconstruction procedures, we offer breast flap reconstruction—a microsurgical procedure that uses your body’s tissue to help rebuild your breast—and hybrid reconstruction, which combines techniques from both implant and breast flap procedures.

Breast implant reconstruction: Why choose Henry Ford Health?

Integrated care: Plastic surgeons who specialize in breast reconstruction play a crucial role on our breast cancer tumor board. We are the only program in Michigan to include plastic surgeons on the breast cancer team.
Expert team: We perform over 250 breast reconstruction procedures every year. Our surgeons help women with breast cancer restore wholeness by using proven approaches for the best possible outcomes.
A focus on immediate reconstruction: This is our gold standard. Some women hesitate to have breast reconstruction because of concerns over disfigurement. Research has shown that women who can get breast reconstruction at the time of their cancer surgery experience a minimal change in quality of life, given that they come out of surgery with their reconstructed breast. Our expert team has the microsurgical experience necessary to perform these procedures, and we work to offer immediate reconstruction at the time of cancer surgery to as many women as possible.
Personalized treatment plans: If you are having a mastectomy, your surgeon will discuss your options soon after your breast cancer diagnosis. Depending on your goals, body type and other factors, this may include breast implant reconstruction, breast flap surgery or a hybrid procedure. We consider what’s most important to you and give you all the information, including our treatment recommendations, so you can make an informed decision.
The latest procedures: We’re always learning newer and better techniques for breast reconstruction implants, providing you with the latest evidence-based options. For example, placing your breast implant above the chest muscle for reduced pain and quicker recovery.
Streamlined referrals: When necessary, your breast implant reconstruction surgeon can refer you to other services within Henry Ford Health, such as lymphedema therapy.
Support throughout your care: Cancer care is a journey. We provide support throughout treatment to help aid your recovery and ensure you can enjoy the highest quality of life.

FAQs about breast reconstruction implants at Henry Ford Health

What’s the Difference Between Silicone and Saline Implants?
All breast reconstruction implants have an outer shell that’s made of silicone, and then the implant is filled with either a silicone gel or saline (sterile salt water):

Silicone implant: This type comes pre-filled with silicone gel. It’s more common, so there are more options available. Some women believe this type looks and feel more natural than saline implants.

Saline implant: Your surgeon typically will insert the implant while it’s empty and then fill it with the saline to create the desired breast size.

Both types are considered safe. Discuss with your surgeon which option would be best for you.

These are just some of the differences. All breast implants can also vary in size, shape, how far the implant extends from the chest wall and its texture. Based on your body type, breasts, reconstruction goals and other factors, your surgeon will help you choose the best option for your needs.
What Should I Know About 2-stage Implants?
This type of breast implant reconstruction requires two procedures: one to place a tissue expander (a balloon-like device with a metal port), and a later one to insert the implant:

The tissue expander is placed either above or below the chest muscles.

It’s filled either weekly or biweekly with saline, allowing the skin and muscle to stretch.

It can take one to three months to fill the expander to the desired size.

Some patients will need additional material, such as human cadaver skin, to cover part or all of the tissue expander.

Once you have completed tissue expander fills, a surgeon will remove the tissue expander and place the permanent implant.

You will not need to stay overnight in the hospital and typically can return to work 1-2 weeks later.

Recommended if you:

Do not have enough abdominal tissue or fat from elsewhere in the body to cover the implant.

Not recommended if you:

Are morbidly obese.

Are unable to attend regular weekly visits for drain expansion.

Are a diabetic with poorly controlled blood sugars. People who have an A1C greater than 7 are not a candidate.

Are an active smoker or marijuana user. These must be stopped within 8 weeks of surgery.
What Should I Know About the Direct to Implant Procedure?
This breast implant reconstruction procedure eliminates the need for tissue expansion and a second procedure. It’s likely you’ll need additional material such as human cadaver skin or a different type of mesh to cover part of the implant.

Recommended if you:

Are having nipple-sparing mastectomy or have enough skin to create an immediate breast mount at the time of mastectomy.

Do not have enough abdominal tissue or fat elsewhere to cover the implant.

Have evidence of good blood flow intraoperatively to the mastectomy skin.

Want the least number of reconstructive procedures.

Not recommended if you:

Don’t want to use mesh or human cadaver skin in your procedure.

Want the most natural-looking breasts.

Are a diabetic with poorly controlled blood sugars. People who have an A1C greater than 7 are not a candidate.

Are an active smoker or marijuana user. These must be stopped within 8 weeks of surgery.

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