Breast Reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale

with Dr. Thomassen

Compassionate, Expert Breast Reconstruction by Dr. Thomassen

At Thomassen Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, we offer advanced breast reconstruction after mastectomy to restore a woman’s breast shape, confidence, and sense of wholeness. Whether you’re facing breast cancer or recovering from a mastectomy, our goal is to guide you through this deeply personal journey with the highest level of care and surgical precision.

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction surgery rebuilds the breast mound, nipple, and areola following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be done immediately after the cancer surgery or delayed until later. Procedures vary based on the patient’s body type, cancer treatment, and personal preferences.

Dr. Thomassen is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale, offering both implant-based and autologous (flap) techniques to ensure the best functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Breast Reconstruction after Bilqteral Mastectomy by Dr. Thomassen in Fort Lauderdale
Breast Reconstruction after Bilateral Mastectomy including Nipple Reconstruction and Areolar Tattoo

Why Consider Breast Reconstruction?

  • Restores breast shape, symmetry, and volume

  • Helps improve body image and confidence

  • Offers emotional closure after mastectomy

  • Reconstructs the nipple and areola for a natural look

More than 1 in 9 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with breast cancer, making breast reconstruction one of the most important procedures in modern plastic surgery. With today’s techniques, women no longer need to compromise aesthetics for survival.

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

1. Direct to Implant Reconstruction

This method of reconstruction is becoming more common thanks to advances in nipple sparing mastectomy.  Whereas for many years, sparing the nipple-areolar complex was thought too risky, experience has shown that keeping this important aesthetic landmark is oncologically safe in many patients.

Benefits

  • In some cases, a single stage reconstruction where the mastectomy and the implants are performed in the same surgery.  This avoids the need of returning to surgery.  Howerver in many cases, small revisions are still necessary to improve symmetry.
  • Improved reconstruction outcomes with less visible scars

Procedure Overview

  • The mastectomy is performed usually with an incision along the inframammary fold.  This avoids a very visible scar across the center of the breast.
  • After the mastectomy, the flaps are examined to ensure they are sturdy and well vascularized to support an immediate implant placement.
  • The use of acellular dermal matrix tissue allows for increasing flap thickness and avoiding visible ripples from the implant through the skin.  It also decreases the risk of a capsular contracture developing around the implant.  Finally, it helps to support the implant position and avoid migration of the implant laterally into the axilla.

Considerations:

  • Not possible in large ptotic breasts that need a mastopexy
  • Not amenable to patients desiring larger reconstruction sizes
Breast Reconstruction with Direct to implant technique after nipple sparing mastectomy by Dr. Thomassen in Fort Lauderdale
Breast Reconstruction with Direct to Implant Technique after Nipple Sparing Mastectomy by Dr. Thomassen

2. Tissue Expander and Implant Reconstruction

This is the most common method of implant-based breast reconstruction.

Procedure Overview:

  • A tissue expander is placed under the skin and pectoralis muscle during or after mastectomy.
  • The expander is gradually filled with saline over several weeks to stretch the skin.
  • Once the desired volume is reached, the expander is replaced with a silicone implant in a second procedure.
  • The opposite breast may undergo augmentation or lift for symmetry.

Benefits:

  • Predictable outcomes
  • Shorter surgical time
  • High patient satisfaction

Considerations:

  • Requires two procedures
  • Risk of capsular contracture or implant-related issues
Breast Reconstruction with expanders and implants and nipple reconstruction and areolar tattoo by Dr. Thomassen in Fort Lauderdale
Breast Reconstruction with Staged Expanders and Implants and Nipple Reconstruction with Areolar Tattoo

3. Autologous Tissue (Flap) Reconstruction

This technique uses your own tissue to rebuild the breast, ideal for women who have undergone radiation therapy or lack sufficient skin for implants.

Common Flap Techniques:

  • DIEP Flap: Fat and skin (no muscle) from the lower abdomen are microsurgically transferred to the chest.
  • TRAM Flap: Similar to DIEP, but includes some abdominal muscle.
  • Latissimus Dorsi Flap: Tissue from the upper back is tunneled to the chest, often combined with an implant because of little volume available with flap.  Newer techniques utilize fat grafting to increase flap volume and avoid need for an implant.
  • SGAP Flap: Uses fat and skin from the buttock area for reconstruction when abdominal tissue is not available.

Benefits:

  • Natural feel and look
  • No implant-related risks
  • Often a one-stage procedure

Considerations:

  • Longer surgery and recovery
  • Donor site scarring
TRAM or DIEP FlapTRAM or DIEP Scars
TRAM or DIEP Flap Incisions
Latissimus flap techniqueLatissimus flap technqiue2Latissimus flap back scar
Latissimus Flap Incisions

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

After the breast mound is created, nipple and areolar reconstruction is performed to complete the restoration. This can involve:

  • Minor surgical procedures to recreate the nipple

  • Medical tattooing to recreate natural color and shape

These are typically outpatient or office-based procedures with minimal recovery time.

Nipple Areolar Tattoo

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction

Recovery depends on the technique used but typically includes:

  • Surgical drains to prevent fluid buildup

  • Supportive bra or compression bandage

  • Pain management and wound care

  • Gradual return to activity over 2–6 weeks

Dr. Thomassen provides detailed post-op instructions, including medication guidelines, follow-up appointments, and warning signs to watch for.

Expected Results

  • Initial swelling and tightness will subside over several weeks.

  • Breast shape, softness, and sensation gradually improve.

  • Scar lines fade over time with proper care.

  • Nipple and areola reconstruction significantly enhance natural appearance.

Many women regain confidence, a sense of identity, and emotional healing through breast reconstruction.

Image
Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap

Why Choose Dr. Thomassen for Breast Reconstruction in Fort Lauderdale?

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive breast reconstruction experience

  • Offers the full range of techniques: implant, DIEP, TRAM, and lattisimus flap procedures

  • Customized treatment plans based on your goals, anatomy, and medical history

  • Compassionate, patient-centered approach

  • Located in Fort Lauderdale and serving all of South Florida

See More results of breast reconstruction procedures by Dr. Thomassen in our Gallery.

Learn more about breast reconstruction in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. 

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you’re considering plastic surgery, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. John Michael Thomassen has the training, experience, and caring to provide you with excellent care. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need.