Breast reconstruction

Breast cancer is a common malignancy in the United States, Costa Rica and many parts of the world. As a result Dr Chavarría has accumulated a large amount of experience and now is a leading plastic surgeon in the breast reconstruction field.

Length of the procedure: 2to 3 hrs Type of anesthesia:  general Hospital staying: 6 to 8 hrs Postoperative stay in Costa Rica: 7 to 10 days.

He performs reconstruction using implants, expanders or autologous tissue (your own skin and fat). He was the pioneering surgeon who performed the first TRAM flap reconstruction (autologous tissue from the abdomen) in Costa Rica. Latissimus dorsi flap (autologous tissue from the back) is also a common breast reconstruction technique used by Dr Chavarría; after many years of experience, the doctor can now perform this this procedure with modifications to improve the remaining scar and the overall appearance of results.

The whole operation is performed under general anaesthesia and can take from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the extent of the reconstruction. There are basically three procedures, which are chosen depending on the amount of skin replacement needed, the size, shape and position of the breast the patient desires and the amount of skin the patient has available for reconstruction.

When it comes to ‘total’ mastectomy, your surgeon will remove your entire breast; nonetheless, the axillary lymph nodes (located in the underarm area) and the muscles located underneath your breast can be left untouched. This way, when the time of breast reconstruction comes, an implant can be placed over the remaining muscle, creating a mound that resembles a normal breast. This technique is used when the opposite breast is not too large.

However, Dr. Chavarria prefers to use another approach which implies the use of tissue from your abdomen or back to reconstruct the breast (generally used when the overlying skin of the breast is too thin). The blood supply which nourishes the chest muscles is kept intact (allows good tissue survival) and the needed tissue is moved to its new locating but may leave scarring at the donor site. Once it is in place, the doctor will insert an implant underneath the muscle, recreating the natural contours of a breast mound. Keep in mind that this plastic surgery (known as a ‘flap’) is not recommended when you have been submitted to strong doses of radiation since it can leave severe scarring.

Doctor Chavarria can use an expander as an implant type as well. This basically consists in placing a ‘balloon’ beneath the skin and muscle, injecting it with a saline solution over a few weeks (until an appropriate shape and size of the reconstructed breast is achieved) at the doctor’s office. After a few months have passed, this expander will be replaced by a permanent implant.

After a breast reconstruction surgery, Dr. Chavarria usually suggests a recovery period of at least 8 days, time you will have to spend in Costa Rica. Bear in mind that the time you spend in the country can be expanded to your needs especially if you wish to go on a little vacation before having surgical treatment performed and take the opportunity to see some of our natural wonders.

Remember that the price of a breast reconstruction procedure varies from patient to patient thus, an initial consultation with Dr. Chavarría is essential before deciding if you will benefit from this plastic surgery.