Breast Reconstruction New Orleans
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Specializing in Advanced Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction is performed to restore the breasts after a breast cancer patient has already had a mastectomy or is currently undergoing a mastectomy. Sometimes this is referred to as pre- and post-mastectomy. Renowned New Orleans breast reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Theunissen, offers the most advanced breast reconstruction options in New Orleans, Metairie, and across Louisiana, as well as the entire US. Some of the breast cancer reconstruction procedures can also be performed in conjunction with others to achieve the needed and desired results.
Dr. Theunissen employs only the most advanced muscle-sparing reconstructive breast procedures, which take fat and skin tissue from the patient’s thighs, abdomen, buttocks, and sometimes multiple donor sites. These muscle-sparing breast reconstructions are considered the best breast reconstruction options available because women can recover so much faster, without sacrificing abdominal muscles as previously sacrificed in older methods like the TRAM Flap.
Dr. Theunissen, along with his entire staff understand being diagnosed with cancer a difficult diagnosis to deal with, which is why Dr. Theunissen and his staff are there for each patient each step of the way. They are available to answer all your concerns and questions, helping you be as informed as possible about the options, steps, outcomes, and any other issues that may cause concern. In addition, Dr. Theunissen is assisted by another microvascular surgeon in New Orleans and Metairie to minimize operative time and optimize results for his patients. Dr. Theunissen’s breast reconstruction rates are amongst the best in the entire nation at a 99.2% success rate.
AMONGST THE BEST BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGEONS IN NEW ORLEANS
WHY TRAVEL TO DR. THEUNISSEN FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
Dr. Theunissen is among the best breast reconstruction surgeons in New Orleans and the entire country. Dr. Theunissen reconstructs hundreds of breasts every year. Many women with breast cancer feel at ease when choosing Dr. Theunissen for their breast reconstruction, not only because he is there for his patients every step of the way. Dr. Theunissen continually strives to push beyond the standard. Another reason so many patients choose to travel from New Orleans, Metairie, and further for Dr. Theunissen is that he can perform the same reconstructive surgeries in less than half the surgery time as most surgeons, while not sacrificing excellent results. The national average for reconstructing both breasts is roughly 10 hours. Dr. Theunissen can perform bilateral free flaps in about 4 hours. This is such a big deal for women because shorter anesthesia time equals:
- Less Chances for Complications
- Faster Recovery Time
Dr. Theunissen also gives his patients peace of mind knowing that their chances of a successful surgery have increased. The National average for successful free flap surgeries is 95%-96.3%. Dr. Theunissen’s success rate is 99.2%. In terms of success rates, Dr. Theunissen is one of the best breast reconstruction surgeons in New Orleans and the Nation.
To some a 2.9% success rate increase could seem small, but one should take into conderation that Dr. Theunissen performs many more breast cancer reconstructions than the average plastic surgeon.
AMONGST THE BEST BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGEONS IN NEW ORLEANS
WHY TRAVEL TO DR. THEUNISSEN FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
Dr. Theunissen is amongst the best breast reconstruction surgeons in New Orleans and the entire country. Dr. Theunissen reconstructs hundreds breasts every year. Many women with breast cancer feel at ease when choosing Dr. Theunissen for their breast reconstruction not only because he is there for his patients every step of the way. Dr. Theunissen is constantly striving to push beyond the standard. Another reason so many patients choose to travel frm New Orleans, Metairie, and further for Dr. Theunissen is because he can perform the same reconstructive surgeries in less than half the surgery time as most surgeons, while not sacrificing excellent results. The national average for reconstructing both breasts is roughly 10 hours. Dr. Theunissen can performs bilateral free flaps in about 4 hours. This is such a big deal for women because shorter anesthesia time equals:
- Less Chances for Complications
- Faster Recovery Time
Dr. Theunissen also gives his patients peace of mind knowing that their successful surgery chances have increased. The National average for successful free flap surgeries is 95%-96.3%. Dr. Theunissen’s success rate is 99.2%, In terms of success rates, Dr. Theunissen is one of the best breast reconstruction surgeons in New Orleans and the Nation.
To some a 2.9% success rate increase could seem small, but one should take into conderation that Dr. Theunissen performs many more breast cancer reconstructions than the average plastic surgeon.
New Orleans Breast Reconstruction Procedures
At our center for breast reconstruction in New Orleans, Dr. Theunissen offers the latest procedures, including PAP, TDAP, Hybrid, and DIEP reconstruction. Dr Theunissen also offers implant-based reconstruction and nipple reconstruction and tattoos once women complete their full breast reconstruction in New Orleans. Call our office today to see what Dr. Theunissen and his five-star staff can do for you.
RECONSTRUCTIVE BREAST SURGERY OPTIONS
RESOURCES FOR BREAST CANCER RECONSTRUCTION
Reviews & Testimonials
What Our Patients Are Saying
Breast Reconstruction FAQ
What is the newest breast reconstruction procedure/technique?
The hybrid stacked flap is the newest breast reconstruction technique. It involves taking fat and tissue flaps from two donor sites instead of one, and then stacking the flaps to create a larger breast mound. The reason a patient will choose the hybrid stacked flap could be for two reasons. The first reason is that they simply want larger breasts, and one donor site did not have enough fat and tissue to give the desired outcome. The second reason is that they have only had reconstruction on one breast(unilateral), and there was not enough tissue in one donor site to make a large enough breast to match their existing breast. Thus, adding the need to harvest breast tissue from two donor sites and stack the flaps, instead of just one.
How much does breast reconstruction cost?
Breast reconstruction is covered by commercial insurance in the United States, as mandated by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). The patient may be required to cover their deductible.
Can breast reconstruction be done after a mastectomy?
Yes. Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction refers to “breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy surgery”. I can also be delayed for weeks, months, or even years, if needed. This is called delayed reconstruction.
When can breast reconstruction be performed after a mastectomy?
1. Immediate Reconstruction
Done at the same time as the mastectomy.
Advantages: fewer surgeries, you wake up with a breast shape already formed, and possibly less emotional impact of losing a breast.
2. Delayed Reconstruction
Done months or even years after the mastectomy.
Advantages: allows completion of cancer treatments (chemo or radiation) first, lowers risk of complications if treatments could interfere with healing.
3. Staged or “Delayed-Immediate” Reconstruction
A temporary tissue expander is placed during mastectomy, then the final reconstruction is done later, after radiation or when healing is optimal.
Advantages: Provides flexibility between immediate and delayed options