Secondary Procedures in New Orleans, LA
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Contact UsWhat are secondary reconstructive procedures?
New Orleans, LA plastic surgeon Dr. Mark W. Stalder helps his patients achieve the best possible results following the loss of a breast due to breast cancer treatment, traumatic injury, or birth defect. Dr. Stalder will help you decide what works best for your needs. There is often a need for secondary reconstructive procedures, like nipple reconstruction, fat grafting, revision surgery, laser scar revision, and nipple tattooing. Please contact Stalder Plastic Surgery to learn more about how we can help rebuild your appearance after breast loss.
What Are the Benefits of Secondary Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is often a necessary step for women who want to regain their confidence and a sense of normalcy following a mastectomy. Secondary treatments allow Dr. Stalder to put the finishing touches on your reconstruction for a more natural appearance. The benefits of secondary breast reconstruction procedures at Stalder Plastic Surgery include:
- Improves the appearance of the breast(s)
- Enhances self-confidence and quality of life
- Allows you to feel more comfortable in a wide variety of outfits
- Can help reduce the visibility of scars
Am I A Candidate for A Secondary Reconstructive Procedure?
If you are in the process of reconstructing one or both of your breasts after mastectomy, Stalder Plastic Surgery can help with our selection of secondary reconstructive procedures. To be a suitable candidate, you should be in good overall health. Our team will work with you during your consultation to create a look and feel that matches your goals and helps you feel more comfortable and confident.
What to Expect After Secondary Procedures
After secondary breast reconstruction procedures, you can expect some temporary swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, similar to your initial surgery. These effects usually subside within a few weeks. Recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but most patients can resume light activities within a week, with full recovery taking several weeks. Follow-up visits with our team at Stalder Plastic Surgery will ensure proper healing and that the revisions are achieving the desired results.
Laser Scar Revision
Dr. Stalder has developed a comprehensive scar management program that includes immediate and long-term care to minimize scarring. This laser treatment is ideal for patients with hypertrophic (raised) scars, especially those resulting from surgical incisions. The laser wavelength can be adjusted to target optimal skin depth and microscopic treatment zones, allowing complete customization to meet each patient's needs. Patients will see a noticeable improvement after just one treatment, but a series of three treatments at six-week intervals is recommended to achieve optimum results.
Fat Grafting
Using liposuction, fat is harvested from one area of the body and injected into the restored breast. This procedure improves the contour and volume of the breast.
Nipple Tattooing
After a mastectomy or breast reconstruction, where the nipple and areola might be removed, we offer cosmetic tattooing. This procedure can recreate the appearance of the nipple and areola by adding natural tones, pigment, and shadows to the skin for enhanced aesthetics. For symmetry, when tattooing one nipple, we closely match the remaining nipple. When both nipples are tattooed, an image of the breasts before the mastectomy can help obtain the best results.
Nipple Reconstruction
This is the final step following a non-nipple sparing mastectomy. Combining surgical and medical tattoo techniques provides the look of a nipple and areola.
Revision Surgery
Any type of surgery used to correct problems related to previous breast surgery. Types include breast reconstruction, nipple and areolar reconstruction, mastopexy (breast lift), implant augmentation, removal, or exchange.
Learn More About Stalder Plastic Surgery
About UsLearn More About secondary reconstructive procedures
Secondary procedures are often necessary after breast reconstruction. These procedures help to improve the aesthetic and symmetry of the breasts and the tissue donor sites. Please call Stalder Plastic Surgery in New Orleans, LA today to learn about secondary reconstruction procedures. We will schedule your appointment for a complete evaluation and a personal consultation with Dr. Stalder at your earliest convenience.
Secondary Procedures FAQs
How soon after my breast reconstruction can I schedule a secondary reconstructive procedure?
Typically, it's advised to wait 6 – 12 months after your initial breast reconstruction before considering a secondary procedure. This interval allows your body to fully heal and the results of the first surgery to stabilize. Dr. Stalder will assess your specific situation to determine the best timing for a secondary reconstruction.
How will secondary breast reconstruction affect sensation in my breasts?
Secondary breast reconstruction may affect breast sensation, with potential changes or reduced sensitivity. The extent of this varies from patient to patient. While some might experience a decrease in sensation, others may see gradual improvement over time. During your consultation, Dr. Stalder will discuss the likely outcomes based on the techniques used in your reconstruction.
Can I have multiple reconstructive procedures at the same time?
Combining multiple reconstructive procedures in one surgical session is possible, depending on your health and the complexity of the procedures. This approach can minimize overall recovery time. Dr. Stalder will build your plan with a focus on your safety and optimizing your results.
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Stalder Plastic Surgery Reviews
I can’t give enough thanks to Dr Stalder and his PA Megan. After a DMX to implant and a year of complications, they immediately developed a plan and I underwent a SHAEP FLAP procedure. The recovery from this surgery compared to the implants from another plastic surgeon was night and day. I knew right then I had chosen the right team this time. Megan is readily available by text for any questions or advice. I cannot say how grateful I am to this amazing team of medical professionals and a simple thank you is not enough. They gave me a quality of life back and I feel I am finally on a forward path. I highly recommend Stalder Plastics to anyone who unfortunately needs their services.
Dr. Mark Stalder and his entire team played a huge and life-changing role in my reconstruction journey, and I could not be more grateful. From the very beginning, Dr. Stalder was amazing, knowledgeable, compassionate, and enthusiastic about helping me feel whole again after such a difficult diagnosis. His confidence and skill gave me so much peace during a time that felt overwhelming.He explained every step of the reconstruction process clearly and made sure I understood my options. I always felt heard, respected, and cared for. The results of his work speak for themselves, and I am incredibly thankful that he was part of my care team.I also must recognize his nurse, Megan—she is truly top tier. Megan is kind, attentive, and always willing to help. She responds quickly anytime she is contacted and never makes you feel like a bother. Having someone so dependable and compassionate made all the difference in my recovery.Dr. Stalder and his team are exceptional, and I highly recommend them with great enthusiasm to anyone needing reconstructive surgery. They gave me not only excellent medical care but also hope, confidence, and comfort along the way. I will forever be grateful.
Dr. Mark Stalder is an exceptional plastic surgeon, and my experience with his office came during a particularly challenging time in my life. With a strong family history of breast cancer on my maternal side, I made the decision to undergo a prophylactic double mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction in an effort to prevent cancer. It was a difficult decision, but one that I did not take lightly. I chose to work with Stalder Plastic Surgery, and I am incredibly grateful for that choice. Throughout the process, every question I had was answered, and every concern I faced was addressed with professionalism and compassion. The entire team at Stalder Plastic Surgery supported me every step of the way, offering unmatched care and dedication. Having lost my mother to breast cancer, I am hopeful that I will never have to hear those dreaded words, “you have breast cancer,” in my lifetime. I highly recommend Dr. Mark Stalder to anyone considering breast reconstruction. He listens attentively, provides compassionate care, and is dedicated to his patients. His team worked diligently to ensure I was fully informed and confident in my decisions regarding the surgery, making me feel valued and well-cared-for throughout the process. Now, over a year later, I can confidently say that choosing both Dr. Stalder and this surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Dr. Stalder and his team are truly the best in their field.
When I decided to treat myself to a mastopexy for my 50th birthday, I asked some nurse friends who they recommended for a plastic surgeon. They both said they love and trust Dr Stalder and his team. His patients recover well, love their results, and have so much gratitude for Dr Stalder and his team. I am now among them!Without any pressure, Dr Stalder educated me about fat grafting to also add volume. I chose that option instead of mastopexy alone. I knew I’d love my results, but I didn’t fully appreciate how much of a perfectionist Dr Stalder is. He exceeded my expectations!Recovery was easy, results are beautiful, and I take every opportunity to refer people to Dr Stalder, so they can also have the best possible experience.
I had a great experience with Dr. Stalder and his team. He was very kind, informative, and made me feel comfortable throughout the process. The staff (Jess) is friendly and welcoming, and Abby, the PA, was excellent as well. Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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