Breast Reconstruction Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township

Name: Breast Reconstruction
Brand: Ocean Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.9 (40 reviews)

Dr. Stephen Small has the privilege of caring for patients in some of their most trying times.

woman laying on the sand with the shore coming up behind her

Personalized Breast Reconstruction Options

At Ocean Plastic Surgery, P.A., we offer comprehensive reconstructive options and work with your breast surgeon to give you the best possible result. Depending upon your treatment, reconstruction can be done at the time of your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or later (delayed reconstruction). We also perform many revision reconstructions and procedures to correct changes in your breast shape if you had a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Oftentimes, patients are referred to us by their breast surgeons, but if you have breast cancer or have been treated, you can come in for a consultation to discuss your options.

Dr. Small and his entire staff are excellent, they are very professional, I would recommend his services. Amazing people.

M. Rodriguez

Everything you Need To Know Breast Reconstruction Overview

Meet Dr. Stephen E. Small A Renowned Breast Reconstruction Authority in Toms River and Stafford Township

Overview

For the last 18 years, Dr. Small has provided an exemplary holistic approach to patient care, prioritizing technical innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service and safety. He is known for the meticulous detail with which he performs every procedure and his consummate artistry, which is apparent in every result. Dr. Small believes that every patient is unique, and it is his primary calling to accentuate and celebrate that natural beauty.

Early Life

Dr. Small's dedication to the art of aesthetics began when he was very young. At just nine years old, he experienced a serious burn accident and required plastic surgery. He was astounded by the life-changing results that his provider was able to create, and he immediately knew that he wanted to devote his career to helping others achieve their ideal appearance. Today, Dr. Small goes above and beyond to provide Ocean County-area patients with a seamless and rewarding treatment experience. His mission is to help others to look and feel their absolute best.

Training Background

Dr. Small is a board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to outstanding reconstructive, laser, and cosmetic results. After receiving his medical degree with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Dr. Small embarked on a competitive 5-year general residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford. He then continued to refine and master his skill set with an intensive one-year burn and reconstructive fellowship at New York Medical College, Valhalla. Dr. Small also served as a resident and chief resident in plastic surgery for several years at Ohio University, South Pointe Hospital-Cleveland Clinic Health System.

Breast Reconstruction Procedure Overview

Scope:	Breast reconstruction restores a balanced, attractive appearance after mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Anesthesia:	General anesthesia is used.
Treatment Time:	Treatment time can range from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the specific techniques utilized.
Recovery:	Patients usually require 2 weeks of downtime. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-8 weeks.

Breast Reconstruction Before & After

View More Breast Reconstruction Results

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What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction restores the cosmetic appearance of the breasts after the patient has experienced a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The surgery can be performed using implants or autologous tissue flaps derived from the patient’s own body. Dr. Small excels at both treatment options and will provide a natural-looking, customized outcome that achieves your unique goals. Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after breast cancer removal, or it can be postponed to a later date, allowing the patient to fully heal and recover after their ordeal.

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction in Ocean County?

For women in Toms River and Stafford Township, breast reconstruction provides a wealth of physical, emotional, and social benefits, including the following:

Helps women reclaim a sense of normalcy after breast cancer
Restores a youthful, feminine chest appearance
Enhances symmetry and balance in the figure
Allows patients to enjoy a broad range of clothing, lingerie, and swimwear options
Enhances self-esteem and self-confidence
Offers patients a sense of closure after their breast cancer ordeal
Long-lasting changes

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

Women choose breast reconstruction after breast cancer for a variety of reasons, including the following:

A desire for closure and wholeness after a debilitating disease
An enhanced sense of normalcy in the body after losing one or both breasts
Greater comfort and ease when performing certain activities
An improved aesthetic appearance
Heightened self-confidence, peace of mind, and quality of life
Correction of asymmetry or imbalance in the physique

The choice to undergo breast reconstruction is a highly personal one. Dr. Small will assess your medical history and goals during a private consultation in Toms River or Stafford Township, New Jersey, making his best recommendations for how to proceed.

Understanding the Breast Reconstruction Procedure

There are many approaches to breast reconstruction. However, the two main options are using a tissue expander and, subsequently, a breast implant or autologous reconstruction, which uses skin and muscle from one area of your body to make a new breast.

Either procedure can be performed at the time of your mastectomy or after your mastectomy. Additionally, all breast reconstructions take into account the size and shape of your other breast, and sometimes, a procedure is necessary on the opposite side of the chest to provide balance and symmetry.

Reconstruction With Implants

Expander-breast implant reconstruction is a process where a temporary implant (expander) is initially placed. This surgery usually takes about an hour and is often a same-day surgery. If this procedure is done with a mastectomy, most patients stay in the hospital overnight. Once the expander is placed, your new breast is created by placing sterile saline solution into the expander. This is essentially a painless procedure done in the office, which takes about 15 minutes. After your breast shape is created with the expander, usually 3-5 months, you are ready for the second procedure, which is to place a permanent implant. This procedure is done in the hospital as same-day surgery and usually takes about an hour. At this point, your breast reconstruction is almost complete. The last part of breast reconstruction is recreating a nipple and the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple). There are many ways to make a new nipple and areola, and Dr. Small will discuss these with you.

Reconstruction With Autologous Tissue

Autologous breast reconstruction is often the option necessary for patients who are anticipating needing radiation treatment with their care or for women who have very large and droopy breasts (called breast ptosis). The areas commonly used for this type of reconstruction are the abdomen (TRAM reconstruction) or the back (Latissimus reconstruction). This type of reconstruction is performed in the hospital and takes about 4-6 hours. Most patients stay in the hospital 2-3 days. Sometimes, even with this type of reconstruction, a tissue expander or implant might be necessary.

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction

Recovery from either procedure is about 2 weeks. Full recovery, where you are starting to resume normal activities, is about 4-8 weeks, depending upon the procedure. An expander-implant reconstruction takes about 1 year for all three stages to be complete. The autologous reconstruction is usually complete after the first procedure or around 6 months if there is a second procedure scheduled. Throughout your reconstruction, Dr. Small keeps in close contact with your breast surgeon, medical oncologist, and radiation oncologist to ensure your care is coordinated to give you the best possible outcome.

Schedule a Breast Reconstruction Consultation Today!

Contact Ocean Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation for your breast reconstruction in Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township. We will take the time to guide you through the entire process, ensuring results that fully satisfy your aesthetic needs. Our offices are located along the beautiful New Jersey coastline, offering a serene and restorative setting for your aesthetic journey. Contact us today!

Breast Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

Is Breast Reconstruction Painful?

Dr. Small is dedicated to providing a seamless, stress-free treatment experience. Breast reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia, allowing you to sleep peacefully while the doctor restores the appearance of your chest. After surgery, you can take prescription pain medications to control any postoperative discomfort or soreness. The treatment journey is more comfortable and rewarding than you might think.

Can Breast Reconstruction Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes. Dr. Small may combine breast reconstruction with other treatment options to enhance your results and provide you with the enhanced confidence and peace of mind you seek. He will conduct an in-depth consultation process in Ocean County, incorporating your wishes into your customized, success-oriented treatment plan.

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost?

Breast reconstruction pricing may include the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, postoperative garment fees, and others. Total pricing will depend on factors like the type of implants you selected, the specific surgical techniques employed, and whether you combine breast reconstruction with other aesthetic options. Dr. Small will offer you a personalized price quote after completing your private consultation.

Do I Have to Have Breast Reconstruction?

No. There are no “shoulds” when it comes to your journey after breast cancer. Some patients do not want to undergo additional surgeries. Some will decide to wear an artificial breast rather than get implants. Dr. Small is here to discuss your options for reconstruction, ensuring you have all the knowledge and information needed to make the best decisions for your well-being and happiness.

Are There Risks Associated With Breast Reconstruction?

All surgeries come with inherent risks. Dr. Small will discuss these in more depth during your private consultation in Ocean County. Risks with breast reconstruction include the following:

Swelling
Pain
Bleeding
Infection
Wound healing problems
Changes in sensation
Fluid retention (hematomas and seromas)
Scarring
Implant failure/rippling/extrusion
Hernia
Bulges
Partial or complete loss of flaps
Failure or loss of implants
Asymmetry (lopsidedness)
Poor cosmetic results

Does Reconstruction Alter the Risk of My Cancer Returning?

Breast cancer recurrence depends on multiple factors, including the stage of the disease and the nature of the treatments you undergo. There is no evidence that breast reconstruction increases the risks of cancer returning or makes the disease harder to detect.

Will Insurance Cover My Reconstruction?

Thanks to the “Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act,” insurers are required to provide coverage for reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy.

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