Dr. Sandeep Jejurikar
3800 Highland Avenue #106
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: (630) 960-0023
Monday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Breast Reconstruction
Many women diagnosed with breast cancer will require a mastectomy as part of their treatment. While this procedure may be medically necessary for their health, the thought of losing a breast can be psychologically devastating. To help ease the transition back to physical and emotional well-being, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sandeep Jejurikar performs breast reconstruction in Downers Grove for women from Naperville, Plainfield, and other Chicago suburbs.
Breast Reconstruction
Before & After Photos
This gallery contains images intended for adult audiences.
VIEW PHOTOSWhat Should I Ask at My Breast Reconstruction Consultation?
Breast reconstruction requires a high level of surgical education, skill and experience. Your surgeon should create a treatment plan specifically for you, helping you make the many important choices that are a part of the reconstruction process. Dr. Jejurikar is a surgeon you can trust; he will be there for you every step of the way.
Some of the issues you will need to consider and discuss with Dr. Jejurikar:
- Should reconstruction be performed at the same time as mastectomy or sometime thereafter?
- Which method of breast reconstruction should be used?
Dr. Sandeep Jejurikar
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Sandeep Jejurikar is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to helping you look and feel your very best.
Meet Dr. JejurikarA Reputation Built on Results
The Breast Reconstruction Procedure
There are several different ways in which breast reconstruction can be performed. The choice will depend upon factors such as your overall health, your body type, and your goals post-operatively.
TRAM Flap
For many of his patients, Dr. Jejurikar performs TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap breast reconstruction. This procedure utilizes tissue from your abdominal area to recreate a breast mound. There are two ways that this method of breast reconstruction can be accomplished:
- Pedicle flap – the flap of tissue and muscle remains attached to its original blood supply and is tunneled under the skin to the chest.
- Free flap – skin, fat, and blood vessels are surgically removed and then re-attached to the chest. This method is especially sophisticated because it requires a surgeon skilled in microsurgery to attach the blood vessels in the chest to the flap. Dr. Jejurikar has completed a microsurgery fellowship and has been performing microsurgical reconstruction for over a decade.
LDMF Flap
LDMF (latissimus dorsi myocutaneous) flap is a very popular option for breast reconstruction. During the procedure, muscle, skin, and connective tissue from the mid-back are used to recreate the breast mound. Often, it is combined with a breast implant to achieve greater breast size. Like TRAM flap, it can be performed as a pedicle flap (attached to original blood supply) or a free flap (removed and reattached to the chest).
Tissue Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Jejurikar may also recommend a staged technique that does not require the use of tissue from another part of a patient’s body. If this is your chosen method of reconstruction, tissue expansion will likely be initially required so that your skin can be stretched to accommodate a breast implant. Tissue expansion is generally completed in a few months. At that point, the tissue expander is removed and a permanent saline or silicone implant is placed, similar to breast augmentation.
Nipple & Areola Reconstruction
There are several techniques that can be employed to create a natural-looking nipple and areola. This could involve grafts or tattoos, for example.
Restoring Sensation After Breast Surgery
Loss of breast sensation is a common outcome following mastectomy, with nearly 80% of women experiencing numbness after breast cancer surgery. While breast reconstruction restores the shape and contour of the breast, it does not automatically restore feeling. Resensation® surgery is an advanced nerve repair technique we can use during breast reconstruction to help women address loss of sensation and feel like themselves again.
How Does Nerve Resensation Surgery Work?
During the procedure, Dr. Jejurikar carefully reconnects nerves using a biologic nerve graft to support the body’s natural nerve regeneration process. He is part of a select group of surgeons with advanced microsurgical expertise in this technique, having completed advanced, hands-on training in nerve dissection and resensation.
Resensation surgery is typically performed during immediate reconstruction, at the same time as mastectomy. It may also be performed during a later procedure, such as delayed reconstruction or revision surgery. Dr. Jejurikar collaborates with your breast surgery team to determine whether this approach is appropriate and to carefully plan the timing of surgery, always prioritizing your safety and functional and aesthetic outcomes.
When Does Sensation Return?
The return of sensation is a gradual process. Most patients begin to notice changes within several months, with continued improvement possible over 1 to 2 years as the nerves regenerate. Many breast reconstruction patients benefit from sensory retraining exercises to support the connection between the brain and the reconstructed breast.
Breast Reconstruction Recovery & Results
After your breast reconstruction procedure, you will need to allow yourself to recover by resting and following your surgeon’s instructions. You will probably be asked to wear a special bra to support your new breast. When recovery is complete, you should have a reconstruction that gives you natural symmetry and contour. Most women have found the breast reconstruction process to be very rewarding, helping them regain confidence and feel “whole” again.
To learn more about breast reconstruction, request a consultation online or call our office at (630) 960-0023 in Downers Grove.
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