Breast Reconstruction
Restoring breast shape after cancer treatment with thoughtful, individualized care
The loss of a breast after cancer treatment can be both physically and emotionally significant. It affects more than appearance. It can change how your body feels and how symmetry is experienced. Deciding whether to pursue reconstruction is personal and often influenced by medical timing, recovery from treatment, and emotional readiness.
At PIPS (Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan), breast reconstruction is approached with sensitivity and careful surgical planning. Each plan reflects your surgical history, tissue condition, prior treatments, and overall health.
Reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy or delayed until cancer treatment is complete. Timing depends on medical recommendations and what feels appropriate for you.
Who May Consider Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction may be appropriate following a total mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy that resulted in noticeable contour changes. It may also be considered when a prior reconstruction has led to asymmetry, discomfort, implant-related concerns, or changes in shape that no longer feel satisfactory.
Reconstruction can take place immediately during mastectomy or at a later date once healing and cancer treatment are complete. The decision is guided by medical factors as well as personal readiness
Evaluation and Planning
Planning begins with a detailed review of the mastectomy type, including whether it was skin-sparing or nipple-sparing, along with an assessment of remaining tissue thickness and quality. Prior or planned radiation therapy is carefully evaluated, as it can influence timing and technique.
Symmetry with the opposite breast, chest wall anatomy, and tissue support are also considered. These factors help determine whether reconstruction is best performed in stages with a tissue expander, through direct-to-implant placement, or with the support of fat grafting.
During consultation, the reconstructive pathway is explained clearly so the sequence and expectations feel understandable and structured.
Reconstruction Approaches
In many cases, reconstruction is performed in stages.
A tissue expander may be placed beneath the remaining skin and support layer. Over several weeks or months, it is gradually filled in small increments to gently stretch the skin. This gradual expansion prepares the tissue for placement of a permanent implant.
Once adequate expansion is achieved, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant in a second procedure. Implant selection is based on chest width, tissue characteristics, and desired shape.
When tissue quality allows, direct-to-implant reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy.
Fat grafting can be used to soften transitions, improve fullness, and refine contour. Because your own tissue is used, this technique may improve softness and enhance overall integration.
If needed, reshaping the opposite breast through a lift, reduction, or augmentation can help improve symmetry.
Nipple and areola reconstruction is typically performed after healing is complete. This may involve surgical shaping, medical tattooing, or both, depending on tissue condition and preference.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery depends on whether reconstruction is immediate or staged. Light daily activities are often resumed within one to two weeks, although complete healing takes longer. Swelling, tightness, and temporary changes in sensation are common early and gradually improve as tissues settle.
Follow-up visits allow careful monitoring of healing, implant positioning when used, and overall comfort. If additional refinement is needed, it is discussed thoughtfully and at the appropriate time.
Safety and Coordination
Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery requires careful attention to tissue health, blood supply, and prior treatments such as radiation. Risks and limitations are reviewed clearly during consultation.
When reconstruction is performed immediately, it takes place in the hospital at the time of mastectomy in coordination with your cancer surgeon. Delayed reconstruction may be scheduled once treatment is complete and tissues have stabilized.
Insurance Information
Dr. Goote continues to participate with select insurance plans for breast reconstruction, certain revision procedures, and breast reduction when medically indicated.
For individuals with a history of breast cancer, many reconstruction procedures and some related revisions, may be eligible for insurance coverage. Whenever applicable, our team works to obtain prior authorization before surgery. Coverage decisions, however, are ultimately determined by the insurance carrier.
Because insurance requirements vary widely between carriers and individual plans, reviewing your specific policy details prior to consultation is strongly encouraged. While we assist in determining eligibility and submitting authorization requests, final approval is made by the insurance company.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Dr. Hammond will no longer participate with insurance plans for surgical services and will offer self-pay procedures exclusively.
Why choose PIPS
Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan
Choosing where to have breast reconstruction is an important decision. It often comes after months of medical appointments, treatment, and recovery. The experience deserves careful attention and thoughtful surgical planning.
At PIPS, reconstruction is approached with respect for what you have been through and with close attention to the medical details that influence healing. Tissue quality, prior radiation, surgical history, and overall health all shape the reconstructive plan. Careful evaluation helps determine which approach is safest and most appropriate for your situation.
Dr. Dennis Hammond brings decades of experience in breast surgery, including complex reconstructive cases. His work emphasizes careful tissue handling and structural support, particularly when prior surgery or radiation has affected the chest wall.
Dr. Paige Goote works closely with patients navigating reconstruction, focusing on clear communication and carefully staged planning. When reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy, it takes place in the hospital in coordination with your cancer surgeon. Insurance-based reconstructive procedures are performed in approved outpatient surgery centers or hospital settings as required.
Anesthesia services are provided by board-certified anesthesiologists in accredited surgical facilities or hospital environments, depending on the procedure. Each stage of reconstruction is coordinated to support safety and steady healing.
At PIPS, the emphasis is on measured surgical judgment, realistic expectations, and follow-up care that supports recovery over time. The process is explained clearly so you understand what to expect at each step.
Let’s Start the Conversation
Reconstructive procedures covered by insurance are performed by Dr. Paige Goote at approved outpatient surgery centers or hospitals, including Grand Valley Surgical Center, Corewell Health Lake Drive, or Trinity Health Saint Mary’s.
When reconstruction is performed on a self-pay basis, surgery may take place in our private, on-site surgical facility located on the lower level of the PIPS office building in Grand Rapids, West Michigan. This setting allows continuity and close coordination throughout recovery.
