Is Breast Reconstruction Painful?

While your surgery will be painless thanks to the general anesthesia, you can experience moderate pain after your surgery in the initial weeks. Pain levels vary, and you can take the prescribed pain medication to help ease discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You will likely need around 2-3 surgeries and several in-office appointments. These are for the expander placement and saline or silicone implant placements, gradually stretching the chest muscle and skin over several appointments. The number of appointments will be determined during your consultation.

How Long Until I See Results?

The initial results of restoring the breast’s shape, size, and symmetry are immediate. As your body slowly heals and the swelling and bruising subside, your results will continue to improve over 3-6 months, when you will see your final results.

How Soon Can I Travel After Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction involves a couple of weeks of downtime, when you should be very careful about how and when you travel. You should wait 2-3 weeks for short flights and 4-6 weeks for long-haul travel.

What Are the Risks Associated with Breast Reconstruction?

As with any surgery, implant-based breast reconstruction carries risks. Dr. Rokosz will explain all risks during your consultation and take every step to help you heal safely and successfully. Bleeding or infection Implant shifting, rippling, or rupture Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant) Asymmetry or the need for revision surgery Our team will help confirm your benefits and walk you through the process.

Breast Reconstruction

Name: Texas Plastic Surgery
Brand: Texas Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (78 reviews)

in San Antonio, Texas

Restore Confidence Beautifully

Introduction to Breast Reconstruction

If you’re facing or have already gone through a mastectomy, it’s natural to wonder what comes next. At Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, Dr. Jennifer Rokosz offers implant-based breast reconstruction in San Antonio to help women restore their shape, confidence, and sense of self after a mastectomy or breast surgery.

While not every woman chooses reconstruction, many find it helps them move forward after treatment, feeling more like themselves again. Dr. Rokosz provides expert, compassionate care to help you understand your options and feel supported in your decision-making process.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction restores the shape, size, and symmetry of the breast following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It provides a natural-looking contour to help heal body image, boost confidence, and complete the cancer treatment journey in a timely, safe, and effective manner. The procedure involves placing a silicone or saline implant, or a temporary tissue expander, under the chest muscle or skin.

Dr. Rokosz will walk you through the different choices to make regarding breast augmentation based on your anatomy and goals.

A temporary device is placed to stretch the skin and muscle gradually.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Breast Reconstruction?

Dr. Rokosz works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that matches your body, goals, and cancer treatment timeline. Implant-based reconstruction offers several advantages, including:

Have had or will be having a mastectomy or lumpectomy
Want to restore your breast shape with implants
They are in good overall health and ready for surgery
Prefer a shorter recovery than flap-based reconstruction
Understand the staged nature of implant reconstruction

What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

During your consultation, Dr. Rokosz works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that matches your body, goals, and cancer treatment timeline. Implant-based reconstruction offers several advantages, including:

Restoring breast shape and balance after mastectomy
Shorter surgery and faster recovery than tissue-based options
No additional scars on other areas like the abdomen or back
Covered by most health insurance plans
Improved confidence

Combining My Breast Reconstruction with Other Procedures

Combining procedures is very common. It helps improve results, reduce costs, shorten recovery periods, and provide an opportunity to address several concerns.

Combining liposuction enhances your overall silhouette and optimizes the aesthetic outcome of your breast reconstruction. Fat from the donor sites is often injected around the breast implant to add a layer of natural cushion and smooth edges.

Dr Stallworth MD shaking hands with female client in wheelchair during office meeting - Facelift in San Antonio, TX

How to Begin Your Breast Reconstruction Journey

Prior to your breast reconstruction surgery, you will meet with Dr. Rokosz in her private office at Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, where you will cover everything you need to know about the procedure and work together to determine your candidacy. Here are some things to expect:

Share your goals and allow Dr. Rokosz to examine your breasts physically
She will assess your breasts and the surrounding tissue
You’ll review your medical history and health status, discussing your previous procedures
You will create a treatment plan together based on your specific needs and goals, prioritizing your health and safety

You may ask questions at any point. We emphasize safety and clear communication and want you to feel completely comfortable.

What to Expect on the Day of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Your breast reconstruction surgery will take place at the same location where you had your consultation at our facility in San Antonio. You will be warmly welcomed back and led to an operating room, where you can change into a surgical gown in private.

You will be given general anesthesia to begin the procedure, ensuring you are comfortable and unable to feel pain.

The implant-based reconstruction journey typically involves two stages:

Stage One

Tissue Expander Placement: A tissue expander is inserted above or below the chest muscle.

Stage Two

Implant Exchange Surgery: The expander is replaced with a permanent implant. Silicone or saline implants are used based on your preference.

A history of radiation or plans for radiation may change the reconstruction plan. Dr. Rokosz will guide you through every step and coordinate care with your oncology team to ensure optimal timing and outcomes.

Dark blue textured background with subtle grunge overlay and worn edges

Dr Stallworth MD consultating blonde female client during session in professional medical office setting - Doctor in San Antonio, TX

Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Breast Reconstruction Care

Recovery varies depending on the timing and type of reconstruction, but typically includes:

Immediately After Surgery

Patients will experience swelling and bruising. Arm movements and activities will be restricted. Pain is managed with medications, and patients typically wear a support bra 24/7 except when showering.

Week 1-2

Swelling and bruising improve. Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities by 2 weeks. Drain removal in 1-3 weeks after the first stage.

Week 3-6

Increased arm mobility but no lifting, pushing, or pulling greater than 10 lbs. Weekly or every other week visits to fill the tissue expander until the desired size is reached.

Month 3+

Similar recovery but generally easier than the first stage with no drains.

Dr. Rokosz will provide personalized after-care instructions and schedule regular follow-ups to ensure your comfort and progress.

Does Breast Reconstruction Result in Scars?

Most reconstruction scars follow the same pattern as your mastectomy. Dr. Rokosz uses careful techniques to minimize scars and guides scar care to help improve their appearance over time.

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost in San Antonio, TX?

Breast reconstruction in San Antonio is typically covered by health insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA). This includes:

Surgeon’s fees, facility and anesthesia costs, tissue expanders and implants, and follow-up care

Our team will help confirm your benefits and walk you through the process.

Why Choose Dr. Rokosz?

Dr. Rokosz is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She is committed to helping you feel whole again through personalized care that prioritizes your comfort, confidence, and well-being. She has extensive experience in breast reconstruction and will provide honest, compassionate guidance.

Dr. Rokosz specializes in compassionate, expert care for women after mastectomy, offering personalized options, honest guidance, and proven results in San Antonio.

Dr Stallworth MD standing in operating room with surgical lights overhead - in San Antonio, TX

Breast Reconstruction FAQ’S

As with any surgery, implant-based breast reconstruction carries risks. Dr. Rokosz will explain all risks during your consultation and take every step to help you heal safely and successfully.
- Bleeding or infection
- Implant shifting, rippling, or rupture
- Capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant)
- Asymmetry or the need for revision surgery
Our team will help confirm your benefits and walk you through the process.

Dr. Stallworth is truly exceptional.

I trusted him with my facelift, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. He completely refreshed my appearance, my face looks lifted, youthful, and naturally defined.

Eman Haswah
Dr. Stallworth was incredibly skilled

Dr. Stallworth was incredibly skilled, attentive, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process.

Christina Blanchard
Highly recommend her

Dr Rokosz is one classy person! I just love her and highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you may need.

Melanie Ferguson Strange

Schedule Your Consultation

Learn more about breast reconstruction and see if you qualify for the procedure at an informative consultation at Texas Plastic Surgery in San Antonio. Book through our website or call (210) 997-3223.

Schedule a Consultation

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