Dr. Ching performs breast reconstruction surgery in Honolulu on women who have had a mastectomy (removal of the breast due to cancer or precancerous condition) or who have breast deformities. Many women feel very insecure or self-conscious about the appearance of their breasts following a mastectomy. For them a breast reconstruction is an excellent option for restoring confidence and wholeness.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
After a double mastectomy, and breast reconstruction by another surgeon, this patient came to see Dr. Shim Ching in Honolulu, Hawaii for reconstruction revision.
View Photo Gallery Schedule a consultation
This patient came to see Dr. Shim Ching in Honolulu, Hawaii for breast reconstruction procedure after mastectomy. Implants and a breast lift were used to create symmetry before areola tattooing was added.
View Photo Gallery Schedule a consultation
After her mastectomy, this patient came to see Dr. Shim Ching in Honolulu, Hawaii for breast reconstruction procedure.
View Photo Gallery Schedule a consultationBreast reconstruction allows your natural curves to be restored and can drastically improve your quality of life. Unusual congenital breast anomalies, including significant asymmetry and all varieties of tubular breast deformities, can also be significantly improved. Breast reconstruction in Honolulu is performed in a safe, caring environment with personal attention to your needs.
In the setting of mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or some time after mastectomy is performed (delayed reconstruction). There are many benefits of immediate reconstruction. These include less surgical procedures for the patient as the mastectomy and reconstruction are completed in a single surgery.
In appropriate cases, the skin and nipple of the breast can be preserved (skin sparing mastectomy) allowing for a reconstructed breast that is very close to a natural breast. This approach of reconstruction where the breast reconstruction is completed in one surgery is called “single stage reconstruction” or “direct to implant reconstruction”. Dr. Ching was the first in Hawaii to use this technique. This technique requires the use of a biologic implant called Alloderm which is used to create a sling to position the implant in the appropriate location on the chest. This technique is ideal in smaller breasts. We are often using this technique in prophylactic mastectomies, mastectomies that are performed before the presence of cancer. Often these patients may have the BRCA1/2 mutation, which strongly predisposes women with this gene mutation to developing breast cancer.
Women with larger breasts undergoing mastectomy or women who have had mastectomy some time ago will often have tissue expander reconstruction. In this type of surgery, a special implant called a tissue expander is used to slowly expand the remaining breast skin so that an appropriately sized implant can be placed. Once the expander is the right size, the expander is switched with a permanent implant. This technique requires two surgical procedures but can also provide excellent results.
In appropriate patients, the breast can be reconstructed with skin and fat from the abdomen or back. This type of surgery, called autologous breast reconstruction, borrows excess parts from another region of the body (termed “flaps”) to reconstruct the breast. The common flaps that are used are the TRAM flap or L.dorsi flap. Microsurgical techniques, where the flap is completely detatched from the body and transplated into the chest, such as the DIEP flap, are also offered by Dr. Ching.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shim Ching is one of Hawaii’s most renowned physicians for aesthetic procedures of the face, breast, and body. His attention to detail, skill, and mastery of surgical techniques produce remarkable, natural-looking results.
Get Plastic Surgery Financing
View Financing OptionsDr. Shim Ching's exceptional qualifications and results draw patients to his Honolulu plastic surgery practice from across the Hawaiian Islands including Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Select a location for driving directions to our practice.
Unfortunatly, we do not accept insurance to pay for our breast reconstruction procedures. However, Dr. Ching and his team can assist you in navigating the payment process as part of your individualized consultation.
With this procedure, the surgeon removes the compromised breast tissue while preserving the integrity of the nipple. With this approach, results appear more natural and attractive.
Dr. Ching will ask you to obtain medical clearance from your doctor, which may mean undergoing a series of tests. You may need to get blood work, an EKG, and a chest X-ray. An MRI or CT scan may also be required in some cases. Prior to surgery, you will need to quit smoking. Smoking can have disastrous effects on your recovery and cause complications. You will also need to abstain from alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to surgery. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications as well. On the night before your procedure, be sure to stop eating and drinking by midnight.
In order to give your chest ample time to heal, you should refrain from vigorous activities for around 4-6 weeks, or as advised by Dr. Ching. This includes jumping, aerobics, heavy lifting, strenuous work, and reaching up over your head.
It is wise to do both self-exams and scheduled exams with your healthcare provider after breast reconstruction. There is a small risk of cancer recurrence. Be sure to speak with your doctor right away if you experience any nipple discharge, change in skin quality, lumps, pain, or skin puckering.
© Shim Ching MD. All Rights Reserved. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III.
