Breast reconstruction can address congenital breast differences, not just changes after mastectomy. For example, Poland syndrome can affect the development of the chest muscles and breast on one side of the body, and reconstruction often focuses on restoring volume, contour, and symmetry. Depending on your anatomy, options may include implants, your own tissue, or a combination of the two.
In Grand Rapids, MI, Elite Plastic Surgery provides cosmetic and reconstructive procedures through a team that includes Dr. Shannon Armstrong, Dr. William Cullen, Dr. Matthew Martin, and Dr. Matthew P. Fahrenkopf. Drs. Armstrong, Cullen, and Martin are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
How Poland Syndrome Can Affect the Chest
Poland syndrome varies considerably from person to person. It commonly involves partial or complete underdevelopment of the pectoralis muscle on one side, and breast tissue on that side can also be smaller or absent. Some people have additional chest wall or upper-limb differences. Because those features aren’t the same for everyone, there isn’t one standard reconstructive plan that fits every case.
Your surgeon will consider how much breast tissue is present, the condition of the chest wall and pectoral muscle, the amount of asymmetry, and what you want your final breast shape to be.
Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction
An implant can add volume when one breast is smaller or underdeveloped. Elite Plastic Surgery offers implant-based reconstruction using a tissue expander when needed. The expander gradually creates space for a permanent saline or silicone implant. This process generally involves more than one stage.
For Poland syndrome, implant planning deserves particular attention because the amount of muscle and soft-tissue coverage may differ from one side of the chest to the other. The severity of those differences helps determine whether an implant alone is suitable or another reconstructive method makes more sense.
Using Your Own Tissue for Reconstruction
Another option is rebuilding breast volume with tissue from another part of your body. Elite Plastic Surgery uses methods like DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses tissue from the lower abdomen, and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction, which uses tissue from the upper back.
Using your own tissue can provide both volume and soft-tissue coverage. The right donor site depends on your body, the amount of tissue required, previous surgeries, and other medical considerations.
Combining Methods to Improve Symmetry
Reconstructive methods can sometimes be combined. With a latissimus dorsi flap, for example, an implant is often added because tissue from the back alone may not provide enough volume to create the desired breast size and projection.
Symmetry may also involve the opposite breast. Depending on your anatomy, surgery on that breast, such as a lift or size adjustment, might bring the two sides into closer proportion.
Discuss Your Reconstruction Options in Grand Rapids, MI
Your reconstruction plan should reflect your specific chest anatomy rather than a preset formula. Elite Plastic Surgery can evaluate the breast and chest differences related to Poland syndrome and discuss which options fit your goals. To explore your choices in Grand Rapids, MI, contact us at (616) 459-1907.
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