What is Implant Reconstruction?

Implant breast reconstruction is the most common type of breast reconstruction performed in the United States. It is a surgical procedure which uses an implant to restore breast shape and volume following mastectomy. Benefits of implant-based breast reconstruction include shorter surgery and faster recovery compared to tissue-based breast reconstruction such as DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Because implants are not lifetime devices, additional surgery is often needed in the future to ensure implants are replaced when necessary to avoid implant related complications. Your surgeon will review implant safety at your consultation to help you figure out if implant breast reconstruction is the best option for you.

Breast Implant Types

You can choose between two types of breast implants for your breast augmentation. These include silicone and saline implants.

Silicone Implants

This is the more common variation of implants. Silicone implants mimic the feel of a natural breast and contain silicone. The implant is made of a silicone shell and is also filled with medical grade silicone gel to give the implant are more soft, natural feel. Over the years, implant technology has significantly improved, and silicone gel filled implants are much more durable than ever before.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are made of the same silicone shell as silicone gel filled implants, however they are filled with sterile salt water. Saline implants in general feel firmer and have more rippling than silicone gel filled implants, which can make them feel overall less realistic and natural. If the implant ruptures, the sterile salt water is naturally absorbed and released from the body which results in an immediate volume deflation on the chest.

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Implant Reconstruction Revision Before & After

Breast reconstruction surgery is often a life-changing experience for our patients. Our goal is to help our patients feel whole again after undergoing breast cancer treatment. View our gallery to learn more about the various reconstructive surgeries performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons at Tucson Plastic Surgery.

View More Implant Reconstruction Results

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Reviews

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going thro...

— CC

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going through such a scary process, they were patient, informative, and made it so much easier to digest. It truly feels like you have a team fighting for your health and advocating for your well being. Both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir are caring, confident, and masters of their craft. Doctors and nurses alike were there at the drop of a hat for any issues that arose post-op, and were always more than happy to take calls/emails and reassure me. I felt extremely taken care of and cannot recommend them enough. Bonus: their advocacy efforts are commendable and the office is gorgeous! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My s...

— DP

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My surgery results were better than I would ever expected. I highly recommend Tucson Plastic Surgery.

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mas...

— JM

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mastectomy. They made the experience so much less traumatic then I had anticipated. I was stunned at how amazing I looked post surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend both doctors! They are amazing!

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Ku...

— KP

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir along with Virgina and the rest of the Tucson Plastic Surgery staff during what was certainly a fast and frightening year of my life. Both surgeons and staff were so positive, reassuring and compassionate from the minute I walked in for my first consultation. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir put my nerves at ease with their warm care and attention to detail in every aspect of their practice. I was lucky to have both surgeons of this amazing practice be the lead surgeon of my two procedures. I am so thankful to Tucson Plastic Surgery and the work they do. I am extremely happy with the results, and I can safely say with the help, support and guidance of Dr. Kurtovic, Dr Mahabir and Tucson Plastic Surgery, I’m ready for the next year and to be on the other side. I cannot thank you enough for your care and gratitude.

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The...

— MR

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The rooms are just as beautiful and tranquil. I loved his confidence and his knowledge in breast reconstruction. He gave me my options and we selected 2! Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants), once I finish chemo, we'll go back in for my final surgery (DIEP flap). Dr. Mahabir was professional, kind and compassionate which is what you want from your surgeon! His staff were also very welcoming and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Mahabir for your reconstruction needs!!

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfectio...

— KL

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfection. I'm so happy with the results and I'm just 6 weeks out. Did a Tummy Tuck for fun and can't wait to see final results in a few months. Fabulous all the way around from scheduling, to surgery to post op visits. Worth the 5 hour round trip drive from N Scottsdale to Tucson. Thank you...happy beyond words!

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respe...

— AS

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respect, humility and patience as we were trying to understand reconstructive surgery after my mom's breast cancer diagnosis. I am in deep appreciation for Dr. Mahabir and the care he provided to my mom; he practiced active listening, and treated both of us as human beings (something you rarely see in the health care system; especially, managing a cancer diagnosis). All staff at Tucson Plastic Surgery, since the moment you walk in are attentive to patients' needs. Both my mom and I felt welcomed and in positive spirits as soon we walked into Tucson Plastic Surgery's space. I am specially grateful for Virginia Van, Patient Care Coordinator at Tucson Plastic Surgery for always answering our questions promptly, and making sure we fully understood everything regarding my mom's care pre and post surgery. After the cancer diagnosis, every visit with Dr. Mahabir became a positive experience, and a break from the myriad of testing and doctor visits my mom and I had to attend. Tucson Plastic Surgery created a space for my mom and I to find relief and look forward to a life after cancer. Thank you for all your work!

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

— IH

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

— TR

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowled...

— SL

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowledgeable. Ten stars.

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction ...

— JC

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in June and just this week had an implant exchange. The pre-care and after care has been nothing short of excellent!

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone no...

— DL

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone now. Gone. Thanks to not taking advil for the pain my GERD is gone now too. As a side benefit one of the supplements I was given for better surgery outcomes has virtually eliminated my post nasal drip due to allergies. There is virtually no scars tissue from the procedure. The only thing left after three months are red lines. Much less than I was told to expect. On my skin these red lines will be gone on less than a year. My only regret is that is did not do this procedure sooner. This office is so professional. Staff answer calls immediately. I never felt like I couldn’t call and get answers to questions or concerns. The recovery was a breeze and I did listen to Dr M when he told me not to over do things because I felt so great. I followed directions with great care and had an incredible outcome. Dr M has a detailed preparation and post op protocol. He really knows what he is doing.

Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Implant Reconstruction

When receiving breast reconstruction, you can decide between a single-stage or two-stage reconstruction.


Single Stage Breast Reconstruction (Direct to Implant)

During a single stage reconstruction, the final implant is placed at the time of the mastectomy without the need for tissue expanders. This is ideal for patients who are overall healthy, non-smokers and want to avoid two surgeries.

Two Stage Breast Reconstruction (Tissue Expander/Implant)

During a two-stage reconstruction, a tissue expander is inserted into the mastectomy pocket to slowly expand the space over several weeks. After the final size is reached with the tissue expander, a second surgery is planned for exchanging the expander to the final implant. This procedure requires two surgeries and multiple office visit with your plastic surgeon to achieve the desired volume of expansion over a period of several weeks. The final implant is usually placed two months after the initial surgery.

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Breast Implant Reconstruction Incisions

Breast implant reconstruction incisions fall into three categories: inframammary incisions, vertical incisions, and transverse incisions. It is best to consult with your doctor when deciding on the right incision for your needs.

Inframammary Incision

An inframammary incision is placed at the inflammatory fold just under the breast.

Vertical Incision

Vertical incisions include the classic vertical incision, circum-vertical incision, as well as anchor or “wise pattern” incision.

Transverse Incision

Transverse incisions include the lateral incision, circum-lateral incision, and transverse incision.

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Breast Implant Reconstruction Pockets

Above the Muscle (“Pre-Pectoral Pocket”)

This option involves placement of the breast implant under the skin and over the chest muscle.

Under the Muscle (“Sub-Pectoral Pocket”)

Often referred to as submuscular, this involves the placement of the breast implant under the pectoralis major muscle.

Breast Implant Reconstruction Recovery Process 4-6 Weeks

Recovery from implant breast reconstruction surgery takes around 4-6 weeks. Most patient will have a drain for about 1 week. Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to best care for your surgery sites during recovery, as well as how to properly take any medications. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any post-surgery questions or concerns.

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Who is a Good Candidate for Implant Reconstruction?

Individuals who have enough healthy skin and tissue following mastectomy to support and cover a breast implant, who would like to avoid incisions and scars that come with flap reconstruction, and do not need radiation therapy are often good candidates for breast implant reconstruction surgery. The best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is through a consultation appointment with your plastic surgeon. During this appointment, you can discuss your goals and concerns, as well as ask any questions that you may have regarding breast reconstruction.

Implant Reconstruction Revision Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take implants to settle after reconstruction?

It generally takes about three months for breast implants to fully settle after reconstruction.

What to expect after breast implant reconstruction?

After breast implant reconstruction, you may feel sore for the first two weeks, but your doctor will provide pain medications to ensure your comfort. During this period, you’ll want to avoid lifting heavy objects, strenuous activities, and sleeping on your stomach or sides. Six to eight weeks after the surgery, you will likely be able to return to work.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after implant reconstruction?

It can take about eight weeks for the swelling and bruising to fully diminish.

How long does it take for a breast to reach its final size and shape after implant reconstruction?

It can take three to six months for the breasts to reach their final shape and size.

Will I still have to have mammograms and perform self-breast exams after implant reconstruction?

If you have had a mastectomy which removes all the breast tissue, mammograms are not needed. However, patients who have a partial mastectomy, which removes only part of the breast, will require future mammogram screening for breast cancer.

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Silvia Kurtovic, MD & Raman Mahabir, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, we have a patient-centric approach that sets us apart from the rest. We take the time to really get to know you and your aesthetic goals during one-on-one conversations which help us to fully understand your motivations.

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