Typically undertaken at Croydon’s superb BMI Hospital, breast reconstruction can be undertaken in a number of ways and the precise approach will vary depending on each individual set of circumstances.
The option considered the ‘gold standard’ is known as Autologous Breast Reconstruction or DIEP (tissue from tummy) or TUG (tissue from thighs). These options take tissue from elsewhere on a patient’s body to reconstruct the breast, this creating a softer, more natural look. This procedure can also perform two physical enhancements in one, for instance taking tissue from tummy potentially performing a tummy tuck at the same time as the breast reconstruction.
Another option is to have expander or implant, these both offering shorter stays in hospital and reduced recovery times.
Elena offers both options and at consultation there would be discussion as to which might be the best option.
Consultations are always key to creating optimal results and Elena’s consultations are always detailed.
She has a patient-first ethos and wants to fully engage to understand the motivations for surgery, what the patient hopes to achieve and the results they are targeting. Elena can then use her vast experience to suggest a plan of best action.
A second consultation is then usual, this allowing the prospective patient time to think of further questions and also to consider if surgery truly is for them.
Elena would outline the costs and also recuperation details at consultation – the recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure undertaken but can take up to eight weeks.
There would, of course, be follow-up appointments to ensure progress and recovery was as expected.