Breast Reconstruction in San Antonio | Reconstructive Surgery

Breast reconstruction in San Antonio is a procedure that can give the breasts a better shape after surgeries where the breast has been fully or partially removed. Usually, this removal is caused by breast cancer surgery such as mastectomy. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and affects as many as 1 in 8 women. ⁽¹⁾ Sometimes, parts of the breast or the whole breast can be removed when a woman has breast cancer.

A mastectomy is when a doctor removes a breast (unilateral), or even both breasts (bilateral), in order to treat breast cancer. Both of these surgeries are meant to make the lives of women with cancer better. However, losing a breast, or the shape of a breast, can make a woman feel like she has lost an important part of herself. It can change the way clothes, bathing suits, and bras fit, and this can make life for a cancer survivor harder than it needs to be.

At Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery in San Antonio, our team strives to help women feel good about their bodies after a life-changing surgery like a mastectomy. Dr. Suresh Koneru is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has more than 25 years of experience with breast surgeries, like breast reconstruction.

To learn more about breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koneru, please call our office at (726) 227-6847 or fill out our contact form.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Ariel Dominique 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Koneru is an amazing highly skilled plastic surgeon. He listens to the patients desires and then lets them know what will be able to be achieved. He is honest, won't ever misguide you, and that is one of the many great qualities I admire about him. He delivers on what he says he will do and is truly amazing at what he does. The staff is always friendly and professional. I have always felt entirely comfortable walking into the office, from someone who suffers with anxiety, the staff always makes me feel welcomed.  10/10 will recommend this practice and  I have to say thank you so much, Dr. Koneru. For everything.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shannon Dukes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Koneru and his staff are phenomenal.  I was very leary of a long surgery having extra skin removed from weight loss.  Dr. Koneru was highly recommended.  I met with him and impressed with his goal of safety for me over fulfilling my whims for perfection.  He did a wonderful job. He prepared me well for the outcome with honest answers.  He is kind, as is I his wonderful staff.  I trust him and highly recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ellie Edwards 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went Dr. Koneru for facetite and necktite in December 2024. I have also been doing microneedling in order to tighten the skin around my jaw. Dr. K and his medical team are so friendly and ensure patient comfort during visits and during surgery. Abilene and Jennifer are also incredibly kind and helpful in navigating patients during the recovery process. I look forward to going back for more procedures in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mikki Costa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Koneru and staff in San Antonio are absolutely amazing and friendly. I’ve been a patient of his for about 10 years and have done 3 procedures. He recently did my tummy tuck. I kept contemplating on getting the procedure done because I didn’t want to be out of the gym. Dr. K has a great bedside manner and I’m very pleased with my results. I’m 4 weeks post recovery and so glad I decided to do the procedure.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lee Ann Edmisten 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My implants were completed in 2016. Still love them. He does a fantastic work!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Cailin Fasone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing Doctor and Staff!! Doctor Koneru gave me outstanding patient care and results! He and his staff are very professional, efficient, knowledgeable, personable and caring!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   maria m.m 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just want to share with all of you My experiance with Dr Suresh Koneru office located in San antonio. And All I can say is WOW amazing Dr and amazing staff. Dr Koneru did exacly what he said he was gonna do. He explain well the procedure he answered all my question, I had my tummy tuck done, and love my results. If I can give this place more starts I would, I highly recommend this place to everyone that wants to have any plastic surgery, this is your to go place.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   D&L Apartment Locators Powered by: iHome Realty 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best surgeon!!!!! If you’re looking for an honest surgeon, professional, most amazing doctor- look no further than Dr. K! He has helped many of my friends and myself 🫶🏻 we all have the most amazing results! -Linda Wright

About Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a highly sought-after procedure in San Antonio due to its ability to restore a woman’s breast contour and enhance her self-esteem and body image following a mastectomy. By undergoing breast reconstruction, you can regain a sense of normalcy and feel more confident in your appearance. At Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, we utilize a few different ways to reconstruct the breast to make it look round and full again. These methods can include a tissue expander, a latissimus dorsi flap, a TRAM flap, or fat grafting. The best way for you will depend on the shape of your breasts and the surrounding skin. Some of these techniques can be combined for the best results.

View Our Before & After Gallery

View Breast Reconstruction Gallery

Tissue Expander

In order to begin to reconstruct the breast, Dr. Koneru can use a tissue expander. ⁽¹⁾ A tissue expander is similar to a breast implant, but it is used to stretch the skin of the breast so that a permanent implant can be introduced later. ⁽²⁾ A tissue expander can be compared to a balloon, but it is made of a silicone material. Tissue expanders come in many different shapes and sizes, so patients can achieve the size and shape they want. ⁽²⁾

Latissimus Dorsi Flap

The latissimus dorsi is a muscle that stretches across most of the back. ⁽¹⁾ Dr. Koneru can use a flap of this muscle along with some of the fat and overlying skin in breast reconstruction surgery. To use the latissimus dorsi flap, Dr. Koneru will remove an area of skin, muscle, and fat from the back and move it into the breast–or breasts–that need shaping. This is a great option for people who would rather remove muscle from the back than from below the belly button for breast reconstruction. The latissimus dorsi flap can be used with or without an implant or tissue expander. Tissue Expanders, implants, or fat grafting might also be used in addition to the latissimus dorsi flap if the muscle flap is not big enough to make the breast look full. ⁽¹⁾

TRAM Flap

A TRAM flap procedure is similar to the latissimus dorsi procedure but uses a different muscle. TRAM stands for the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous and uses the abdominal rectus muscle. ⁽¹⁾ A TRAM flap is performed by moving a flap of this muscle, along with some skin and fat, from its original place beneath the belly button and into the breast. ⁽¹⁾ Because this muscle is autologous, the result is more natural. Thanks to the removal of fat and muscle in this area, the abdominal area benefits from extra shaping as well. ⁽¹⁾

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting, or fat transfer to the breast, is another way Dr. Koneru can help make the breast look rounder and more full. Fat grafting is done by using liposuction, which is when we suction out fat with thin tubes, to take fat from other places on the body and move it into the breast. ⁽³⁾ fat grafting is usually done during other methods of breast reconstruction, like flaps and implants, but it can also be done on its own. ⁽³⁾ Fat is transferred in multiple sessions for the best results. Patients may get the results they are looking for in about 5-6 sessions if using fat alone or in 1 to 2 sessions if using fat to further contour one of the other reconstructive options. ⁽³⁾

One of the great advantages of fat grafting is that the end result feels and looks very natural.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction has the benefit of providing women in San Antonio with a better breast shape after breast cancer surgery. More specifically, benefits include:

More symmetrical breast shapes and sizes
Bras and bathing suits fit better
A more natural look
Confidence from better breast shape
No need for uncomfortable prosthetics

Candidates

If you have had breast cancer surgery in the past or are planning on having a mastectomy soon, and want to improve the shape of your breasts after those surgeries, you may be a good San Antonio candidate for breast reconstruction surgery. Ideal candidates are patients without high blood pressure or diabetes. Candidates should not be smokers because this can affect the blood circulation in the breast. Cigarette smoking and consuming other nicotine products can also affect the healing process negatively. Patients must not smoke or consume other nicotine products at least two months before the surgery ⁽¹⁾ and throughout their recovery period.

Personal Consultation

The first step in any breast reconstruction surgery is a personal consultation in San Antonio. This is where you will speak one-on-one with Dr. Koneru and ask him any questions you have about the procedure. Dr. Koneru will also let you know how breast reconstruction surgery is done, and how your breasts will be affected. Because all breast reconstructions are unique, a personal consultation is vital so that the treatment plan fits your unique situation. Please come to your personal consultation ready to discuss your medical history and medications with Dr. Koneru.

To schedule your personal consultation at our San Antonio location, please call our office at (726) 227-6847 or fill out our contact form today.

Preparation

Breast Reconstruction Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery Dr. Suresh Koneru

After your consultation, Dr. Koneru will help you prepare for your upcoming breast reconstruction. He will give you specific instructions, which may include the following:

If you are a cigarette smoker, quit smoking at least 2 months before the appointment date.
Avoid anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin, or dietary supplements. These have blood-thinning qualities that could affect your surgery.
Arrange for someone you trust to spend a few days with you after the surgery.
Prepare your home and refrigerator with everything that you will need for the next few weeks.

Procedure

Regardless of which breast reconstruction technique is in your treatment plan, your procedure will be tailored to your specific needs. Dr. Koneru will let you know exactly what will happen during your breast reconstruction surgery in the weeks before your appointment.

A breast reconstruction surgery in San Antonio may take around 2 hours to complete. However, depending on its complexity, the surgery could take up to 8 hours. This time is also influenced by the type of surgery and skin availability that the patient has.

Recovery

Different types of breast reconstruction surgeries have different recovery times. With breast reconstruction involving implants, the recovery time is a bit shorter than surgeries done with flaps. In any case, it will be at least 4 weeks before you can return to work and most other activities. However, it may take up to 8 weeks for other kinds of breast reconstruction surgeries.

During your recovery, you should wear loose-fitting clothing. You will most likely not be able to drive during your recovery or do any lifting or activities that could get in the way of a quick recovery. Depending on your surgery, you may need to wear a special kind of support bra after your procedure. Dr. Koneru will provide you with detailed guidelines to follow during your recovery. The team at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery will be there for you every step of the way, in case you have any questions or concerns.

Results

Whether your breast is reconstructed using a tissue expander, a latissimus dorsi flap, a TRAM flap, fat grafting, or a mixture of these, breast reconstruction surgery in San Antonio will result in breasts that are rounder and fuller in shape. If you have one or both of your breasts partly or fully removed, we will make them both look similar to each other again. For the best results, Dr. Koneru may recommend a secondary procedure or other additional treatments such as nipple tattooing. Once Dr. Koneru is satisfied with the results of the breast reconstruction, nipple reconstruction can commence 6 months afterward. Dr. Koneru performs a small local flap, after which a tattoo artist will render realistic, 3D-appearing nipples.

Cost of Breast Reconstruction

The cost of breast reconstruction in San Antonio can change from patient to patient, as everyone’s situation is different. The different kinds of breast reconstruction also have different costs. In order to determine what your personalized breast reconstruction surgery will cost, please call Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery’s San Antonio location at (726) 227-6847 or fill out our convenient contact form.

We also accept financing options like Prosper, CareCredit, and Alphaeon Credit.

FAQ

How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction surgery?

It can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to fully recover from breast reconstruction surgery. How long your recovery is will depend on the type of surgery you get and how much reconstruction is needed.

Will I lose sensation in my reconstructed breasts?

Breast reconstruction procedures can involve some loss of sensation in the reconstructed breasts. However, nerve regeneration and recovery occur gradually, and many patients report a gradual improvement in sensation over time.

How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?

The duration of breast reconstruction surgery varies depending on the chosen technique, complexity, and individual patient requirements. Some cases may be completed in a single surgery, while others may require multiple stages over a period of months.

How soon after mastectomy can I undergo breast reconstruction?

This depends on several factors, such as the need for additional treatments (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy), overall health, and recommendations from your oncology team. In most cases, immediate breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy, while others may require delayed reconstruction.

References

Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Breast Reconstruction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470317/
Cho MJ, Farhadi RV, Nash DW, Kaleeny J, Povoski SP, Chao AH. The current use of tissue expanders in breast reconstruction: device design, features, and technical considerations. Expert review of medical devices. 2023;21(1-2):27-35. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/17434440.2023.2288911
Turner A, Abu-Ghname A, Davis MJ, Winocour SJ, Hanson SE, Chu CK. Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):017-023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1700959