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Reclaim Your Story

You can trust Dr. Gupta to support you on this journey with empathy and expertise–restoring form, symmetry, and a sense of wholeness that honors your body and your story.

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What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape of one or both breasts following a mastectomy to treat or prevent cancer. Your reconstruction can begin at the time of the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or after your cancer treatments are finished (delayed reconstruction).  There are two main approaches:

  • Implant-based reconstruction uses implants or tissue expanders to recreate breast volume.
  • Autologous (flap) reconstruction uses tissue from your own body (abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks), sometimes with microsurgery, to create a new breast mound.

The approach Dr. Gupta recommends will depend on your overall health, body shape, and cancer.

Breast Reconstruction Implants Before & After

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Reclaiming Your Figure After Breast Cancer

Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy represents more than physical restoration. It’s a deeply personal step in reclaiming your sense of self. For many women, it helps close an emotional chapter and begin a new one with confidence.

At Gupta Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gupta brings more than two decades of reconstructive expertise and genuine compassion to every procedure. 

He offers the full range of reconstruction options, from implants to advanced autologous flap techniques such as DIEP and latissimus flap reconstruction. His background in microsurgery allows him to rebuild natural contours with exceptional precision. Throughout your journey, Dr. Gupta will provide steady guidance and emotional support, ensuring that you feel informed, comfortable, and seen at every step. The result is more than a restored breast. It’s a renewed sense of confidence and the freedom to feel like yourself again. 

Why Choose Dr. Gupta for Breast Reconstruction?

Many surgeons perform breast reconstruction, but Dr. Abhay Gupta brings a rare blend of advanced reconstructive training, surgical artistry, and deeply compassionate care. His approach prioritizes not only aesthetic results but also your comfort, confidence, and long-term healing.

Reconstructive Expertise

Dr. Gupta has extensive experience with both implant-based and flap reconstructions. His fellowship training in microsurgery enhances his ability to use your own tissue whenever possible, providing soft, natural results even in complex or revision cases.

Personalized Planning

Every reconstruction begins with listening. Dr. Gupta carefully reviews your cancer history, treatment plan, and anatomy to design a surgical approach that aligns with your goals and supports your recovery journey.

Continuous Surgeon Involvement

From consultation through recovery, Dr. Gupta is personally involved at every stage of care. You’ll have the reassurance of working directly with your surgeon, ensuring safety, precision, and support throughout your healing process.

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Breast Reconstruction TRAM Before & After

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Mastectomy Reconstruction in San Diego - Dr. Abhay Gupta

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What to Expect During the Reconstruction Process

Planning and Timing

You and Dr. Gupta will choose between immediate and delayed reconstruction together. While immediate reconstruction can reduce your emotional burden, your recovery and cancer treatment schedule may ultimately affect timing. Throughout this planning process, you’ll also decide between an implant or a flap, and discuss whether additional tissue is required and if symmetry surgery on your other breast is necessary. 

Flap Reconstruction 

Flap reconstruction involves harvesting tissue from another part of the body and using it to create a breast mound that is connected to blood vessels. This can be done with tissue that remains attached (pedicled) or tissue that is reattached (free flap) during microsurgery. This tissue can be harvested from the abdomen, back, thighs, buttocks, and more. 

Implant Reconstruction 

Implant reconstruction often involves placing a tissue expander underneath your skin and muscle for several weeks or months. Throughout this period, Dr. Gupta will gradually fill the expander to make space for the implant to be placed. 

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction 

In some cases, your nipple and areola can be preserved during your mastectomy. If not, Dr. Gupta can recreate them via reconstruction or a tattoo in the later stages of your breast reconstruction to restore symmetry. 

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Your Recovery and Results

Your breast reconstruction will likely require a hospital stay, but the length will depend on the approach used. Implant reconstruction tends to be shorter, while flap surgeries often involve a longer hospital stay.  With both approaches, you can expect your initial recovery to include swelling and discomfort, along with supportive garments to protect your new contour. It can take up to a year for the final shape of your breasts to emerge as your tissues heal, scars mature, and the reconstructed breast settles in. 

Breast Reconstruction Latissimus Before & After

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Breast Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have reconstruction at the time of mastectomy?

Yes, in many cases, immediate reconstruction is possible. It depends on how much skin was preserved, whether radiation is planned, and your overall medical condition.

Will the reconstructed breast match my other breast?

Yes, you and Dr. Gupta will plan your surgery to ensure symmetry. During your consultation for breast reconstruction in San Diego or Encinitas, he will discuss your options for matching volume, shape, and position.

What if I want both flap and implant methods?

It is possible to combine the two methods in a hybrid approach. In some cases, Dr. Gupta can supplement implant reconstruction with fat grafting or flap coverage to improve the overall feel and contour of your breasts.

Schedule Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation

The entire team at Gupta Plastic Surgery is here to support you on your breast reconstruction journey in San Diego & Encinitas, CA. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

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