Breast reconstruction is a highly personal procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast following mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma, or congenital conditions. For many women, reconstruction can be an important step in the physical and emotional healing process after breast cancer treatment.
At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue provides compassionate, personalized breast reconstruction care tailored to each patient’s unique needs, goals, and medical history.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized experience in reconstructive surgery, Dr. McCue is committed to helping patients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of treatment. From our office serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, we work closely with each patient to develop a reconstruction plan that prioritizes both comfort and natural-looking results.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the breast shape after tissue has been removed or affected by cancer treatment or injury. Reconstruction may be performed at the same time as a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction), depending on your treatment plan and personal preferences.
The goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate a breast appearance that feels balanced and proportionate while helping restore confidence and quality of life.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
There are several approaches to breast reconstruction, and Dr. McCue will recommend the best option based on your anatomy, cancer treatment, lifestyle, and desired outcome.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Implant reconstruction uses saline or silicone breast implants to recreate breast volume and shape. In some cases, a tissue expander may first be placed to gradually prepare the area for the implant.
Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction uses tissue taken from another area of the body — such as the abdomen, back, or thighs — to rebuild the breast. This option can create a natural look and feel using your own tissue.
Revision and Corrective Procedures
Some patients may require revision surgery to improve symmetry, replace implants, or address changes that occur over time after previous reconstruction procedures.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
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Breast reconstruction is typically performed under general anesthesia.
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Dr. McCue develops a personalized surgical plan based on your anatomy, medical history, and reconstructive goals.
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Reconstruction may involve implants, tissue expanders, or the use of your own tissue to recreate breast shape and volume.
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Additional procedures may be performed to improve symmetry or reconstruct the nipple and areola.
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Nerve and Tendon Trauma: Nerve and tendon lacerations that affect sensation and movement
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Following surgery, patients receive detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support throughout recovery.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can provide both physical and emotional benefits for many patients, including:
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Restoring breast shape and symmetry
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Improving body confidence and self-image
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Helping clothing fit more comfortably
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Rebuilding a sense of normalcy after breast cancer treatment
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Providing long-term reconstructive solutions tailored to your needs
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction
Recovery time varies depending on the type of reconstruction performed and whether reconstruction is combined with other treatments or procedures. Swelling, soreness, and temporary activity restrictions are common during the initial healing period.
Dr. McCue and the McCue Plastic Surgery team provide detailed guidance throughout recovery, including incision care, activity recommendations, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and results.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Some women opt for breast reconstruction to restore their breast appearance after losing breast tissue or experiencing conditions that affect the appearance of the breasts.
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Lumpectomy: Surgical removal of breast cancer that leaves the rest of the breast intact
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Trauma: Any injury or event that results in breast damage
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Mastectomy: Surgical removal of the entire breast
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Congenital Conditions: Any condition that affects breast development and appearance
During your consultation, Dr. McCue will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and explain all available options so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Why Choose McCue Plastic Surgery for Breast Reconstruction
At McCue Plastic Surgery, patients receive individualized reconstructive care in a supportive and compassionate environment. Dr. Jonathan McCue is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive education and training in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, including implant-based reconstruction techniques and breast restoration procedures.
Dr. McCue believes strongly in patient education, evidence-based medicine, and honest communication. He takes time to explain every stage of the reconstruction process while creating treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Patients throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul trust McCue Plastic Surgery for attentive care, advanced surgical expertise, and natural-looking reconstructive results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reconstruction is available whenever it suits the individual woman best. For example, some women have reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy, while others delay it until they complete cancer treatments.
Flap reconstruction could be the right choice for women who prefer a surgery method without implants. Because it’s your tissue, flap reconstruction offers the most natural look and feel compared to implants. But it’s important to note that implants have come a long way. Many silicone implants replicate the look and feel of natural breast tissue extremely well.
Absolutely! Dr. McCue uses advanced surgical planning and specialized symmetry procedures to match the reconstructed breast to the natural one. This may involve adjusting implant size, altering implant placement, using fat grafting to refine breast shape, or performing a breast lift or reduction on the opposite breast.
The best reconstruction method for your needs depends on your medical history, personal preferences, body shape, future treatment plans, and whether you have adequate donor tissue available. Your ability to manage recovery can also play a big role. There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. Dr. McCue strongly believes in a high degree of customization for all reconstructive procedures at our practice.
In most cases, breast reconstruction involves multiple stages, including:
- Tissue expansion or flap transfer
- Refinements to enhance breast symmetry and shape
- Nipple and areola reconstruction, if desired
We carefully plan every step to help you achieve the best aesthetic result.
Radiation therapy can affect skin elasticity and healing, possibly impacting reconstruction choices. Patients who have undergone radiation may benefit more from tissue-based reconstruction versus implants.
Breast reconstruction is generally covered by Insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), ensuring that all mastectomy-related reconstruction costs are included.
Restore Your Shape and Confidence with Breast Reconstruction in Minneapolis, MN
Breast reconstruction can be an important step toward healing, confidence, and feeling more like yourself again after breast cancer treatment or breast loss. At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. McCue is committed to providing compassionate care and personalized reconstructive solutions designed around your unique goals and needs.
To learn more about breast reconstruction or to schedule your consultation, contact McCue Plastic Surgery, serving Minneapolis and St. Paul, today at (952) 830-0089.
