Breast Reconstruction Surgery
in Albany, NY
New Beginnings
Why Choose Gabriel J. Kaufman MD FACS for Breast Reconstruction Surgery or Revisional Breast Reconstruction?
We understand both the medical necessity and the emotional aspects of our Albany breast reconstruction patients. Doctor Kaufman and his team focuses on restoring not just form but also a sense of wholeness and well-being for our patients.
Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery and breast cancer, providing care for patients within the capital region extending to Saratoga and the North Country as well throughout the Hudson Valley and Berkshires. Dr. Kaufman is uniquely positioned to help you achieve the best possible reconstructive outcome relying on techniques refined both in the United States and Europe. With a track record of successfully addressing complex breast reconstruction issues, Dr. Kaufman has earned the trust of numerous breast reconstruction and revision breast surgery patients. Choose Dr. Gabriel J. Kaufman for your breast reconstruction or revisional breast reconstruction surgery for care that delivers renewed comfort and confidence with your body.
The unique dual training of Dr. Kaufman in the field of reconstructive surgery and breast surgical oncology allows for the simultaneous planning of the surgical treatment of breast cancer followed by an immediate restorative process to ensure wholeness and sense of well being as well as improved body image for his patients.
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Breast Reconstruction Before & Afters
Breast Reconstruction at a Glance
- Purpose: Restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Options: Implant-based or autologous tissue reconstruction
- Benefits: Improves body image and emotional well-being
- Timeline: Can be immediate or delayed based on individual needs
- Recovery: Varies based on technique, typically 6-8 weeks for full recovery
Bridging the Gap Between Health and Self-Confidence
What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure designed to rebuild the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer or other conditions. It can be performed at the same time as the breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). Dr. Kaufman offers various techniques, including implant-based reconstruction above the chest wall muscle (pre-pec placement) or advanced plastic surgery patterns to preserve the natural breast shape.
Reclaim Your Body
What is the Breast Reconstruction Surgery Procedure Like?
The unique dual training of Dr. Kaufman in the field of reconstructive surgery and breast surgical oncology allows for the simultaneous planning of the surgical treatment of breast cancer followed by an immediate restorative process to ensure the wholeness and sense of well being as well as improved body image for his patients.
The steps of the breast reconstruction procedure vary depending on the chosen technique. Here is a general overview:
Implant-Based Reconstruction (2 Stages or Direct to Implant)
2-Stages
- Placement of a tissue expander above the chest muscle after mastectomy
- Gradual expansion over several weeks in the office
- Replacement of the expander with a permanent implant in 4 to 6 months
Direct to implant
- After mastectomy the final implant is placed in the mastectomy pocket without the use of the intermediate step of a tissue expander
- Revisional surgery may be required as a 2nd surgery to fine tune the result
Partial Mastectomy (lumpectomy) Reconstruction:
Dr. Kaufman combines plastic surgery techniques with surgical oncology into an approach called oncoplastic surgery for maximal breast preservation to not only maintain the natural shape of the breast but also successfully remove the area of concern without causing deformity. If you were told you are not a candidate for breast conservation surgery, Dr. Kaufman is happy to consult with you to identify a surgical strategy that can indeed allow for the goal of breast conservation. He has successfully guided patients told they could only have a mastectomy through the breast conservation process.
- Designing a Pattern to optimize the shape of the breast after lumpectomy
- Shaping the tissue to form a new breast with preservation of the nipple and areola
Dr. Kaufman will discuss these options in detail during your consultation, helping you choose the best approach for your individual needs.
Patient Perspectives on Breast Reconstruction
Testimonials
“From the first moment I stepped into his office, I was extremely impressed. He had his assistant with him, and she took notes on everything he said so I could concentrate on what he was saying. He is a wonderful, knowledgeable doctor and was always available to talk to me if I needed him. My GP recommended him to me, and I am so grateful she did. I can’t thank him enough for the beautiful job he did during my surgery. I would not hesitate to recommend this wonderful doctor to anyone.” — Albany, NY., Satisfied surgical patient.
“It was an experience that could have been a disaster, but Dr. Kaufman had put me at ease right from the beginning with his bedside manner, and my awful experience turned into a calm understanding of what he was going to do and did it. I would recommend him to anyone!" — Albany, NY., Satisfied surgical patient.
Deciding When to Undergo Breast Reconstruction
What Conditions Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Address?
With breast reconstruction Albany patients can address the following:
- Breast loss due to mastectomy for cancer treatment
- Partial breast loss from lumpectomy
- Congenital breast deformities
- Trauma-related breast loss
“In regards to breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, my unique perspective allows for choice from a combination of treatment options that best suits the functional and reconstructive goals of my patients. ” — Dr. Kaufman
Making the Right Choice for You
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
As a plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Kaufman can appreciate not only the advances but also the limitations of the field of breast reconstruction. The dual training perspective helps to ensure that each patient is optimized for their cancer care with a realistic reconstructive plan that can be adjusted through the treatment cycle.
Our Albany breast reconstruction procedure offers numerous benefits:
- Restored breast shape and symmetry
- Improved body image and self-confidence
- Elimination of external prostheses
- Psychological healing after breast cancer
- Ability to wear a wider range of clothing comfortably
“I am able to anticipate the needs of my patients throughout their treatment cycles and can often make the necessary adjustments to the reconstructive effort.” — Dr. Kaufman
Does Every Patient Need to Undergo Breast Reconstruction?
The answer is no. Not every patient desires or benefits from the reconstructive process. Many patients choose to avoid reconstruction to minimize additional surgery and complications and allow a quick transition to either treatment or healing. This option is known as the “Go Flat” choice and is respected by Dr. Kaufman and his team.
Personalized Paths
Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast reconstruction are emotionally ready for the reconstruction process and have realistic expectations about their outcome. Dr. Kaufman will assess your individual case to determine if you're a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction based on a detailed medical history as well as prior and anticipated treatments you might undergo.
Dr. Kaufman is a leading expert in breast reconstruction for women with both larger breast volumes and for those patients who desire preservation of the nipple. With his understanding and approach to breast surgery, he can convert patients into candidates for nipple preservation that would not be considered otherwise.
“A particular area of surgical research I have enjoyed pursuing is the adaptation of restorative mammoplasty techniques used in cosmetic surgery for the reconstruction of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.” — Dr. Kaufman
Balanced Healing
Breast Reconstruction Recovery
Recovery after surgery starts before you enter the operating room. Dr. Kaufman advocates for his patients to undergo lifestyle, nutritional, and holistic improvements and changes prior to any procedure. A program of increased activity and healthy choices with the appropriate nutritional support will boost your body’s ability to recover. Dr. Kaufman is happy to make recommendations to optimize your surgery.
Recovery from breast reconstruction varies based on the technique used:
- Implant-based reconstruction: Initial recovery takes 2 to 4 weeks
- Oncoplastic procedures have shorter recovery times from 1 to 2 weeks
During recovery, patients should:
- Expect some swelling, bruising, and mild or moderate discomfort for the first few days
- Wear a surgical support bra as directed by Dr. Kaufman
- Gradually return to normal activities within the first few days
- Light Exercise can resume in 1 to 2 weeks
- Strenuous exercise and can resume in 3 to 4 weeks
- Attend follow-up visits with Dr. Kaufman and his team to monitor your progress and complete the expander filling process if you are having tissue expander reconstruction
Dr. Kaufman endeavors with all his patients in their unique reconstructive process.
“It is a journey that I happily take with all my patients, there is no more rewarding experience as a reconstructive surgeon.” — Dr. Kaufman
Rebuilding Confidence
Breast Reconstruction Results
Breast reconstruction is not a static process, and Dr. Kaufman has the necessary background and willingness to approach the most challenging and difficult cases of prior reconstructions that have resulted in suboptimal results or failures.
“My in-depth understanding of the dynamics of breast reconstruction affords me the ability and desire to help patients with the often distressing scenario of delayed or failed breast reconstruction.” — Dr. Kaufman
Results from breast reconstruction develop over time and can be extremely variable:
- Initial shape visible immediately after surgery with either tissue expander or implant
- Final results are apparent after the swelling subsides, usually 3-4 months after the implant placed
- Incisions improve over the course of a year
- Breast reconstruction results will likely change over time requiring revisional surgery
- Breast implants may need replacement over time as well.
Dr. Kaufman will discuss long-term care and imaging requirements during your consultation.
Breast Reconstruction
Frequently Asked Questions
Reconstruction can be immediate or delayed. The best timing will be based on the potential for future treatments and personal goals and obligations. Dr. Kaufman and his team will tailor the timing to fit your needs.
Insurance in New York state is required by law to cover breast reconstruction related to breast cancer treatment. Our team is an expert in navigating insurance coverage.
The number of surgeries varies. Some patients may need only one, while others might require multiple procedures for optimal results.
Balancing the reconstructive goals with cancer treatment is critical for a patient’s success. Dr. Kaufman works closely with your oncology team to ensure breast reconstruction doesn't interfere with cancer treatment. In some cases, Dr. Kaufman may suggest delaying the reconstruction.
While reconstruction can create a very natural-looking breast shape, the reconstructed breast will not have the exact same look and limited sensation compared to your natural breast. Nipple-sparing mastectomy can give excellent breast results, but again, sensation will be limited. Based on the 5th generation of cohesive implants used in surgery, the feel of the breast is more firm than that of natural breast tissue. Dr. Kaufman aims for a natural result in and out of clothing and, when possible, will advocate for nipple preservation
