Breast Reconstruction in Algonquin, IL

Losing a breast to cancer or other disease is difficult for any woman to experience. For many patients, breast reconstruction is a positive ending to the journey. With more than 20 years of experience performing reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery, Dr. Gunnar Thors is skilled in multiple breast reconstruction techniques to restore a more natural and aesthetically pleasing breast appearance.

Whether you have recently received a breast cancer diagnosis, or you have already undergone mastectomy and are ready to restore your appearance, we are here to help you understand your options for breast reconstruction.

As a board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Thors has more than 20 years of experience performing breast reconstruction, providing many options and opportunities for women considering breast reconstruction surgery. He finds breast reconstruction to be one of the most rewarding surgical procedures that he performs, as he is not only able to help a patient restore her appearance, but also regain a sense of normalcy after surviving a breast cancer diagnosis.

Making Choices: Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation

Dr. Thors can consult with you to discuss your options for breast reconstruction. This is usually offered prior to breast removal. Dr. Thors will partner with each patient and her breast cancer surgeon to provide a safe reconstruction procedure with the most aesthetically pleasing outcome possible. Breast reconstructions are most often performed at the time of original mastectomy. Dr. Thors may recommend one of the following breast reconstruction procedures, depending on your anatomy, your goals, and the amount of tissue removed/to be removed during mastectomy.

• Implant reconstruction, inserting saline or silicone implants, with or without tissue expansion, to reconstruct the breast. This is the most common procedure performed, because it generally has the most rapid recovery.
• Autologous tissue reconstruction, using your own tissue from either the upper back (latissmus flap), abdomen (TRAM flap) or other areas as part of the reconstruction. These procedures can include implants or expanders if needed.
• Opposite breast reconstruction, reshaping the healthy breast to achieve optimal symmetry during breast reconstruction
• Nipple reconstruction, using natural skin and tissue to reconstruct a nipple shape, is the last step in the reconstructive process.

Dr. Thors will discuss with you the benefits, risks and considerations with each technique. With empathy and his keen sense of artistry and detail, he will apply his advanced training surgical skill to help you achieve the results that you desire, while prioritizing your health and safety.

What to expect with breast reconstruction surgery

Dr. Thors performs breast reconstruction at an accredited surgical facility, typically a hospital operating room. Most patients require a short inpatient stay following their procedures. Depending on whether you are having mastectomy and reconstruction during the same procedure, or you are having a delayed reconstruction, Dr. Thors may work alongside your cancer surgeon for a portion of the procedure.

If you are having breast implants placed as part of your reconstruction, Dr. Thors may first place a temporary implant called a tissue expander to help gradually stretch the skin and tissues in the breast and make space for the final implant. Implant reconstruction with tissue expanders require periodic visits following surgery to have saline solution added to the expander, followed by a secondary surgery to place silicone or saline implants.

Dr. Thors and his staff were so pleasant and knowledgable. They worked seamlessly as a team and I absolutely felt that I was in great hands. They were there for any questions, they followed up with me to make sure I was doing alright….This was, by far, the best decision I ever made.
-Actual patient of Dr. Thors

Recovering after breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction recovery protocols vary depending on the patient and the extent of surgery. In general, patients can expect 3 to 6 weeks away from strenuous activity.

During your treatment and reconstruction, Dr. Thors works closely with your breast care team.

Will breast reconstruction interfere with future cancer detection?

Some women are afraid that should their breast cancer return it would be harder to detect the tumor through a reconstructed breast than through a mastectomy scar. However, there is no need to fear difficulties with cancer detection. Current evidence indicates that it is no more difficult to find and treat cancer through a reconstructed breast.

If you are researching your options for breast reconstruction in Algonquin, Illinois and the greater Chicago area, we welcome you to contact us to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Thors. He will take the time to answer your questions and explain your options for restoring your breast contour.

Call 858.458.8808 or contact us today to schedule your consultation.