Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Becker is recognized both nationally and internationally as an expert in breast reconstructive surgery. He has lectured and published extensively on the subject.
Dr. Becker is best known as the inventor of the adjustable breast implant, otherwise known as the Becker Expander Mammary prosthesis. The Becker Expander implant functions as a tissue expander, and then converts to a breast implant once the tissues have been expanded sufficiently.
Traditionally, a tissue expander is placed at the first surgery and used to expand the overlying skin. It is then removed at a second surgery and replaced with a breast implant. Thanks to the invention of the Becker expander implant, a second operation is no longer necessary to replace the expander with an implant- it can all be done in one surgery.
The Becker expander implant has become one of the most widely used implants for breast reconstruction. It is used throughout the U.S., at institutions such as the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. It is also used in other countries throughout the world.
The results of reconstruction following mastectomy are directly related to the mastectomy technique that is performed. The techniques used for mastectomy are dependent on the nature of the condition being treated and the philosophy of the treating surgery.
Breast reconstruction with fat grafting
Thanks to recent advances in tissue transfer, it is now possible to reconstruct the breast following mastectomy using the patient’s own fat. This is done without implants or complex surgical procedures. Dr Becker is a pioneer in fat harvesting techniques having developed several instruments currently used in this procedure. He has now combined techniques developed in the United States and Europe to offer the patient breast reconstruction using their own fat. Fat is harvested during a liposuction procedure.
The breast is reconstructed without extensive surgery or implants. The procedure is often enhanced with external expansion known as the Brava. This is an external expansion device that stretches the skin before the fat is injected. Recovery is more rapid and there is less down time. The breasts feel natural and sensation often returns. An added benefit is the body contouring as a result of the liposuction.
Fat grafting can be done:
- At the time of the mastectomy and continued after surgery
- As a delayed procedure after the mastectomy
- To correct complications following previous surgery
- Following lumpectomy and radiation defects
Fat tissue contains fat derived stem cells. These cells stimulate healing, increase the circulation and have a rejuvenating effect on the tissues. Fat grafting therefore is also used for facial rejuvenation and correction of scarring such as burns wounds and radiation.
One Stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction (performed at the time of the mastectomy)
For women who are contemplating breast reconstruction, a revolutionary procedure has emerged; this procedure is known as skin-sparing or nipple-sparing, single-stage breast reconstruction.
One nationally known plastic surgeon who has embraced this technology is Dr. Hilton Becker, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Becker is the developer of the Becker Expander Implant and is one of the first surgeons to perfect single-stage breast reconstruction. Single-stage breast reconstruction has been made possible by combining skin sparing mastectomy with the expander implant, which allows physicians to restore their patients’ natural breast appearance, while only having to undergo one major surgical procedure.
These new breast implants differ from standard implants in that they have a fill tube attached to them. This fill tube enables a surgeon to inject small amounts of saline into them for several months during routine office visits, following a woman’s single reconstruction procedure. Over time, the woman’s body slowly adjusts to the growth of the implant in the same manner that her body adjusts to a gradual growth of the abdomen during pregnancy. When the implant has been expanded to a size and shape that mirrors the patient’s natural breast, the fill tube is removed. The expander implant then seals itself; and reconstruction is complete.
Dr. Becker’s response to questions on realself.com
Click here for Dr. Becker’s response to questions on realself.com
Dr. Becker believes that single-stage breast reconstruction affords his patients several important benefits. “The advent of single-stage reconstruction enhances the physical and emotional well-being of my patients because it allows them to awake after their mastectomy with some breast fullness that will be expanded to their satisfaction.”
Technical Information Breast Reconstruction: Complication Rate and Tissue Expander
Many patients look as good, if not better, after their bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction then they did before the surgery. For more information about options in breast reconstruction, please call (800) MENTOR-8.
It is important to note that every woman’s body and medical condition is different; so not all women are eligible for single-stage reconstruction. Your doctor is the best person to discuss with you whether or not single-stage breast reconstruction is a suitable option.
Dr. Becker has published numerous articles on this procedure. He lectures nationally and internationally and has been featured on 20/20, Healthcare network, MSNBC Special Edition and Extra. He was listed in Good Housekeeping as one of America ‘s Top 184 Breast Cancer Reconstructive Surgeons.