At the Metropolitan Hospital Breast Center, we offer comprehensive breast reconstruction following mastectomy, employing all modern reconstructive techniques:
- Tissue expanders with subsequent replacement by permanent silicone implants after 3–6 months
- Latissimus dorsi flap combined with a silicone implant in a single-stage procedure.
- Free abdominal flap (TRAM/DIEP) with concurrent abdominoplasty
- Skin-sparing mastectomy or nipple- and skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction
- Skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction is the preferred method for most patients requiring mastectomy, particularly those with multifocal or extensive in situ carcinoma (DCIS). Reconstruction is performed using either silicone implants or autologous tissue, primarily the latissimus dorsi muscle
- Our clinic has successfully performed a large number of such procedures using both techniques.
The results were presented at the Hellenic Congress of Plastic Surgery (2012).
In 2013, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Hospital Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Clinic, the Breast Center received an award for the best work on breast reconstruction at the corresponding conference.
The aim is to ensure that patients undergoing mastectomy can achieve a natural, aesthetically acceptable breast, making this significant loss easier to accept.
Prophylactic Mastectomy for High-Risk Patients (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation positive)
Women carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, even without a cancer diagnosis, may opt for bilateral prophylactic mastectomy following thorough consultation. In many cases, reconstruction can be performed in a single procedure, preserving the skin and nipple-areola complex depending on breast type and size.
Our Breast Center now offers one-stage immediate reconstruction, allowing both oncological treatment and aesthetic restoration in a single surgery with excellent outcomes.
Single-Stage Mastectomy with Immediate Breast Reconstruction
The ideal approach for breast cancer patients requiring mastectomy is an oncologically safe surgery without compromise, combined with immediate breast reconstruction in a single procedure. This one-stage approach is the preference of most patients, as it addresses both the oncological and aesthetic aspects simultaneously.
Younger women with small-to-medium breasts who do not require post-mastectomy radiotherapy are excellent candidates for this technique, which is performed at the Metropolitan Hospital Breast Surgery Clinic and in select breast centers worldwide.
Patient demand has guided the implementation of this combined oncologic and aesthetic procedure in select cases, allowing women to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome while being free from disease.
The technique we use requires precise preoperative planning by the surgical team (breast surgeon and plastic surgeon), the use of specialized breast implants and titanium mesh, along with modern fat grafting (lipotransfer). In cases where oncologically safe, the nipple-areola complex can be preserved, and the entire procedure is performed through a small inframammary incision, as in cosmetic breast surgery; otherwise, it is performed through the incision used for nipple removal during the mastectomy.
The overall operative time is shorter than reconstruction procedures using autologous tissue (e.g., latissimus dorsi flap), it can be performed simultaneously on both breasts, for example in prophylactic mastectomy, and the cost is significantly lower, as a second surgery to replace tissue expanders with permanent silicone implants after 3–6 months is not required. Additionally, a major advantage, and perhaps the most important for the patient, is that immediately after surgery, the aesthetic result is excellent, comparable to that of cosmetic breast augmentation. This contributes to very good psychological well-being, enhanced libido, maintenance of self-esteem, and overall ensures a high quality of life after such a serious medical journey. Hospital stay is typically 1–2 days, with minimal need for analgesia.
This technique requires specialized surgical expertise. At Metropolitan Hospital, our team’s extensive experience with multiple reconstructive methods and commitment to meeting patients’ needs have led to the development of this innovative and highly effective single-stage reconstruction technique, providing significant benefits for patients.
In modern breast care, the ideal solution for each patient must be offered. At Metropolitan Hospital Breast Center, this remains our top priority, and our team continues to strive toward achieving the best possible outcomes in every case, always with the patient’s well-being as the central focus.