Breast Reconstruction in Newport Beach, Orange County CA
Breast reconstruction is typically a very sensitive and emotional experience for patients undergoing the procedure. Patients choosing to undergo breast reconstruction with Dr. Bandy can have the peace of mind that the Dr. Bandy is not only a female surgeon who is sensitive to the emotional aspect of what the patient may be feeling, but is also an expert in reconstruction. Dr. Bandy is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon; not only does she have expertise in aesthetic surgery, but Dr. Bandy is trained in all aspects of breast reconstruction such as inverted nipples, nipple reduction, breast asymmetry, breast reconstruction, and male breast reduction. Learn more about Breast Reconstruction at our Newport Beach, Orange County office.
Who is Breast Reconstruction Recommended for?
Breast reconstruction is recommended for anyone who feels that their breasts do not have a normal or good shape.


Pre-Operation
How can I prepare for Breast Reconstruction surgery?
As for any surgery, a patients’ health and well-being is our main priority. We require that patients who are undergoing surgery be healthy with normal lab work (your labs will be performed within 2 weeks of surgery). Furthermore, Dr. Bandy provides patients with a vitamin protocol to being before surgery to aid in the recovery and healing process. During your consultation 2 weeks before surgery, our staff will thoroughly review with you all important information that needs to be completed prior to surgery in order to ensure the best outcome and easiest recovery possible.
Will anesthesia be administered for Breast Reconstruction surgery?
Yes, general anesthesia will be administered for breast reconstruction surgery. Depending on the procedure, it can be from 1 hour to 8 hours.
Is Breast Reconstruction surgery painful?
Any surgery can be painful and pain will vary from patient to patient depending on the way their brain interprets pain, how healthy they are, and what procedure they are having. For breast reconstruction, there may be some pain and soreness after the surgery. As long as there are no adverse sequelae or complications, typically within a week to two weeks, the patients soreness should subside greatly. However, if they have complications such as infections or hematoma, pain might be prolonged and the patient might require additional surgery.
Typically, breast reconstruction for a breast cancer patient may have higher risk of complications and infection, because the cancer patient might have their immune system compromised and not be as healthy. The patient may or may not be undergoing chemotherapy and they are typically an older patient.
What if I am sick before my Breast Reconstruction procedure?
If you are sick before your Breast Reconstruction procedure, typically you will need to be rescheduled until you are healthy.
How long before I see results of Breast Reconstruction?
As with any surgery, the breasts will be swollen afterwards and there may or may not be bruising so it is difficult to see the final shape and size of the breast. Typically, by about 4 -6 weeks, you should have a very good idea of what the breast is going to look like.
Post-Operation
Is scarring expected after Breast Reconstruction surgery?
The degree of scarring depends on the type of procedure performed. This will be discussed at your consultation.
Can I drive home after my Breast Reconstruction surgery?
We do not allow patients who undergo general anesthesia to drive themselves home. In addition, we require someone over the age of 18 years old to stay with the patient for roughly 24-hours post surgery in the case of emergency. Our patients’ safety is our number one priority.
Should I try avoiding touching the area after Breast Reconstruction surgery?
A patient will have surgical tapes covering their incisions and these tapes will remain in place for a few weeks. It is recommended that a patient not touch the incisions until they are healed.
What activity should I refrain from after Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
During the immediate post-operative period, patients should refrain from any heavy lifting and any excessive use of the pectoralis muscles in exercise and related activities. Typically within six weeks of most surgeries, patients are back to doing everything that they were able to do prior to surgery.
Do I need to take any medication after Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
After Breast Reconstruction surgery, you will be taking pain medication and likely an antibiotic. If you are on another regular medication, you will likely continue that medication too.
Costs
What is the average cost for Breast Reconstruction?
The range of cost for breast reconstruction surgery will depend on the procedure that is to be performed. A firm quote will be provided to you on the day of your consultation after you have been evaluated by Dr. Bandy and your goals for surgery have been discussed.
Are there financing options for Breast Reconstruction?
Depending on what the reasons are for having breast reconstruction, sometimes breast reconstruction surgery is covered by insurance or sometimes it is considered cosmetic, especially if the original surgery for the breast was a cosmetic procedure. Therefore, we would first look into seeing whether or not there is insurance coverage for the patient. If not, there are financing options available. Our office offers financing through the companies CareCredit, Alpheon, and Prosper.
Recovery
What is the recovery time and the healing process?
The recovery time and healing time is going to vary according to the patient’s health, age, and the type of procedure they are having. For something as simple as a breast implant exchange for a deflated implant, the recovery period is very quick and people are normally back to doing their normal activities (other than heavy lifting or use of their pectoralis muscles) within a week’s time. However, for more extreme surgeries, such as the TRAM flap, that recovery is really prolonged and it can take up to a year before that patient really feels back to normal.
Is there a post-operative recovery facility that you recommend?
We do have a post operative recovery facility that we refer our patients to in Orange County, CA and Los Angeles, CA. In these situations, they will be picked up by the post operative care facility from our recovery room and brought to the recovery center where they are recovered overnight, and then brought back the next day for their follow up appointment.
– Dr. Amy Bandy, Over 20 Years of Experience