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Fenner Plastic Surgery | Kenilworth, IL
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    Natural, Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Solutions

    Many women require significant breast reconstruction following implant removal or breast cancer treatment. Our breast reconstruction in Chicago is designed to restore the shape of your chest in the most natural and aesthetic manner possible.

    Who Is A Candidate?

    • Women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer or other medical conditions affecting breast tissue
    • Individuals in good overall health
    • Non-smokers or women willing to temporarily quit
    • Women ready to restore the shape, symmetry, and appearance of their breasts
    • Candidates considering either immediate or delayed reconstruction  
    • Patients seeking guidance based on their health status, type of cancer treatment, and personal goals

    Dr. Fenner will work closely with each patient to determine the best option for their specific needs.

    Woman wearing lace bra

    Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

    Breast reconstruction offers a wide range of benefits, including:

    • Restored Confidence: Recreating a more natural breast appearance can significantly improve self-image and emotional well-being.
    • Balanced Body Shape: Reconstruction restores symmetry, ensuring your body looks balanced, especially when wearing clothes.
    • Personalization: Each procedure is customized to your needs, with options for implants, flap reconstruction, and nipple-sparing techniques.
    • Emotional Healing: For many women, breast reconstruction plays an important role in emotional recovery after breast cancer surgery.

    Our breast reconstruction treatments include

    Implant Reconstruction

    If you’ve had a mastectomy and are missing breast tissue and some skin as a result of the procedure, our Chicago-area practice can help. Using breast implants to restore a natural-looking breast can improve your self-confidence and rebuild your body image. Contact our office today to get more details about implant reconstruction, find out if you’re a candidate for the procedure, or arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Fenner.

    Breast Implant Removal

    If you have undergone breast augmentation in the past and are suffering from medical concerns such as an implant rupture, the best breast reconstruction option may be implant removal. Dr. Fenner can provide experienced treatment at his Chicago center, removing old breast implants and restoring natural-looking breasts with a variety of treatment options.

    TRAM Flap Reconstruction

    Another option to restore breast tissue and skin following a mastectomy is TRAM flap reconstruction. This procedure takes a flap of the patient’s lower abdominal fat, muscle, and skin and transfers it to the area with missing breast tissue, using the muscle’s own blood supply. This is a serious surgery that requires hospitalization. Additional procedures performed on the remaining natural breast, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction, can enhance the results of a TRAM flap reconstruction.

    Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction

    Similar to the TRAM flap reconstruction procedure, latissimus dorsi reconstruction creates a natural-looking breast by taking a flap of skin and muscle from the upper back and rotating it to the breast area, leaving the blood supply intact. This procedure requires hospitalization and is normally followed by an additional treatment at our Chicago-area practice, such as breast implants, to provide correct volume to the treated area and enhance the results of the latissimus dorsi reconstruction.

    Mastectomy

    Patients with signs of premalignant breast disease, a family history of breast cancer, or those who have had cancer in the opposite breast may consider a subcutaneous mastectomy. The procedure can typically be performed to remove the majority of the breast tissue while preserving the skin and nipple. Subcutaneous mastectomies are usually followed with reconstruction using breast implants or flap reconstruction techniques. During your private consultation with Dr. Fenner, he will discuss the specifics of the procedure and help you determine if it’s in your best interest.

    Recovery

    Recovery after breast reconstruction in Chicago varies depending on the type of surgery performed. You can expect some swelling, discomfort, and bruising immediately following surgery. Dr. Fenner will provide personalized post-operative care instructions, including managing pain and preventing infection. Most patients can return to light activities within 2 to 3 weeks, though full recovery may take several months. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.

    Insurance & Financing

    Breast reconstruction is often covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) of 1998. This law requires most health insurance plans that cover mastectomy procedures to also cover reconstruction, symmetry procedures, and any necessary revisions.

    For those without full coverage, flexible financing options are available through trusted third-party providers. These plans can help make treatment more affordable with convenient monthly payments. If you have questions about your coverage or financing options, we encourage you to contact our office for personalized assistance.

    I went to Dr. Fenner for reconstruction from double mastectomy based on personal referrals from other women I knew. He was able to do immediate reconstruction in partnership with my oncology surgeon (Dr. Pesche) without needing expanders, which other surgeons said wasn’t possible. He is a perfectionist in his work. I’ve had to do revisions due to radiation scar tissue and he is always consistent and makes sure he understands what I’m looking to achieve. I highly recommend him! At the very least use him as a second or third opinion so that you truly know all of your options.

    It is not often one gets to compare the work of one plastic surgeon versus another. Fortunately for me, after a bilateral mastectomy and botched reconstruction, I met Dr. Fenner. Upon seeing the results of my first procedure he knew he could make dramatic improvements. He has surgical hands which can work magic! I could not be more pleased with the outcome of his work. He and his whole team are so professional, knowledgeable and caring. The whole process was phenomenal from start to finish! Forever thankful for such a skillful doctor.

    I had reconstructive breast surgery after a double mastectomy, even after my oncology surgeon said that I would not be a candidate for reconstruction. Dr. Fenner not only proved that surgeon wrong but also gave me a safe, natural result, with implants that look and feel natural. Dr. Fenner is the best!

    Could not have asked for a more amazing, gifted doctor. The only word that I could use to describe his work is a miracle. God truly works through Dr. Fenners hands. I had a bilateral mastectomy with latissimus flap reconstruction. Everyone, doctors and women going through breast cancer, are very impressed with his work when they see my breast. I'm 10 plus years now and they look as good as ever. They may not be my originals but I think the trade-in was for luxury models. His whole team are amazing and caring. I highly recommend making an appointment and speaking with Dr. Fenner if you have any concerns or questions. I always felt that he listened and he gave me 100% of his attention while I was with him. Dr. Fenner thank you so much for the blessing of your knowledge and your hands. Not only did you repair my body but you provided me the chance to continue being confident and secure in my body image.

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    Why Choose Fenner Plastic Surgery FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION IN CHICAGO?

    At Fenner Plastic Surgery, Dr. Fenner combines decades of experience, advanced techniques, and a compassionate approach to deliver personalized breast reconstruction in Chicago. Board-certified and recognized for excellence in plastic surgery, Dr. Fenner is committed to helping you restore your confidence and body image with natural, beautiful results.

    Our team provides comprehensive support before, during, and after surgery, ensuring that you feel informed, comfortable, and cared for throughout your breast reconstruction journey. To learn more about the reconstructive breast procedures offered at our Chicago center—including reconstruction with breast implants or implant removal procedures—consult with acclaimed breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Fenner regarding your specific needs. Your medical procedure may be covered by insurance.

    Contact Fenner Plastic Surgery today with any questions you may have, and a member of our kind and professional staff will happily help you.

    Fenner Plastic Surgery

    Breast Reconstruction FAQs

    How long does breast reconstruction take?

    The length of the procedure depends on the chosen reconstruction technique but typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours. Dr. Fenner will give you a detailed timeline during your consultation.

    Will my reconstructed breast look and feel natural?

    While no surgery can perfectly replicate a natural breast, Dr. Fenner uses advanced techniques to create a realistic appearance and feel. Over time, your breast will settle into a more natural shape.

    Will breast reconstruction affect my cancer treatment?

    Breast reconstruction can be coordinated with cancer treatments. Immediate reconstruction is performed during the mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction occurs after completing treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Your surgical team will collaborate with your oncology team to determine the optimal timing for reconstruction based on your treatment plan.

    Will I have sensation in my reconstructed breast?

    Reconstructed breasts often have reduced or altered sensation compared to natural breasts. Over time, some sensation may return, but it may not be the same as before surgery. Techniques to preserve or restore sensation are continually evolving, and your surgeon can provide information on what to expect.

    Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?

    In the United States, the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies to also cover breast reconstruction and procedures to achieve symmetry. It's important to verify coverage details with your insurance provider.

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