Breast Reconstruction Houston

If you’ve had breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy as a result, breast reconstruction can help you feel better about your appearance. While the surgery will not restore the exact way you looked and felt before your mastectomy, it can be deeply beneficial to your overall comfort and self-confidence.

Meet Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Plastic Surgeon Houston

Dr Ashley Steinberg – Plastic Surgeon Houston

After earning degrees from universities in London and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Steinberg completed basic science classes in St. George’s, Grenada. She graduated Magna cum Laude from SGU and matched in a general surgery residency in Brooklyn, New York, where she had the opportunity to work with two plastic surgeons while scrubbing in.

She later rotated in plastic surgery with the late Dr. William Zamboni at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine.

She later pursued her passion for plastic surgery by completing a three-year training program with some of the world’s best plastic surgeons at the esteemed Houston Methodist Hospital, located at the Houston Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world.

Dr. Ashley Steinberg has been named a Rising Stars Top Doctor in Texas for three consecutive years and has completed more than 1500 plastic surgery procedures.

What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

The goal of surgery is to recreate the breast as close to its previous appearance as possible — unless the patient requests specific changes, such as an increase in the original cup size or projection. Focus is put on the recreation of three areas: the breast mound, the areola, and the nipple. Because all patients and patient experiences are different, each surgery is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Patient Testimonials

If I could give her 6/5 stars I would!! Dr. Steinberg has done my Botox/Dysport multiple times. She is very thorough and does a fabulous job. My budget for botox is not large, but I like to get multiple areas done (forehead, between the brows, eye brow lift, crows feet, masseters). She always takes this into consideration and makes a little go a long way. She’s even taken care of my RBF lol!
I have always been 100% satisfied with my results and personally know many people that would say the same.

Anna B.

Dr. Steinberg is a meticulous surgeon with amazing bedside manner. I couldn’t be happier with my results. I was quite nervous prior to my surgery and she made me feel comfortable and at ease. Her humor and confidence coupled with her technical skill make her my number one recommendation for all of my family and friends. As a bonus, her office is beautiful and staff is friendly and helpful.

Nicole P.

I highly recommend Dr. Steinberg! I had a breast reduction and tummy tuck 360 in March and I am so happy with my results! Dr. Steinberg and the staff went above and beyond my expectations. I consulted with other physicians before I went to P.S. for my surgery but after one visit there, I knew that I wanted her as my surgeon. She has a great bedside manner and calmed my fears before the surgery and she and the nurses have promptly answered any question I have had.

Courtney G.

Dr. Steinberg performed injections for my facial alopecia. Her tactfulness, compassion, and empathy during the injection process not only made me feel like she truly cared for the way I was feeling, but that I was in highly skilled and professional hands. The way she deals with patients is undoubtedly fantastic, and her injections yielded successful results when numerous other doctors couldn’t find success in the same area. Thank you so much, Dr. Steinberg!

Joshua S.

Are You A Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

Breast cancer patients who will undergo or have already undergone breast cancer surgery are candidates for this surgery. Of course, you must meet other criteria as well. For example, if this surgery would interfere with ongoing cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation — or treatment of another illness or condition — you may need to hold off. In general, patients must be in overall good physical and mental health.

Patients should also be non-smokers and at a healthy weight. Both smoking and being overweight or obese carry with them additional health risks where surgery and the recovery process are concerned. Finally, patients should have realistic expectations about this surgery. Reconstruction will not bring back the same natural breasts you had prior to undergoing cancer surgery. Big improvements can be made, however, and the vast majority of patients who have undergone this surgery are very happy with their results.

Dr. Steinberg will go over all the details of surgery during your consultation appointment.

What Are My Options for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

All breast reconstruction surgeries are unique because all breast cancer patients are unique. Depending on the type of mastectomy you had, what your scarring looks like, and when you plan to have reconstruction surgery take place, your options may differ greatly.

You will first need to decide when you want to have the surgery and then decide on the type of surgery you want.

Breast Reconstruction Timing

During Cancer Surgery: Some patients opt to have their reconstruction surgery at the same time as their mastectomy or cancer surgery. This prevents the experience of being without natural breasts and gets the majority of the surgical procedures done at one time.
Breast Reconstruction After Healing From Cancer Surgery: You can also wait until the healing from your cancer surgery has concluded before getting surgery. This is called delayed reconstruction.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Oncoplastic Reconstruction: Rearrangement of tissue after lumpectomy, prior to radiation with a symmetry procedure on the contralateral breast.
Reconstruction With Tissue Expanders and Breast Implants: Silicone gel, or saline implants may be used. This procedure starts with an implant that can be gradually expanded. This implant is temporary. O=Once the skin is stretched enough for an implant, the temporary expander is removed and a permanent implant is placed.
Flap Reconstruction Using the Patient’s Own Body Tissue: Also known as autologous tissue reconstruction or “flap procedures,” some patients are able to have their breasts rebuilt using their own tissue.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Breast reconstruction is a complex surgery. Every patient is different, so a consultation appointment is mandatory for figuring out your best options. At your consultation, Dr. Steinberg, along with help from a Patient Care Coordinator, will speak with you about your medical and surgical history, go over your current medications, and then discuss your options moving forward.

You will also have a brief physical exam and get a chance to ask any questions you may have about the procedure as well.

Ideally, you will have a surgical plan in place by the end of your consultation and be able to schedule an appointment(s) for your upcoming reconstruction surgery before you go home.

What to Expect During Your Surgery

Again, all reconstruction surgeries vary greatly. Therefore, it’s difficult to know when and how any given procedure will go.

Generally speaking, as long as you are not having reconstruction performed at the time of your cancer surgery, you will arrive at the accredited surgical center and first be welcomed by staff. You will then be taken to a pre-surgery room where you will be prepared for the procedure and get a chance to speak with Dr. Steinberg.

She will perform several markings on your skin in preparation for surgery, and then you will be taken to the operating room, where an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia for your safety and comfort.

Recovery

Breast reconstruction is generally not an outpatient procedure, so following surgery, you should be able to go home after a day or two. This varies, of course, so some patients may end up staying for a longer recovery period before they are discharged.

Once at home, be sure to closely follow the healing and care instructions provided to you by Dr. Steinberg. You will meet with her several times during the recovery process, and at each appointment, she will tell you when you can begin to return to your normal activities, such as going to work and doing regular exercise.

Some swelling, slight pain, and discomfort is to be expected as you recover. Wearing a compression garment and using ice as needed can help reduce some symptoms. You will also be prescribed pain medications to improve your comfort. You may have to wear a surgical bra after breast reconstruction.

Restore your comfort and confidence with breast construction surgery.

Risks and Complications

Like all major surgeries, there are some possible, yet rare, risks and complications associated with surgery. These include:

Anesthesia problems
Infection
Issues with the healing of wounds
Bleeding and clotting issues
The build-up of fluids
Uneven contouring or excessive firmness after healing
Loss of flap
Reaction of tissue or implant to radiation

Breast Reconstruction Houston: Frequently Asked Questions

What type of breast reconstruction is best?

This really depends on your situation and circumstances. All patients will have a different experience with their breast cancer surgeries. Additionally, all patients wish to undergo reconstruction in their own way. Some may want to have reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy while others may want to wait and recover from their cancer surgery before going in again for reconstruction surgery.

Limits such as the type of implants being used (if any), mastectomy scarring, overall health, healing time, and insurance restraints will also affect what reconstruction route you choose.

Can you keep your nipples after a mastectomy?

In some cases, patients can have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, which allows the nipple and areola tissue to remain intact. This will be a discussion between you and your breast oncologic surgeon.

How much does breast reconstruction cost in Houston?

All plastic surgery prices vary, depending on certain factors, but none vary so much as breast reconstruction. A range of factors will influence the ultimate cost of surgery, so it’s best to book a consultation appointment in order to get the most accurate estimate. Breast reconstruction surgery is often fully covered by insurance.

Will insurance pay for breast reconstruction?

Yes, in most cases, health insurance may cover some or all of the costs associated with breast reconstruction surgery

Schedule Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation With Dr. Steinberg

Breast cancer reconstruction technology continues to improve, allowing an increasing number of patients to achieve the breast silhouette they desire and feel more comfortable in the skin they’re in. Dr. Ashley Steinberg has helped numerous patients navigate this delicate surgery with knowledge, experience, and care.

She has extensive experience in breast reconstruction, breast augmentation after mastectomy and breast reduction.

To learn more about this surgery and to schedule your consultation appointment, contact us today.