Name: Evelina Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics - Howell Mill
Address: 3193 Howell Mill Rd NW #220, Atlanta, GA, 30327, US
Telephone: (404) 902-2485
Price range: $$

Reclaiming Confidence

Breast Reconstruction with Dr. Katherine B. Santosa at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics

Breast reconstruction is about more than restoring physical appearance—it’s about reclaiming confidence and wholeness. Specializing in breast reconstruction Atlanta board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Dr. Katherine B. Santosa, offers a personalized, compassionate approach to every patient. Whether you're seeking immediate reconstruction or planning for a later date, Dr. Santosa will work closely with you to craft a treatment plan that supports your emotional and physical well-being. Her office servicing Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA will provide a welcoming environment where your comfort and care come first.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the breast after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or trauma. It’s a highly individualized process—no two patients are the same, and neither are their reconstructions. Dr. Santosa works with you to create results that align with your body and your lifestyle. Options can include implants, which offer a straightforward solution, or autologous tissue reconstruction, where tissue from another part of your body (such as your abdomen) is used to form a new breast.

At Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we understand that this is more than just surgery; it’s a step toward feeling like yourself again.

When is Breast Reconstruction Possible?

The timing of breast reconstruction is flexible. Some patients choose immediate reconstruction, which takes place at the same time as their mastectomy. This can offer the benefit of a single surgery and an immediate aesthetic result.

Other patients may opt for delayed reconstruction, whether due to personal preference or the need for additional cancer treatments like radiation. Delaying allows your body to heal fully before undergoing further procedures. The decision between immediate and delayed reconstruction is deeply personal, and Dr. Santosa will guide you through your options to find the best fit for your situation.

Care Before Cancer Occurs

Breast Reconstruction After a Prophylactic Mastectomy

Breast reconstruction may also be planned with a bilateral risk-reducing, or prophylactic, mastectomy. This option may enter the conversation if genetic testing identifies a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant or another inherited change associated with a high risk of breast cancer. A strong family history can also prompt a risk assessment with a breast specialist and genetic counselor.

Your breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, and oncology or genetics team work together to determine the safest timing and mastectomy approach. Depending on your breast anatomy and medical recommendations, skin-sparing or nipple-sparing mastectomy may be considered. Reconstruction can begin during the same operation with an implant, tissue expander, or your own tissue. Dr. Santosa will also discuss breast size, symmetry, scars, sensation, and the possibility of later refinement procedures.

A BRCA-positive result does not automatically make prophylactic mastectomy the right choice for every patient. Your personal cancer risk, age, health, family history, imaging plan, and preferences all belong in that decision, which should be made with the physicians managing your breast health.

The Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is about more than physical restoration—it can be a transformative experience for many women, helping them regain confidence and a sense of normalcy. Some key benefits of breast reconstruction in Atlanta include:

Restoring the shape, size, and symmetry of your breasts
Enhancing body proportions and clothing fit
Boosting self-esteem and emotional well-being
Helping you close the chapter on breast cancer treatment with a renewed sense of wholeness

By partnering with Dr. Santosa at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, you can expect a breast reconstruction that doesn’t just look natural but feels right for you.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is available to most women who’ve undergone breast surgery, but it’s important to ensure it’s the right choice for your body. Ideal candidates are generally:

In good overall health
Finished with cancer treatments (if applicable)
Realistic about the outcomes and potential limitations of the surgery

Whether you’ve had a mastectomy recently or years ago, Dr. Santosa will evaluate your health and goals to determine the best approach for your reconstruction.

Your Consultation and What to Expect

Meeting with Dr. Santosa at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics is your first step toward crafting a plan that feels right for you. During the consultation, she’ll take time to understand your goals, medical history, and lifestyle. Whether our Atlanta breast reconstruction patients are considering implants or a tissue-based approach, Dr. Santosa will explain the benefits and potential outcomes of each.

She’ll also walk you through how to prepare for surgery, including any adjustments to medications or lifestyle that will help ensure the best possible outcome. Her goal is to make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable with your decisions.

The Breast Reconstruction Process

Your breast reconstruction surgery will be customized based on the type of procedure that suits your needs. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

Implant-Based Reconstruction: Dr. Santosa may recommend using saline or silicone implants to recreate your breast shape. If you’ve opted for this method, you may have a tissue expander placed first to gradually stretch the skin, with the permanent implant inserted later.
Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: If you prefer using your own tissue, Dr. Santosa can transfer skin, fat, or muscle from another part of your body—often the abdomen or back—to form the new breast. This method tends to offer natural-looking results but is more complex.

Regardless of the method, Dr. Santosa uses cutting-edge techniques at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics to minimize scarring and enhance results, making sure your reconstruction looks and feels as natural as possible.

Your Tissue, Your Options

Types of Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Autologous breast reconstruction uses living tissue from another area of your body to form a breast mound. The donor site, amount of available tissue, prior abdominal surgery, radiation history, overall health, and preferred recovery all shape the recommendation. Flap procedures also vary in how the tissue keeps or regains its blood supply, so the names can feel a little like alphabet soup at first. Here is what the three commonly discussed options mean.

DIEP Flap Reconstruction

A deep inferior epigastric perforator, or DIEP, flap transfers skin and fat from your lower abdomen while preserving the rectus abdominis muscle. The tissue is completely detached and its small blood vessels are reconnected to vessels in your chest with microsurgery. Preserving the muscle can reduce abdominal wall weakness compared with techniques that use part of it, although DIEP reconstruction involves a longer, more complex operation and requires suitable abdominal tissue and blood vessels.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction

A latissimus dorsi flap moves skin, fat, and a portion of muscle from your upper back to your chest while keeping the tissue attached to its blood supply. Since the flap may not provide enough volume by itself, it is frequently paired with a breast implant. This approach can be useful when abdominal tissue is unavailable or prior radiation has affected the skin on your chest. Your consultation should also cover the back scar, shoulder function, and the recovery needs of both surgical sites.

These descriptions provide context for the choices you may hear about during breast cancer care. Confirm which flap techniques Dr. Santosa currently performs and which procedures require coordination or referral to a microsurgical reconstruction team.

Recovery, Results, and Aftercare

The road to recovery from breast reconstruction is a gradual process. After surgery, you’ll experience some swelling and discomfort, but Dr. Santosa will provide you with a detailed recovery plan to make things easier. Within a few weeks, you should be able to resume light activities, and as the weeks pass, the shape and feel of your reconstructed breast will settle into place.

At Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, Dr. Santosa is dedicated to supporting you throughout your recovery, with follow-up appointments to track your progress and ensure everything is healing as expected. Full recovery typically takes a few months, and the results—restored confidence and a renewed sense of self—are well worth the journey.

Healing, One Stage at a Time

Breast Reconstruction Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends heavily on the method used. Implant-based reconstruction generally involves less initial healing than a flap procedure, while abdominal or back-based reconstruction requires care for both your chest and donor site. Cancer treatment, radiation, lymph-node surgery, and procedures performed on the opposite breast can also affect your schedule.

During the first week, swelling, bruising, tightness, fatigue, and limited upper-body movement are expected. Surgical drains may remain in your breast or donor site to prevent fluid buildup. Gentle walking begins early to support circulation, and you will receive instructions for sleeping position, incision care, drain records, and any surgical bra or abdominal garment.

During weeks two through four, discomfort and swelling continue to improve. Many implant-reconstruction patients can resume desk work during this period, while flap reconstruction can require a longer break. Driving, lifting, reaching, and household tasks remain limited until you can move comfortably and Dr. Santosa clears you.

Around weeks four through eight, your activity level can increase gradually. The breast mound begins to soften and settle, though firmness, numbness, and uneven swelling can linger. If tissue was taken from your abdomen or back, strength and mobility at the donor site may take additional time to return. Physical therapy may be recommended for shoulder range of motion or donor-site weakness.

Over the following months, scars mature, and the reconstructed breast continues taking shape. Tissue-expander patients return for a later exchange to a permanent implant. Fat grafting, scar revision, surgery on the opposite breast, and 3D nipple-areola tattooing with a medical tattoo artist may be scheduled as separate stages. Dr. Santosa will map out those steps early, so you have a realistic sense of the full process, including the finishing touches.

Why Choose Dr. Santosa at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics?

Dr. Katherine B. Santosa brings a unique blend of technical expertise and personal care to every procedure. With her extensive background in both plastic surgery and research, Dr. Santosa is recognized for her innovative approach to breast reconstruction in Atlanta. She’s not just known for her skill but for her deep commitment to her patients’ overall wellness.

From her award-winning work to her patient-first philosophy, Dr. Santosa is dedicated to creating results that are both beautiful and meaningful. When you choose Dr. Santosa at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, you’re choosing a surgeon who listens, understands, and guides you through every step of the process.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Breast reconstruction is a personal and important decision. Dr. Santosa and her team at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics are here to support you every step of the way. If you’re ready to explore your options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Katherine B. Santosa today. Together, you’ll develop a plan that honors both your health and your vision for the future. Call or contact our Atlanta office to get started.

Understanding Your Coverage

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction?

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, commonly called WHCRA, requires group health plans and health insurers that cover mastectomy to also cover certain related care. Required benefits include all stages of reconstruction of the breast affected by mastectomy, surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to create symmetry, breast prostheses, and treatment of physical complications from mastectomy, including lymphedema. Coverage remains subject to the plan’s deductibles, coinsurance, network rules, prior authorization, and medical-necessity requirements.

WHCRA does not apply to every health program. Medicare and Medicaid follow separate rules, and certain plans may be exempt. Contact your insurer before surgery and request its written mastectomy and breast reconstruction policy. Here at Evelina Plastic Surgery, we will work with you as best we can to help you understand your insurance benefits and, if needed, alternative financing options.

Breast Reconstruction Frequently Asked Questions

Is Breast Reconstruction painful?

While there’s some discomfort after surgery, it’s generally manageable with medication. Most patients find the discomfort improves significantly within a few days.

What are the risks associated with Breast Reconstruction?

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, scarring, or complications with implants or tissue. Dr. Santosa at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure your safety throughout the process.

How long does it take to recover after Breast Reconstruction?

Recovery can vary, but most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery may take a few months, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Is Breast Reconstruction possible with radiated skin?

Yes, breast reconstruction can be done even if you’ve had radiation, though it may require special techniques. Dr. Santosa will assess your situation and recommend the best approach for you.

How much does Breast Reconstruction cost?

The cost of breast reconstruction in Atlanta varies, especially depending on whether it’s covered by insurance. Dr. Santosa’s team at Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics will provide detailed information on costs during your consultation.

YOUR BEST FUTURE Begins Here

Discuss your personalized treatment with Dr. Santosa today

Dr. Santosa delivers a well-rounded treatment experience through combined science, compassion, and experience. Begin your journey with trusted board-certified Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Katherine B. Santosa in Sandy Springs, and rest assured that you have selected your best path to exquisite results.

At Evelina Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we are proud to be a women-owned practice committed to delivering exceptional care and outstanding results. Our dedication to excellence ensures that we stand out as a trusted choice for premier plastic surgery and aesthetic services in the Atlanta-metro area.

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