Restoring Sensation After Mastectomy
Mastectomy is a critical procedure for removing cancerous tissues, but it often results in the loss of breast sensation. This lack of sensation can impact your ability to enjoy physical contact, affect your confidence, and even put you at risk of injury due to reduced nerve function. Fortunately, breast resensation is a surgical solution that can help restore feeling to your breasts, significantly enhancing your quality of life.
What is Breast Resensation?
Breast resensation is a specialized surgical procedure performed after a mastectomy to restore sensation to the breasts. During this procedure, the surgeon reconnects the remaining nerves in your chest to the newly reconstructed breast tissue. This innovative technique helps regenerate nerve fibers, allowing sensation to return over time. Dr. Ghaznavi, a certified ReSensation physician at AMG Plastic Surgery, is highly skilled in performing this procedure to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Why Consider Breast Resensation?
Positive Body Image
Loss of sensation can make you feel disconnected from your breasts. Resensation helps you regain a sense of femininity and a positive body image.
Emotional Health
Restoring sensation can alleviate emotional pain associated with mastectomy, aiding in your overall healing process.
Improved Quality of Life
Numb breasts can hinder intimate moments and physical sensations. Breast resensation allows you to experience touch, warmth, and other physical sensations once again.
Dr Ghaznavi, Pam and Joy are wonderful. I saw Dr Ghaznavi following a breast cancer diagnosis. He walked me through all the options and helped me make a lot of difficult decisions. He answered all my questions and everyone took great care of me post-op. They quickly responded to any texts and listened to my concerns. I would highly recommend this practice.
The Breast Resensation Procedure
The resensation procedure is typically performed simultaneously with free flap reconstruction. Here’s how it works:
Nerve Reconnection
Using allograft nerve tissue, Dr. Ghaznavi reconnects the nerves that remain after the mastectomy.
Nerve Regeneration
Over time, the nerves begin to regenerate and integrate with the new breast tissue.
Restoration of Sensation
As the nerve fibers grow, they restore sensation to the breast, allowing you to feel touch and temperature changes.
Dr. Ghaznavi’s expertise and certification as a ReSensation physician ensure that you receive the highest standard of care and the best possible results at AMG Plastic Surgery in Reston, Northern Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Resensation
Breast resensation is often performed at the same time as free flap reconstruction. If you’ve already had reconstruction, it can still be performed as a secondary procedure.
While the restored sensation may not be identical to pre-mastectomy feeling, many patients report significant improvement in their ability to sense touch and temperature.
Coverage for breast resensation varies by insurance provider and individual policy. It’s best to check with your insurance company to determine if the procedure is covered.
Sensation typically begins to return gradually as the nerves regenerate. Full sensation restoration can take several months to a year, depending on individual healing rates.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, scarring, and incomplete nerve regeneration. Dr. Ghaznavi will discuss these risks with you during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
Meet Dr. AMIR GHAZNAVI
Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi is a dual board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Northern Virginia and the founder of AMG Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi chose plastic surgery to fuse his passion for aesthetics in art with the practice of functional surgery. Dr. Ghaznavi believes these two aspects go hand-in-hand in creating a holistic approach to surgery. His “E3 philosophy” of Empathy, Expertise, and Education permeates his practice. He lives to empathize with his patients needs, while demonstrating expertise in surgical skill and educating his patients to make the most informed decisions about their medical care.
Schedule a Consultation for Breast Resensation in Reston
If you’ve undergone a mastectomy and are interested in restoring sensation to your breasts, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi, a certified ReSensation physician, at AMG Plastic Surgery in Reston, Northern Virginia. Dr. Ghaznavi will evaluate your condition and discuss your options for breast resensation, helping you make an informed decision about your health and well-being. Take the first step towards regaining sensation and improving your quality of life by booking your appointment today.
