Dr. Heather Ann McMahon, MD is a facial plastic surgeon in Philadelphia, PA specializing in facial plastic surgery, head & neck plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Dr. Heather Ann McMahon, MD is affiliated with Jefferson University Physicians (JUP) and JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS OF NEW JERSEY PC.
840 Walnut Street Floor 15
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is surgery to restore the appearance of the breast, usually after a mastectomy. The choice of how to proceed after the removal of a breast is a deeply personal one, with some women opting to wear a prosthetic form in a bra, and others choosing to embrace their new breastless form as a reminder of their strength and survival. Those options are perfectly acceptable, but many women feel most comfortable with their missing breast tissue surgically replaced. Breast reconstruction can be part of a patient's return to normal after experiencing breast cancer.
There are a few different methods used to create the round shape of the breast on the chest. A flap of fat, skin, and muscle can be taken from the side, abdomen or buttock and implanted on the chest to create a breast from the patient's own tissue. Alternatively, the skin over the chest may be gradually stretched to allow for the placement of an implant. Stretching of the skin is done using expanders, which are similar to breast implants, except they increase in size when saltwater solution is injected into them. Many women also choose to combine the flap procedure with implant placement to achieve their desired result. Once the new breast shape is formed, a nipple can be created and even tattooed to match the other side.
Reconstruction may be done in a single surgery or broken up into multiple procedures:
Breast reconstruction is not perfect. The two breasts may not always look exactly identical, although they will be close. There may be small scars, and a loss of sensation in the reconstructed breast. A reconstructed breast will not produce milk, so patients may have trouble breastfeeding. Still, reconstruction is a great option for women who want that part of their appearance back.
She has a state license in Texas.
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Heather Ann McMahon, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Heather Ann McMahon, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 906 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Heather Ann McMahon, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Heather McMahon's specialties are facial plastic surgery, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), and head & neck plastic surgery. Clinical interests for Dr. McMahon include breast surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, and cosmetic surgery. She is professionally affiliated with Jefferson University Physicians (JUP). Patient reviews placed her at an average of 5.0 stars (out of 5).