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If you are in need of breast reconstruction surgery in the Bethesda area and looking for a skilled cosmetic plastic surgeon, turn to the breast surgery expert at Maia Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase, MD. Dr. Maia is a board-certified Harvard fellowship-trained plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. She is known for her compassionate approach to patient care. Dr. Maia’s philosophy is to educate and empower her patients to make a well-informed decision about their bodies and provide a natural, beautiful and long-lasting breast reconstruction.

Dr. Maia devoted years of research to improve the lives of patients with breast cancer. Her research has contributed with new surgical techniques in breast reconstruction, prevention of complications, management of pain after surgery, improvement of breast reconstruction outcomes, assessment of patients’ perspectives and satisfaction following breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy.

What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Reconstructive breast surgery rebuilds the shape and look of the breast following surgery to treat breast cancer or procedures that result in breast deformity. The change in appearance can have an impact on self-image and confidence and many women decide to undergo breast reconstruction. The goals of Bethesda breast reconstruction are to help women feel comfortable in their bodies and confident in their appearance.

What are the Different Types of Breast Reconstruction?

There are several different types of breast reconstruction procedures, there are three main options to consider: oncoplastic surgery, implant-based reconstruction, and autologous tissue reconstruction. What are the differences?

Oncoplastic Surgery after Lumpectomy
This procedure is generally best in cases where only a small amount of breast tissue is removed, such as removal of a small tumor or lump. In such cases, the surgeon may be able to rearrange tissue to fill the gap where a tumor has been removed, preserving the natural shape of the breast, rather than leaving a defect. Depending on the size of the tumor, this procedure may involve reducing the size of one breast or both breasts. Breast augmentation or breast lift can also be combined with oncoplastic surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Maia will discuss your options. This procedure is not sufficient to account for the amount of tissue lost during a mastectomy.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Many women who had tissue loss after mastectomy (surgery that removes the breast tissue) elect to undergo an implant-based reconstruction procedure, whereby a breast implant is put in place of missing breast tissue to restore lost volume and shape. This may be done in one or two procedures. More commonly, a tissue expander is placed during the time of the mastectomy. A tissue expander is an empty breast implant and is temporary. This implant is filled with normal saline over six to eight weeks until it reaches the breast size that you desire. After 4-8 weeks after the tissue expander is completed, you will have a second surgery to replace the tissue expander with the permanent implant. If you need chemotherapy or radiation, Dr. Maia will discuss with you when the final implant will be placed. If only one breast is affected with breast cancer, procedures on the opposite breast, such as lift, reduction or augmentation, may be recommended to improve symmetry.
Autologous Reconstruction
Some women are not interested in having breast implants, for a variety of reasons. Autologous or tissue-transfer breast reconstruction is another option. This technique utilizes tissue from another part of the body (tummy, thighs, hips, buttocks) to reconstruct the breast. This type of reconstruction utilizes microsurgery techniques where small blood vessels are reconnected under the microscope.
What is Nipple and Areola Reconstruction?
While there are surgical procedures like nipple-sparing mastectomy that allow women to retain their natural nipples, there are also cases in which this is not an option. The nipple and areola complex can be reconstructed with local flaps and skin grafts or recreated with 3-D tattoo.



Reasons for Breast Reconstruction

There are several reasons why a woman might want breast reconstruction. Breast cancer reconstruction is a common occurrence, especially following single or double mastectomy. If a mastectomy is deemed medically necessary to treat cancer, insurance must cover reconstructive surgery (as mandated by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998).

There are other reasons for breast reconstruction. The removal of a tumor could leave one breast deformed and/or smaller than the other. Accidents and injuries could result in damage and deformity. Some women suffer from botched breast augmentation or reconstruction procedures.

In all of these cases, damage or loss of a breast or breasts could impact self-image and confidence, leading to anxiety, depression, anger, and other negative consequences. Breast reconstruction could improve many of these outcomes.

Does Breast Reconstruction Work and is it Safe?

While breasts may not look exactly like they did before, reconstruction is typically designed to create a normal appearing breast which provide significant psychosocial benefits. Advanced techniques in breast reconstruction allow surgeons to deliver natural looking and long-lasting results.

Breast reconstruction recovery will vary from patient to patient, based on factors like the reasons for reconstruction, the type of procedure, previous radiation, and the patient’s own capacity for healing. It could take several months for swelling to subside, and even longer for scars to flatten and fade.

If you have been thinking about having a breast reconstruction procedure, please contact us at our clinic in Chevy Chase, MD near Bethesda today for more information.

Dr. Maia is a well-respected researcher in the scientific community and is a reviewer of the most prestigious plastic surgery journal, the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. Dr. Maia’s work has been cited and relied upon by many researchers around the world in well-reputed international and national scientific journals. As a result of her work, she has been invited to present her research in numerous national and international conferences, and her work has been awarded in regional and national meetings. Dr. Maia is also involved in teaching residents, medical students and physician assistants.

Dr. Maia is involved in charity work. She performs charitable reconstructive surgery for patients with breast cancer and supports organizations that help women coping with breast cancer.

Patients Testimonials

“I had to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Dr. Maia is truly in a top-notch plastic surgeon[..] Her kindness and Her bed manners are truly a gift. [..] Her staff is there to make the journey the best it can be despite the hard journey your walking. “

“Dr. Maia is definitely the best surgeon!! She was my plastic surgeon following a skin sparing bilateral mastectomy. […] Breast Cancer is scary. Dr. Maia’s expertise and dedication allow me to confidently look in the mirror! I wouldn’t go to anyone else! “

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Our Patient Reviews

Maia Plastic Surgery

4.9 / 5.0

Based on 86 reviews

Caroline H.

Dr Maia truly loves what she does. She is invested in making you the version of yourself you want to be. She listens attentively to what you want and makes relevant suggestions. She did not try to introduce anything unnecessary into my treatment plan. The results I achieved during my first treatment keeps me coming back. Her staff is excellent and works to accommodate your schedule. I have recommended Dr. Maia several times and each time I get the same positive feedback.

Karen D.

Selecting a surgeon: After having two children and weight fluctuations over the years I was left with complete loss of volume in my breasts. I had four consultations with other surgeons but after comparing their photos to Dr Maia’s and meeting her in person, I knew she was my doctor. We talked about my lifestyle - being a mom and a professional, I didn’t want to be too big, but I’m curvy so I didn’t want to go too small for my frame either. She let me try on sizes and once I selected she agreed it was a good fit for my frame. Post op recovery: I was a smoker and had quit prior to surgery but she was very honest and adamant in telling me how important it was that I did not smoke. (I honestly needed the lecture and the transparency about what could happen if I did start smoking before surgery and post-op.) Because I was formerly a pretty heavy smoker, it did cause some issues after surgery with wound closing and she was SO diligent and on top of it seeing me once and week and squeezing me in for appointments between surgeries and patients. She prescribed different things to address the would closure issues before they really became a problem. Being able to have text message access to the office was great when I had questions and she even accommodated my schedule when I couldn’t be seen in person to send progress photos so that she could check on me. 3 months post op: I’m so happy with the results of my surgery and am so glad I waited to find the right doctor. She’s an artist! They look natural, fit my body shape and they haven’t even fully “dropped and fluffed” yet. Would highly recommend… comparing her patient photos to other surgeons will end your search. I feel so much better in my body thanks to Dr Maia.

Justine A.

This is my second time at Dr. Maia’s office and I am so pleased with my experience here. The staff is so friendly and caring. Dr. Maia is the best Dr in the DMV area, she knows exactly what she is doing and you will be happy with the results! I am so glad I found her! I recommend anyone who’s looking for a very personable doctor to come and see her! Thank you Dr. Maia & staff!

inhye k.

I’m not sure where to begin when attempting to explain the positive experience I had with Dr. Maia and her team. It was important for me to find a woman doctor and she comes with so much experience, an eye for detail and aesthetically on point! I felt so well taken care of, even after 2 months post op they still make me feel taken care of. Not only am I thrilled about the physical results, I am also blown away by their care and follow through. I follow Dr.Maia in IG and literally obsessed with her work!

Pam

Dr. Maia is truly amazing! She is an artist and somewhat of a magician! She takes the time to listen to you and walk you through the procedure every step of the way! I even texted after with questions and she and her team were very responsive! I was extremely impressed with the work she did around my eyes. Several people now tell me my 20 year old daughter looks just like me….I never heard that prior to the procedure!

Taylor H.

I had one of the most pleasant healthcare experiences I’ve ever had in my life! I came in for excessive underarm sweating and Dr. Maia recommended Botox. She carefully explained everything to me, which I really appreciated as it was my first time ever getting Botox treatment. Her medical assistants were very attentive to my additional questions and made me feel very comfortable while prepping for the treatment. Dr. Maia took her time with me, none of the 5-minute appointments you often get with doctors these days. Everyone was very welcoming and the office is bright and clean. Dr. Maia was referred to me by a family meme we and I’m so glad I went to see her. I absolutely recommend Dr. Maia to anyone and I plan to come back for additional future treatments.

Cynthia S.

I had a tummy tuck, lipo, and a prominent osteoma removed from my forehead. Although I was nervous about the procedures, Dr. Maia and her staff put my fears to rest. Even after the surgery, her professional staff called to check on me during my recovery, which helped put me mind at ease. Dr. Maia and her staff were always professional, responsive, and listened when I had concerns. After the procedures, I was back at work two weeks later and could not be happier with my results. I had a great experience and Dr. Maia will be my first call for any other procedures.

Wanda G.

Dr. Maia is great! She is very knowledgeable! I recommend her to anyone looking to do a cosmetic procedure, breast augmentation, facial lift, etc. Look her up on Instagram so you can see the amazing results from some of her patients!!!!

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