Breast
Overview
About Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast to cancer or other disease. Dr. Guarda's fellowship training in microsurgery and perforator-flap techniques allows for advanced, natural reconstruction.
Reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy or later, using implants or your own tissue, and is planned closely with your care team.
✚ Medically reviewed by Dr. Helena Guarda, MD — Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery. Last reviewed August 2026.
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Approach
Implant or your own tissue
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Anesthesia
General
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Timing
Immediate or delayed
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Expertise
Microsurgery fellowship
Every plan is individualized — the details above are typical ranges and are confirmed during your consultation.
Why Patients Choose It
Benefits at a glance
- ✓Restored breast shape and symmetry
- ✓Implant or natural-tissue options
- ✓Advanced microsurgical expertise
- ✓Coordinated with your cancer care
Is It Right for You?
Are you a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate for breast reconstruction if some of the following apply. The best way to know is a personal consultation with Dr. Guarda.
- ✓You have had or will have a mastectomy or lumpectomy
- ✓You want to restore breast shape after cancer
- ✓You're seeking symmetry with the opposite breast
- ✓You are ready physically and emotionally to proceed
- ✓You want to explore implant or natural-tissue options
- ✓You are working with an oncology care team
What to Expect
Your journey, step by step
1
Consultation
Meet with Dr. Guarda to share your goals, review your health history, and design a plan tailored to you.
2
Preparation
Receive clear pre-operative instructions — and any needed lab work — so you feel fully prepared for the day of surgery.
3
Procedure
Your procedure is performed with meticulous care in an accredited surgical setting, prioritizing safety and natural results.
4
Recovery & Results
Follow a guided recovery with scheduled follow-ups as your final results gradually take shape.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
A general guide to what recovery looks like. Dr. Guarda provides a personalized timeline based on your body and your plan.
First 24–48 hours
Rest at home with support nearby. Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and managed with prescribed medication.
First 1–2 weeks
Most patients return to desk work and light activity. Follow-up visits confirm you're healing well; avoid strenuous movement and heavy lifting.
Weeks 2–6
Gradually resume exercise as Dr. Guarda clears you. Swelling continues to subside and your new contour becomes more defined.
3+ months
Final results settle as tissues fully heal and any scars continue to soften and fade.
Preparation
How to prepare
- ✓Complete a thorough consultation and any required lab work or medical clearance
- ✓Stop smoking well before and after surgery to support healing
- ✓Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements as directed by Dr. Guarda
- ✓Arrange a ride home and help at home for the first few days
- ✓Fill prescriptions and set up a comfortable recovery space in advance
Safety
Risks & safety
As with any surgery, breast reconstruction carries some risks — which may include bleeding, infection, changes in sensation, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon operating in an accredited facility significantly lowers these risks. Dr. Guarda reviews your complete medical history and discusses every risk — and how it is minimized — during your consultation, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Results
Results & longevity
Results from breast reconstruction are designed to look natural and last. While aging, pregnancy, and major weight changes can affect your outcome over time, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle helps preserve your results for many years.
Questions & Answers
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
Answers to questions patients ask most. Have another? We're glad to help.
Can reconstruction be done at the same time as mastectomy?
In many cases yes — immediate reconstruction begins during the same surgery. Others prefer or need delayed reconstruction. Dr. Guarda coordinates closely with your cancer team.
What is a perforator flap?
It's an advanced microsurgical technique that rebuilds the breast using your own tissue while sparing the underlying muscle. Dr. Guarda completed a fellowship in this area.
Will my reconstructed breast match the other side?
Dr. Guarda focuses on symmetry, and procedures on the opposite breast can help achieve balance. Results continue to refine over time.
Local Care
Breast Reconstruction in Suffolk & Hampton Roads
Dr. Helena Guarda proudly serves patients across Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and the greater Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our practice is located at 5131 River Club Drive, Suite 110, Suffolk, VA 23435 — convenient to coastal Virginia communities seeking breast reconstruction with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
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Considering Breast Reconstruction?
Your individual consultation with Dr. Guarda awaits. Call or send a message with any questions you may have.