Case #1301 · Glendale, California
Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction
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This 51-year-old patient from Glendale, California underwent a bilateral mastectomy with Cassileth one- stage breast implant reconstruction. Nipple-areolar reconstruction and fat grafting performed at second surgery. She is so happy that her breasts look completely natural as if
Continued care
Recommended aftercare, skincare, and MedSpa services for Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction.
- Lymphatic drainage massage starting week 2
- Compression garment for 4–6 weeks
- Scar management protocol at 3 weeks
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to raise tissue oxygen and support skin and incision healing, particularly with prior radiation or a compromised blood supply
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic for scar healing
- Medical-grade silicone sheeting
- SPF 50+ on incision sites
- Laser or microneedling for scar refinement after 3 months
- LED light therapy to accelerate healing
- Indiba radiofrequency for tissue recovery
- Aftercare
Bilateral HBOT protocol, 10–15 sessions over the first 6 weeks.
Bilateral procedures heal more reliably with sustained HBOT.
- Coordination
Imaging cadence reviewed against the oncology plan at the 3-month visit.
Post-mastectomy patients stay on a long-term surveillance pathway.
- Aftercare
Early lymphatic massage protocol initiated in the first week of recovery.
Lymphatic disruption from axillary work makes early drainage more valuable.
Why this approach
The decisions that shaped this surgical plan.
- Oncology and reconstruction planned together rather than in sequence, the mastectomy pattern was selected to leave the best possible foundation for the reconstructive technique that followed.
- Bilateral approach chosen to keep the planning, the tissue response, and the aesthetic outcome consistent between sides.
Pre-op preparation
What to do before surgery. Specific to this case.
- Discontinue blood thinners (NSAIDs, aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E) two weeks out. Acetaminophen remains safe; the full list is reviewed at pre-op.
- Full nicotine cessation 6 weeks pre- and post-op. This includes vapes and nicotine replacement products; the constriction effect is the same.
- No overhead clothing for 3 weeks. Stock front-zip tops, supportive sports bras (post-clearance), and the drain pouches we provide.
- Day-of transport and an overnight companion (24 hours minimum) are required for discharge.
- Surgical date confirmed against oncology pathway. Imaging and pathology results are reconciled by the team at the pre-op visit.
Recovery timeline
Milestones specific to this case. Individual recovery varies.
- Day 1–7
First week prioritizes drain care, walking short distances, and avoiding any overhead reaching. Multi-modal pain control keeps narcotic use brief.
- Week 2
Walking distance doubles. Showering rules relax. Compression garments transition to the long-wear schedule.
- Week 4
Return to most low-impact activity. Scar massage, compression, and skincare protocols pick up.
- Week 6
Most physical restrictions lift. Return to strength training, full-impact cardio, and overhead lifting.
- Month 3
Oncology follow-up timed with the surgical check. Tissue settled enough to assess reconstruction symmetry.
- Month 6
Reconstruction or combo result reaches its mature appearance. Any planned refinement step is timed for this window.
“Reconstructing the breasts at the same time as mastectomy eliminates the risks of multiple surgeries and, more importantly, helps minimize the sense of loss.”
Dr. Lisa Cassileth
