Surgical Craftsmanship in the Service of Renewal

Patients seeking breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills are often navigating a complex emotional and medical journey. As such, restoring form after breast cancer surgery requires meticulous technique complemented by exceptional judgment, compassion, and artistry. It is not simply a matter of replacing what was lost, but thoughtfully rebuilding balance, proportion, and confidence in a way that feels authentic to the individual. Each reconstruction must therefore be approached with sensitivity to both the physical and emotional dimensions of healing. At his Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Garth Fisher approaches reconstruction with respect for individuality, highly curated surgical planning, and results that look innate rather than manufactured. Whether reconstruction occurs immediately after mastectomy or years later, every treatment plan is developed with careful attention to the patient’s anatomy, medical history, and long-term aesthetic outcome.

What Is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy (removal of the breast) or lumpectomy. The goal is to recreate a natural-looking breast mound and, whenever possible, restore symmetry with the remaining breast.

Modern reconstruction can be performed using:

  • Breast implants
  • Autologous tissue (flap reconstruction) using the patient’s own tissue
  • Hybrid techniques combining implants and natural tissue

Reconstruction restores breast contour by replacing lost volume and supporting the overlying skin envelope. Implants or transferred tissue create a new breast mound, while advanced surgical techniques preserve blood supply and optimize healing and aesthetics.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

By restoring breast form and contour, reconstruction often helps patients feel more comfortable in their bodies while moving forward after surgery.

Additional benefits include the following:

  • Better psychological well-being: Reconstruction has been associated with improved emotional health and reduced distress for some patients navigating recovery after breast cancer treatment.
  • Better overall quality of life: Research suggests that many women experience meaningful improvements in quality of life—including physical comfort, social confidence, and personal well-being—after reconstruction.
  • Opportunity for staged refinement: Additional procedures—such as fat grafting or nipple reconstruction—can further refine contour and symmetry over time, supporting a natural and harmonious result.
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Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

You may be a candidate for breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills if you:

  • Have undergone or are planning a mastectomy or lumpectomy
  • Are in stable health following breast cancer treatment
  • Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
  • Desire to restore breast shape and symmetry
  • Have sufficient tissue for reconstruction, or are a candidate for implant reconstruction

The best approach depends on factors such as radiation therapy, overall health, anatomy, and personal goals, all of which will be assessed during your initial consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Garth Fisher?

Over decades in Beverly Hills, Dr. Garth Fisher has built a reputation grounded in surgical excellence, ethical practice, and a commitment to advancing public understanding of plastic surgery.

Patients choose Dr. Fisher for several defining reasons:

  • Nationally recognized plastic surgeon: Dr. Fisher is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been consistently ranked among America’s leading cosmetic surgeons by peers and national publications.
  • A pioneer in public education about plastic surgery: As the first surgeon selected for ABC’s landmark television series Extreme Makeover, Dr. Fisher helped bring transparency and thoughtful discussion to cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for audiences around the world.
  • Decades of elite Beverly Hills experience: With a career spanning more than 3 decades, Dr. Fisher has refined a level of surgical judgment that comes only from performing thousands of complex aesthetic procedures.
  • Trusted by high-profile and international patients: From Hollywood figures to patients traveling from around the globe, individuals seek Dr. Fisher’s care for his discretion, professionalism, and consistently refined results.
  • A practice built on integrity and trust: Dr. Fisher’s philosophy prioritizes patient safety, honest consultation, and ethical surgical decision-making—principles that have shaped his reputation throughout Beverly Hills and beyond.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

During this meeting, Dr. Fisher reviews your medical history, cancer treatment plan, anatomy, and personal goals.

Topics discussed include:

  • Reconstruction options (implant vs. tissue reconstruction)
  • Surgical timing
  • Anticipated results
  • Risks and recovery timeline

Costs vary depending on surgical complexity and staging. In many cases, reconstruction following mastectomy may be covered by insurance under federal law.

Procedure

Although each surgery is customized, breast reconstruction typically involves several key steps:

  • Anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during surgery
  • Creation of the breast mound using either implants or autologous tissue
  • Shaping and contouring to match the opposite breast when possible
  • Additional stages (when needed) to refine symmetry or reconstruct the nipple and areola

Recovery and Results

Recovery varies depending on the technique used:

First 1–2 weeks

  • Swelling, bruising, and tightness are common
  • Most patients return to light daily activities

First 4–6 weeks

  • Gradual return to normal activity
  • Surgical tissues begin to settle

3–6 months

  • Breast shape refines as swelling resolves
  • Final contour becomes more visible

Alternative or Related Procedures

Some patients may consider additional procedures to refine results or address asymmetry:

  • Breast Revision Surgery: Corrects prior breast surgery results that did not meet expectations.
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy): May be used on the natural breast to improve symmetry.
  • Fat Grafting: Transfers small amounts of fat to refine contour or improve softness after reconstruction.
  • Flat Closure: Some patients choose not to reconstruct the breast and instead pursue a flat chest contour following mastectomy.

Your consultation with Dr. Fisher will determine which option aligns best with your medical history and personal goals.

Integrity You Can Trust

Breast reconstruction deserves the attention of a surgeon whose career has been shaped by discipline, compassion, and an uncompromising respect for the individual. Dr. Garth Fisher personally performs every surgery himself, bringing to each case the insight gained from decades in practice, formative training at UCLA, and mentorship under some of plastic surgery’s most revered names.

He has also spent years advancing patient education through The Naked Truth series and mentoring surgeons from around the world, reflecting a lifelong commitment to both excellence and transparency. If you are considering breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills, a private consultation with Dr. Fisher offers thoughtful guidance, honest answers, and a plan grounded in experience. Call today to schedule your consultation and take the next step with a surgeon trusted for both his judgment and his care.

FAQs

Will my reconstructed breasts feel exactly like my natural breasts?

Not exactly. While modern breast reconstruction can create a beautiful, natural-looking shape and contour, the feel and sensation will not be identical to your natural breast tissue. Implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction each feel different, and some areas of numbness or altered sensation are common after mastectomy and reconstruction. Over time, some patients notice partial sensory improvement, but expectations should remain realistic.

Can the nipple and areola be reconstructed, too?

Yes. For patients who want a more complete breast restoration, nipple-areola reconstruction can often be performed as a later stage once the breast mound has healed and settled. Depending on your anatomy and goals, this may involve local tissue reconstruction, tattooing for color, or a combination of both. Some patients also choose not to reconstruct the nipple, which is a personal decision.

How does radiation affect breast reconstruction?

Radiation can significantly impact tissue quality, healing, and the overall reconstructive strategy. It may increase tightness, scarring, firmness, and the risk of complications in implant-based reconstruction. For that reason, some patients who have had radiation—or are expected to need it—may be better candidates for flap-based reconstruction or a staged approach. This is one of the most important topics to address during consultation.

Can I still have reconstruction if I had my mastectomy years ago?

Yes. Breast reconstruction can often be performed long after a mastectomy. Some women pursue delayed reconstruction months or even years later, once cancer treatment is complete, life circumstances have changed, or they simply feel ready. The timing may affect which techniques are available, but delayed reconstruction remains a viable option for many patients.

Will both breasts need surgery for the best result?

Sometimes, yes. To improve symmetry, the natural breast may also benefit from a balancing procedure, such as a lift, reduction, or augmentation. This is not always necessary, but in certain cases it can make the final result look more proportionate and harmonious. The goal is not just reconstruction of one side, but a balanced overall outcome.

What are the risks of breast reconstruction?

As with any surgery, breast reconstruction involves potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, fluid accumulation, asymmetry, scarring, anesthesia-related risks, and the possibility of needing additional procedures.

Implant-based reconstruction can carry risks such as capsular contracture, implant malposition, or rupture over time, while flap procedures may involve longer surgery and healing, along with risks related to blood supply to the transferred tissue.

How many surgeries does breast reconstruction usually take?

That depends on the technique and the starting point. Some patients complete reconstruction in a single stage, while others require multiple surgeries spaced out over time. Tissue expander reconstruction, flap refinement, nipple reconstruction, fat grafting, and symmetry procedures may all occur in separate stages. Breast reconstruction is often best thought of as a process rather than a single event.

Will I need drains after surgery?

Possibly. Surgical drains are commonly used after mastectomy and many types of reconstruction to reduce fluid buildup during early healing. If drains are needed, you will be given detailed instructions on caring for them and when they are likely to be removed. While they are temporary, they are an important part of recovery for many patients.

Garth’s Legacy

Dr. Garth Fisher is a master in his field, a luxury cosmetic surgeon with unparalleled taste. His decades of experience and discriminating clientele make Dr. Fisher the only choice when it comes to top-tier cosmetic surgery in Beverly Hills. With his personalized service, compelling results and unrivaled privacy, Dr. Garth Fisher embodies the timeless tradition of bespoke personal service.

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