Breast Reconstruction in Charlotte, NC

Name: Breast Reconstruction
Brand: Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa
Rating: 4.8 (458 reviews)

Breast reconstruction can help restore both confidence and comfort after mastectomy or injury. With advanced surgical techniques, patients can achieve natural-looking results that honor their individuality and support emotional and physical healing.

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Breast Reconstruction in Charlotte

At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, our surgeons offer several different types of surgical procedures to restore breasts for women in need of this reaffirming procedure.

Reasons for Breast Reconstruction

There are several conditions that may lead to the need for breast reconstruction. Whether the cause of the condition is the result of a mastectomy after breast cancer or prophylactic mastectomy, or congenital, such as Poland's Syndrome, breast reconstruction surgery is a wonderful option for women to help restore the look and feel of a natural breast.

Personalized Care at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa

There is no one right reconstructive plan for women who need breast reconstruction. Dr. Kara Criswell and Dr. Bryan Criswell have each performed thousands of breast reconstructions for over 20 years, and they understand this is a personal decision. Our doctors will offer guidance through the preoperative and postoperative process of this important surgery.

We offer individualized information about breast reconstruction to help you consider this very personal decision. We encourage you to call to make an appointment with either Dr. Kara Criswell or Dr. Bryan Criswell to further discuss which option is best for you.

Schedule A Consultation

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Your Options

Breast reconstruction is most often performed in multiple stages. It can be performed as immediate reconstruction (in the same surgery as the mastectomy), or as delayed reconstruction, occurring months or even years after the mastectomy. Breast reconstruction typically involves several procedures over many months. We want our patients undergoing breast reconstruction to understand each stage. Our surgeons are committed to focusing on patient care and producing the most positive outcomes at every stage.

Breast Reconstruction With Implants

For many patients, breast reconstruction with implants is the most effective way to rebuild the breast tissue. The first stage often involves placing a tissue expander beneath your chest muscles. This expander is a balloon-like device. Over time, saline fluid is added to inflate the expander and stretch the skin.

The expansion takes place over a few weeks to months, with regular office visits. Eventually, the skin and muscle are stretched sufficiently so that there is room for the placement of breast implants.

Implant Placement Stage

Stage two involves placing the implant. The balloon expander is removed, and your surgeon will then insert a breast implant. The implant can be saline-filled or silicone gel (‘gummy bear’ style). The choice of the type of implant is between you and your surgeon, but generally, gel implants can provide more natural look and feel.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

Stage three involves the reconstruction of your nipple and areola. Skin from the central portion of the breast is used to recreate the nipple structure. This is generally performed as a separate surgery a few weeks after placement of the implant.

With the style of nipple reconstructive that our surgeons use, once your surgeon has surgically created the nipple and areola, the reconstruction is complete. On occasion, some women may have an improved result by having the area tattooed for a more natural color match. In these cases, Dr. Criswell uses a medical tattoo device to permanently color the areola. This is done in the office over one or two sessions.

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Breast Reconstruction Revision

After undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, one hopes that they will no longer have problems in the future. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because every patient is living with unique issues, and only a complete evaluation will reveal the procedure that will be necessary for a revision.

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Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction

This procedure uses muscle, skin, and fat from the upper back to rebuild the breast. It provides a natural look and feel, often combined with an implant for desired volume. The latissimus flap is a reliable option for patients with limited abdominal tissue or those needing reconstruction after radiation therapy.

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Tissue Expander Implant Reconstruction

This common reconstruction method begins with placing a tissue expander beneath the chest muscle to gradually stretch the skin. Once the area is ready, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant, creating a natural breast shape with a shorter recovery time than flap procedures.

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DIEP Flap Reconstruction

The DIEP flap procedure uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen to create a soft, natural breast without sacrificing muscle. Because it preserves core strength and has excellent aesthetic results, it is a preferred choice for many patients seeking a more natural reconstruction using their own tissue.

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Tram Flap Breast Reconstruction

The TRAM flap technique rebuilds the breast using tissue from the lower abdomen. It can create a natural contour while also providing a “tummy tuck” effect. This approach is ideal for patients who prefer reconstruction with their own tissue and are comfortable with a longer recovery time.

Nipple / Areola Reconstruction

This final stage of breast reconstruction restores the nipple and areola, completing the aesthetic journey. Techniques may include local tissue rearrangement, skin grafting, or tattooing to achieve symmetry and natural color, helping patients feel fully restored and confident in their results.

Your Self-Image

In many cases, after a mastectomy, the loss of a breast (or breasts) is very emotional. Restoring your womanly curves can be very important to your feelings of confidence and self-image.

Restoring Confidence After Cancer

We have worked with many, many women who need breast reconstruction, and we recognize the importance of this procedure to their overall feelings of confidence and the ability to move forward after breast cancer. Natural-looking, soft, rounded breasts, including nipples that appear natural, are all possible with modern surgical techniques. We invite you to meet with us to find out more.

I had a breast reduction done by Dr. Bryan Criswell at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. My recovery has gone very smoothly, and my results already look amazing.

Dr. Kara Criswell was both professional and caring. I went to her for a BBL and could not be happier with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell and will most definitely be going back to her for future procedures!

My experience with Dr. Kara and her staff has been amazing. They all are so caring and helpful. After my breast reduction, she continued to call and check on me. I am extremely satisfied with everything.

I love Dr. Criswell and his staff. 3-4 years after he did my neck lift and tummy tuck, I am still doing great. What a boost to my self-esteem! He is very honest and direct, and he ensured that everything went well.

Dr Criswell and the team were extremely kind and professional and went above and beyond for me during my liposuction. I am now 3 months post-op and get so many compliments about my midsection. I am very happy with the results. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Bryan Criswell performed my Lower Abdominal Lipo and Butt Augmentation and he gave me exactly what I wanted and more. His staff is absolutely amazing and the quality of the work is priceless. I absolutely love my results and I get a lot of compliments!

I had reconstructive surgery following my bi-lateral mastectomy after my breast cancer diagnosis. Dr Criswell has been my surgeon and ally and my cheerleader ever since! I am beyond pleased with the services of Criswell and Criswell.

Dr Criswell was phenomenal. I got a tummy tuck and am now almost four months post op and am so thrilled with my results. I wore a bikini for the first time in 20+ years!! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Dr. Kara Criswell is fantastic! She listens to your concerns and honestly tells you your surgical options and the possible outcomes. I just had a breast reduction that she performed and I am thrilled with the results!

This was absolutely the best experience I could have ever imagined for my Breast Augmentation with Dr. Criswell. The doctors and staff are wonderful and I am very pleased with the results.

I have been going to Criswell & Criswell for different services since 2022. The staff is so kind, so happy and easy to talk to and makes every experience great. I’ve also been happy with every service I’ve ever received!

My experience with Criswell & Criswell has been nothing short of amazing. From the first call (zoom) last year I knew that I had made the right decision. Dr Criswell and his staff are awesome.

I have only had a virtual appointment so far. Dr. Criswell was professional, knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. I enjoyed meeting him!!

Dr. Kara Criswell is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen! I really wanted a female surgeon and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

All was excellent! Dr Kara Criswell and her staff wonderfully collaborated to carry my medical intervention!

From the reception staff to the doctor, everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable.

Dr. Criswell and his staff are top notch! Very kind and professional.

I had a virtual appointment with Dr Bryan Criswell yesterday. He is fabulous!!

Dr Criswell is always Amazing. They have beautiful offices and operating rooms. The staff is always exceptionally helpful and kind.

Incredible Experience & Beautiful, Natural Results Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

From consult to recovery, the care was incredible.

They made me feel cared for, not just treated.

They treated me like family from start to finish.

My results are amazing and I am so happy.

They made me feel comfortable and confident.

Incredible experience and beautiful, natural results.

Everything turned out perfect and looks so natural.

The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare was amazing.

How to Choose a Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

The Importance of Trust and Connection

When a woman needs breast reconstruction, it can be an emotional issue, and finding the right surgeon could not be more important. At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we are proud of the many referrals we get from cancer surgeons and specialists, and the trust they place in our knowledge, skills, and results.

What to Look For in a Surgeon

To choose a surgeon, it is advised that you meet personally with the surgeon so you feel comfortable and confident. Take the time to review photographic images of prior breast reconstruction surgeries.

Discuss all your questions and concerns.

Breast reconstruction is a highly personal, important matter, and you want to be completely confident that your surgeon cares about you as an individual and will do everything possible to produce the results that you envision. At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we genuinely care about our patients and are proud to be asked to help them move forward with breast reconstruction.

Community Resources for Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors

Charlotte has many wonderful resources for women with breast cancer. Carolinas Breast Friends is one of them. It is a non-profit organization committed to uniting and helping women with breast cancer in all stages of survival. The organization centers on those who want to create a social and educational outlet for women united in a sisterhood of survival and hope. We invite you to find out more about this important group.