BREAST AESTHETICS

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Since 1998, Dr. Peter Capizzi has been dedicated to providing excellence in breast reconstruction that has been sought after by women in the North Carolina area and as far away as Costa Rica and the Caribeaan.

Breast Reconstruction is construction of the breast mound most commonly removed after mastectomy. Dr. Capizzi has also reconstructed breasts in women that have had partial removal of the breast resulting in asymmetry, radiated breast tissue, congenital absence or hypoplasia, and congenital asymmetry. Although women represent the largest group of patients, men with contour deformities have also been treated by Dr. Capizzi.

TISSUE EXPANDER RECONSTRUCTION

Tissue Expander Reconstruction is the most common method nationwide today for breast reconstruction and is the most common used by Dr. Capizzi in his practice. “I find that more women in my practice are treating both breasts and tissue expander/implant reconstruction can provide improved symmetry over the other methods available.” With experience of over 500 implant reconstructions and the ability in his practice to offer a wider selection of implants such as the gummy bear implant, Dr. Capizzi, has try to assure the most modern and advanced reconstruction option available.

First Stage: Tissue expanders and implants can be placed immediately at the time of mastectomy or later. “I see more expanders being placed now, because more women are unaware of the reconstruction options at the time of their surgery.” The expander can be placed as an outpatient in approximately 45 minutes per side. Recovery is relatively fast with most women back to activity and work within 48 hours. Expansions are done in our office, last about 15 minutes, and begin 2-3 weeks after placement of the expander. Once the expander is filled it then must be removed to allow placement of the implant.

Second Stage: The implant placement or second stage is done as an outpatient with similar recovery. At that time the expander is removed and Dr. Capizzi’s practice can offer the replacement with gel, saline, or gummy bear implants. Dr. Capizzi has been a co investigator for the gummy bear since 2006 and has placed over 100 for reconstruction purposes.

Nipple reconstruction is most often done by Dr. Capizzi at the second stage. Nipple reconstruction skin is obtained at the nipple site.

TRAM

With over 500 TRAM flaps constructed in the past 12 years, Dr. Capizzi has the experience to help a woman decide if a tissue type of reconstruction is right for her. Dr. Capizzi was trained at the Mayo Clinic and did additional breast reconstruction training.

Delayed or immediate, full pedicle, muscle sparing, free, and perforator flaps (SGAP/DIEP) are all familiar reconstruction methods to Dr. Capizzi and his staff. Most women that desire a tissue type of reconstruction without an implant require a muscle sparing technique. The TRAM is done in approximately 3-4 hours with an overnight stay in the hospital.

LATISSIMUS DORSI

This method of reconstruction was the grandfather of reconstruction and became very popular in the 1970s and decreased in popularity in the 80s and 90s with the advent of tissue expanders and TRAM reconstruction methods. However, today, it has undergone a resurgence to treat women that have had partial mastectomy and radiotherapy. Dr. Capizzi has done many latissimus reconstructions and in the past 3 years has become the second most common type of reconstruction in his practice. Tissue expanders can be used in this type of reconstruction to add additional fullness.

The latissimus reconstruction can be done in approximately 2 hours for one side. Most often a women is on observation overnight and home the next day.

ACELLULAR DERMIS

Dr. Capizzi was one of the first in the Charlotte to attend the training for the use of acellular dermis (Alloderm) in breast reconstruction. Most often this is used with tissue expander reconstruction to allow for better redraping of the skin over the pocket, creates a pocket to allow for expansion at the time of surgery, and quickens recovery by eliminating the need of additional muscle use.

PRACTICE

Dr. Capizzi’s practice, noted for excellence in breast surgery and body contouring, have evaluated women with previous saline and silicone implants that have difficulty breast appearance concerns and implant concerns such has movement under the arm, mismatch size, asymmetry, visual folds, deflation, reconstruction for breast cancer, or seeking the most advancement implant possibly on the market.

It is commonplace for discriminating plastic surgery patients to search around the country - and even the world - to find the best plastic surgeon to meet their needs. Dr. Capizzi and Stillwater Plastic Surgery, P.A. have grown to become a practice that is sought out for excellence in breast surgery, breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, body contouring after weight loss, liposuction, tummy tucks, and facelifts. We also are accustomed to helping local patients "get lost" for a few days.

CONSULT

If a consultation is desired, photos can be sent to Dr. Capizzi by either e-mail or snail mail. With the photos in front of him, Dr. Capizzi will consult with a patient on the phone and create a surgical plan. Your evaluation will be as thorough and as detailed as to answer all of your concerns and questions.

Dr. Capizzi’s entire staff is accustomed to meeting the needs of out of town patients. In particular, his Patient Coordinator will help you as necessary with travel arrangements, limousines, hotels, preoperative clearance, and your postoperative care. Typically, the doctor will want to see you in person the day before your plastic surgery to review your case and to complete your examination and consultation.

Dr. Capizzi has been trained at the Mayo Clinic and maintains a close personal relationship with their plastic surgery department. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized to credential plastic surgeons. He is a member of many professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons. He has also been the Chairman of Department of Plastic Surgery for the Presbyterian Hospitals in Charlotte, since 2003.

If you are interested in breast reconstruction in the Charlotte area, please call for our patient coordinator for a consultation. Feel free to review our Tissue Expander Timeline for more information.

View Video on Breast Reconstructions