Breast Reconstruction Houston – FAQs
Do I have to choose breast reconstruction immediately after mastectomy?
No. Breast reconstruction surgery can be done right away (immediate reconstruction) or delayed until after cancer treatment, even months or years later. We’ll help you choose the right timing based on your medical needs and personal preferences.
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
Yes. Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), most commercial insurance plans are required to cover breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy, including surgeries on the opposite breast for symmetry. We are in-network with many major plans and will help you navigate the approval process.
Can I still have breast reconstruction after radiation or failed implants?
Yes. Many women come to us after radiation or previous implant complications. Our team specializes in flap-based and revision breast reconstruction to correct past results or offer new options when implants aren’t ideal.
What if I only had one breast removed; can you match the other side?
Yes. Many women come to us after radiation or previous implant complications. Our team specializes in flap-based and revision breast reconstruction to correct past results or offer new options when implants aren’t ideal.
Do you offer nipple and areola reconstruction?
Yes. We provide both surgical nipple creation and 3D areola tattooing. These procedures are often the final step in breast reconstruction and help many women feel emotionally complete.
How do I get started with breast reconstruction in Houston?
Call us at (832) 582-8114 or schedule your consultation online. We typically offer appointments within 48 hours for active cancer patients and can coordinate directly with your care team. Murillo Plastic Surgery welcomes patients from all across the Houston area, including The Woodlands, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, and Pearland. We also care for women traveling from out of state and abroad.
Will my reconstructed breasts look natural and match each other?
Our goal is to create a natural, symmetrical result that helps you feel confident in your body again. We can shape the reconstructed breast to match your existing one, or perform a breast lift, breast reduction, or breast augmentation on the opposite side to improve symmetry.
How long is recovery after breast reconstruction surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the breast reconstruction techniques used. Implant-based breast reconstruction generally has a quicker recovery time (2–4 weeks), while flap reconstruction may take 4–6 weeks. We’ll give you a clear, personalized recovery timeline based on your procedure.
What are the best breast reconstruction options if I don’t want implants?
Absolutely. We offer symmetry procedures, such as breast lift, reduction, or augmentation, on the remaining breast to ensure a balanced, natural appearance.
Is breast reconstruction right for me if I’ve already finished cancer treatment?
Yes. Even if you finished treatment years ago, it’s never too late to explore your options. Many of our patients come to us long after their initial diagnosis, ready to take the next step toward healing and wholeness.
Pain Management Houston – FAQs
I am concerned that the procedure I want will be painful.
Is there anything you can do for this? Each procedure is different for every patient. Some of our cases are performed under local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is where the physician will inject Lidocaine to a site to completely numb the area prior to the case. This is for small areas such as mole removal, suturing, etc. Conscious sedation is generally described as a ‘twilight’ stage. The patient is given a combination of medications to help them relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during the procedure.
You will be so relaxed you may sleep through the entire procedure. Conscious sedation allows you to recover quickly and return to your everyday activities soon after your procedure. General anesthesia is performed in an operating room by a licensed anesthesiologist. You will be entirely asleep throughout the case. We will attach monitors to make sure your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation status are appropriate and monitored at all times. Some of our multi-procedure cases are completed under general anesthesia.
Our concern for your well-being does not stop when the procedure is complete. You will be sent home on medication to assist you with pain relief. In the event you are still uncomfortable, our staff will be available to you to assist in your pain management needs. If you are already being seen by a pain clinic we will need to know prior to surgery to coordinate the appropriate medication regimen to meet your needs.
Breast Augmentation Houston – FAQs
Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Women who are seeking fuller breasts, women who want to enhance their overall feminine figure, women who want to restore their breasts to pre-pregnancy or pre-weight-loss shape, and women who have developed asymmetry in the breasts may be good candidates for breast augmentation.
How long does the procedure take?
Surgery time is usually 1.5-2 hours and is completed under general anesthesia.
What are the Realistic Recovery Expectations?
The patient can expect to go home the same day as the surgery. She may return to work within 3-7 days on light duty. The patient may begin light exercise after one week and more strenuous exercise after the 4th week. You can expect breast swelling and tenderness for the first two weeks, and will start seeing improvement thereafter.
What will I need to complete during the post-operative period?
The postoperative period encompasses the time right after surgery. You will need to wear a surgical bra for a few weeks after the surgery. This will help with healing and any pain or discomfort you might have. In some cases, postoperative antibiotics may be recommended. We will see you one week after your surgery to remove any sutures, assess your progress, and answer any questions you may have. You will also need to massage the breast a few times a day to help soften the appearance and feel in the long-term results.
What type of implants do you offer?
We offer silicone and saline implants in regular, moderate, high, and ultra high profile. Dr. Murillo will take the time do discuss which implant would be most appropriate for your body type during the consultation.
Can breast augmentation be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. Breast augmentation is often combined with a breast lift in order to increase breast size, while improving breast contours and asymmetries. In addition, breast augmentation may also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as inverted nipple correction, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift) Houston – FAQs
Is there anything that can be done for sagging breasts?
Many women experience natural changes in the size, shape, and position of their breasts over time. As skin ages, it loses elasticity and firmness. Hormonal changes, pregnancies, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can also lead to unwanted changes in the breasts. Not only can sagging breasts make some women feel self-conscious about their figure, but they can also cause physical strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, as well as rashes and yeast infections underneath the breasts. A breast lift (mastopexy) can help raise breasts into a more youthful position, while improving breast shape and symmetry.
What can a breast lift do for me?
A mastopexy can lift the breasts into a more youthful position, correct sagging, improve breast shape, reposition the nipple, and reduce the size of the nipple as well.
Am I a candidate for breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty)?
What can this do for me? Particularly large and heavy breasts can create both aesthetic and physical concerns for women. While some women are self-conscious about a disproportionately top-heavy figure, other women may experience physical symptoms as well. Heavy and pendulous breasts can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain. Additionally, when heavy breasts rest on the chest, moisture may be trapped, leading to chronic skin rashes and infections underneath the breasts. Heavy breasts may also induce lethargy and reduce the ability to exercise. In certain cases, insurance may cover breast reduction surgery to alleviate these medical conditions.
Breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) can address both physical and aesthetic concerns. by removing fat, breast tissue, and skin to reduce the size and weight of the breasts. Breast reduction is often combined with breast lift surgery in order to elevate and reshape the breasts to give you a more balanced and youthful-looking figure. At Murillo Plastic Surgery, we understand that breast reduction surgery is a highly personal decision. While some women may desire only a slight decrease in breast size, others may seek a more significant reduction, as well as lifting and re-contouring. We offer a full range of options so that you can choose the procedure that works best for your specific needs.
Will insurance cover breast reduction surgery?
Insurance may cover breast reduction surgery if the surgery is intended to treat medical conditions. We will discuss whether your condition may be covered by insurance during your initial consultation. If your condition fulfills the medical requirements for insurance coverage, it usually takes 2-6 months to receive approval from the insurance company. If the insurance carrier determines that the procedure is cosmetic, they will not cover it. We will do our best to help you navigate through this process.
What kind of anesthesia will be used for my procedure?
Breast reduction is completed in an operating room under general anesthesia.
What can I expect after surgery?
Liposuction Houston – FAQs
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise. The best candidates for liposuction will be near their normal body weight, with good skin tone and elasticity. Liposuction is an excellent option for people who wish to shape and sculpt their bodies by removing localized areas of excess fat. Liposuction is particularly helpful to treat areas that have not responded to traditional weight loss or exercise.
What can liposuction do for me?
Remove excess fat from targeted areas in the body, neck, and face. Liposuction can sculpt and shape the body, treat fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, and eliminate tummy bulges, saddle bags, and love handles. Liposuction is also used to reduce enlarged male breasts.
Can fat removed during liposuction be used for natural fat grafting?
Yes. One of the most exciting advancements in liposuction technology is the ability to allow patients to use their own natural fat to help smooth lines and wrinkles in the face or enhance volume in other body areas, such as the buttocks. During natural fat grafting (also called autologous fat grafting), fat gently removed during liposuction is prepared and carefully reinjected into areas that may benefit from increased volume. Natural fat may also be used as an excellent alternative to temporary tissue fillers, in order to reduce the signs of aging and restore youthful contours in the face, and volumize other areas, such as the buttocks.
What can I expect after liposuction?
Face Lift Houston – FAQs
What can a face lift do for me?
A face lift will reduce the signs of aging, tighten loose and sagging skin, elevate skin to a more youthful position, smooth wrinkles and creases, correct jowling, improve jaw definition, and improve overall facial contours for a rejuvenated you.
What can I expect after facelift surgery?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling and bruising for 1-2 weeks after your procedure. Most patients report mild to moderate pain after the surgery, which is usually well-controlled with medications.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Houston – FAQs
What is an abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen that may accumulate after pregnancy, obesity, or age. During this procedure, abdominal muscles that may have become stretched out over time are tightened to allow the patient to have a flat, youthful-looking abdomen.
Am I a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
A good tummy tuck patient must be in good health, not have any active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of their surgery. An “ideal” patient would have incredibly elastic skin. Normally, women seek this procedure after pregnancy, although it is advised to wait until you are finished having children to have this procedure, as the skin and muscles can get stretched out again, as well as the dangers of your newly taut skin being unable to accommodate another pregnancy. Also, if you are considering losing weight, you should wait until after your desired weight is met. You may need additional surgery to remove the excess skin after you have lost the desired weight, which would mean that the money spent on the previous abdominoplasty would be wasted, and your skin can only be stretched so much.
What should I expect postoperatively?
You are usually able to walk immediately after surgery and are encouraged to do so 3 or 4 times per day for 1-2 minutes each time. The skin of the abdomen will be quite tight, and you are usually instructed to remain bent over at least 45 degrees for the first 4 to 5 days after surgery. Patients will often note some back discomfort due to the 45-degree positioning for 4-5 days after surgery, so ask your surgeon about muscle relaxants or valium.
The drains that have been placed will generally be removed 4 to 14 days after surgery.
At the end of 4 days, the patient may begin to straighten up, and by six days post-op, may or may not be fully straight. You should take it easy for at least two weeks after surgery. While the drains are in, you will be on bed rest with a very small amount of walking as outlined above. An abdominal pressure garment may be placed around you during one of your post-operative appointments, and you may be instructed to wear this for 3 to 6 weeks. Some swelling and discoloration are normal, but generally this is minimal. Of cours,e this is dependent upon the individual.
Is there much pain associated with Abdominoplasty?
The amount of pain associated with this procedure is quite variable. Some patients note a moderate amount of discomfort, and for some, it is more intense. But certainly, there is some discomfort. Patients will often note some back discomfort due to the 45-degree positioning for 4-5 days after surgery. Valium is sometimes given to alleviate muscle spasms of the back and for relaxation and as a sleep aid, in general.
When can I return to work?
Logistics Houston – FAQs
I do not live in Houston. How long will I have to stay in Houston after my surgery?
Most patients are asked to stay in Houston for about 1 week after surgery. We can assist you in setting up post-operative care and in obtaining accommodations at a nearby hotel.
When will I be able to go back to work after surgery?
Depending upon the procedure, you will be able to go back to work 1-2 weeks after surgery.