Breast Reconstruction in Fort Worth
If You’re Considering Breast Reconstruction in Fort Worth…
Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Frequently, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy), so the patient wakes up with a breast mound already in place, having been spared the experience of seeing herself with no breast at all.
But bear in mind, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is not a simple procedure. There are often many options to consider as you and plastic surgeon Dr. Kiran Polavarapu, explore what’s best for you.
This information will give you a basic understanding of the breast surgery procedure – when it’s appropriate, how it’s done, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your surgeon if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.
I was referred to Dr Polavarapu by my breast surgeon for reconstructive surgery to accompany a mastectomy.
She is kind, compassionate and extensively knowledgeable in her field. Her profession excites her and she is totally committed to providing the best outcome for each patient using the latest technology.
Her staff are equally kind and compassionate. I find her mentoring her staff in all aspects of her practice.
It’s clear they all enjoy working with each other. Such a joy. Highly recommended
Gennie McPeak
a month ago
Breast Reconstruction Benefits
Benefits of breast reconstruction surgery include those that are psychological, emotional, physical, and functional. For example, emotionally speaking, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy helps people to heal from their traumatic experience and move forward.
Psychologically, this procedure helps to improve a person’s self-confidence and self-esteem, enhancing the patient’s quality of life. Breast reconstruction surgery creates a more symmetrical look. Clothes fit more smoothly, feeding into the feelings of confidence and self-esteem. Plus, ultimately, having a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy can provide a sense of completion for patients.
The Best Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for reconstruction, many at the same time that the breast is removed. The best candidates, however, are women whose cancer, as far as can be determined, seems to have been eliminated by mastectomy.
Still, there are legitimate reasons to wait. Many women aren’t comfortable weighing all the options while they’re struggling to cope with a diagnosis of cancer. Others simply don’t want to have any more surgery than is absolutely necessary. Some patients may be advised by their surgeons to wait, particularly if the breast is being rebuilt in a more complicated procedure using flaps of skin and underlying tissue. Women with other health conditions, such as obesity, high blood pressure, or smoking, may also be advised to wait.
In any case, being informed of your reconstruction options before surgery can help you prepare for a mastectomy with a more positive outlook for the future.
Why Choose Dr. Polavarapu As Your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon in Fort Worth
Dr. Polavarapu, a board-certified plastic surgeon, graduated at the top of her high school class, receiving an award granted each year to only two students in Texas: the Wendy’s Heisman Award. At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she completed her medical degree, being one of only a few out-of-state students accepted in the accelerated BA-MD program. Next, she completed her general surgery residency at the Harvard teaching program at Beth Israel Deaconess and her plastic surgery program at Louisiana State University.
Dr. Polavarapu received fellowship training at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery under Dr. Donald Wood-Smith, the internationally respected Manhattan plastic surgeon. She is one of Fort Worth’s best plastic surgeons, recognized in 2025 (for the fourth time) by Fort Worth Magazine as a Top Doctor among numerous other awards.
What You Can Expect During Breast Reconstruction Plastic Surgery
After consulting with Dr. Polavarapu and deciding to proceed with your breast reconstruction in Fort Worth, you will receive detailed information about the procedure and recovery process, whether having the DIEP flap reconstruction or the expander/implant method breast reconstruction surgery.
Here are the differences between the two modern approaches to breast reconstruction used by Dr. Polovarapu.
DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
DIEP stands for deep inferior epigastric perforator. With this procedure, DIEP flap surgeons transfer tissue (skin, fat, and blood vessels; sometimes nerves; but no muscle) from the abdominal area to the chest. Then, blood vessels get reconnected, providing a blood supply to the constructed breasts.
A key advantage of the DIEP flap reconstruction is the shorter recovery time because muscle isn’t moved. In a related type of breast reconstruction surgery (the TRAM flap reconstruction), muscle is moved and transplanted, and the recovery time becomes more significant. A DIEP flap reconstruction also comes with fewer hernia risks when compared to TRAM.
DIEP is often the breast reconstruction surgery method of choice for many women. This includes those who have undergone radiation and those whose implants have failed.
Expander/Implant Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The expander/implant breast reconstruction approach is a reasonably straightforward use of a temporary silicone breast implant that’s placed beneath the skin or muscle of the chest by the area that needs repair. The expander features a small valve that can be filled with air or liquid, stretching the skin and thereby naturally expanding the amount of tissue your breast reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Polavarapu, can use to implant or recreate a breast. This also forms a tissue pocket in which Dr. Polavarapu can insert a breast implant. During the actual breast reconstruction surgery, the extender, no longer needed, is removed.
Benefits of the expander/implant breast reconstruction approach include a faster surgery and a reasonably quick recovery. Plus, this won’t create abdominal scars where tissue was removed to construct breasts.
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
A DIEP flap reconstruction can take up to six or eight hours with a hospital day for a day or two. Individual recovery times can somewhat vary. Your plastic surgeon, Dr. Polavarapu, will provide you with the recovery garments required along with prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medicine, and other medications needed.
As you recover, eat a healthy, balanced diet that ensures enough quality protein; drink plenty of water; and walk regularly. This, along with the potential use of a stool softener (Dr. Polavarapu will advise you on the specifics), can help you to avoid constipation. A healthy diet also helps to ensure that you don’t gain weight during recovery.
Follow Dr. Polavarapu’s instructions about exercise, including housework, gradually increasing participation. You can typically return to light-duty work between four and six weeks post-mastectomy reconstruction surgery, depending on your job requirements.
Recovery from the extender-implant mastectomy reconstruction procedure is more streamlined with Dr. Polavarapu providing instructions for optimal healing. This will include prescription medications, support garments, and restrictions on activities as needed.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
Many women who must lose a breast to cancer can have it rebuilt through reconstructive surgery. But there are risks associated with any surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.
In general, the usual problems of surgery, such as bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia, can occur although they’re relatively uncommon. And, as with any surgery, smokers should be advised that nicotine can delay healing, resulting in scars, infection, wounds, and prolonged recovery. Occasionally, these complications are severe enough to require a second operation.
If an implant is used, there is a remote possibility that an infection will develop. In some of these cases, the implant may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new implant can later be inserted.
The most common problem, capsular contracture, occurs if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard.
Women who postpone reconstruction may go through a period of emotional readjustment. Just as it took time to get used to the loss of a breast, a woman may feel anxious and confused as she begins to think of the reconstructed breast as her own.
Schedule a Mastectomy Reconstruction Consultation
To get started, reach out for a professional consultation online or by calling 817-615-8576. Dr. Polavarapu will listen carefully to your wants and needs for a breast reconstruction in Fort Worth, recommending the best approach for those goals. She’ll describe the surgical process and recovery in detail and answer all of your questions.
RECOGNITION
RealSelf Top Doctor Award (2014-Current)
BOARD - CERTIFIED
PUBLICATIONS
Narra, Kiran. “A New Approach to Nipple Reconstruction: The Modified S-Flap : Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.” LWWPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2008/08000/a_new_approach_to_nipple_reconstruction__the.87.aspx. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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Contact
Polavarapu Plastic Surgery is conveniently located on Edwards Ranch Road near the Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. To schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Polavarapu, please get in touch with us online, call 817-615-8576 or stop by our office.
Hours of Operation:
Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
Friday 8:30 AM–12:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday Closed
We look forward to seeing you.
