Breast Reconstruction in Tampa, FL

Restore your confidence, comfort, and natural contours

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Rebuilding More Than Just the Breast

For many women who have undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be one of the most empowering decisions in the healing process. At Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we understand the deeply personal nature of this journey and provide advanced breast reconstruction procedures in Tampa that restore natural appearance—and confidence—with compassion and care. Dr. Joshua Kreithen is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. With years of experience and artistry, he creates results that look and feel natural while honoring each patient’s unique needs.

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Why Choose Breast Reconstruction?

Restores breast symmetry and shape after mastectomy
Supports emotional healing and body confidence
Allows more natural fit in clothing and swimwear
Can ease discomfort in intimate situations
Often covered by insurance after cancer-related surgery

Whether you choose immediate or delayed reconstruction, we’ll walk with you through every step.

Schedule a Consultation

What Are My Options?

Immediate Reconstruction

Performed during or shortly after mastectomy—often in the same surgical session.

Delayed Reconstruction

Performed months or years later. Ideal for women still undergoing treatment or those needing time to consider their options.

Common Breast Reconstruction Techniques

Tissue Expansion with Implant Placement

A balloon expander is placed beneath chest muscle
Gradual inflation over 1–6 weeks stretches the skin
A second surgery replaces the expander with a permanent implant
The nipple and areola can be recreated in a later step

Flap Reconstruction

Uses tissue from the abdomen, back, or thighs
Can be tunneled under the skin or transferred with microsurgery
May be used with or without an implant
Provides a natural-feeling breast mound using your own tissue

Dr. Kreithen will determine the best option for you based on your anatomy, lifestyle, cancer treatment, and personal preferences.

What If I’m Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiation?

Reconstruction is still possible—but may require careful coordination:

Chemotherapy: May delay your surgery or healing timeline
Radiation: Increases risk of complications with implants (e.g., capsular contracture); flap techniques may be preferred

Your oncologist and Dr. Kreithen will collaborate to create a safe and effective plan.

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What to Expect During Consultation

At our Tampa location, you’ll meet privately with Dr. Kreithen to:

Review your medical and surgical history
Discuss your goals, timeline, and expectations
Examine your chest and donor areas if flap surgery is being considered
Learn about incision placement, recovery, and follow-up procedures
Explore reconstructive techniques tailored to your needs

You’ll also meet with our patient coordinator to review costs, insurance details, and surgical planning.

How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost?

Most breast reconstruction surgeries related to mastectomy are covered by insurance. We’ll help you:

Verify coverage
Navigate authorizations
Coordinate with your general or oncologic surgeon

Any potential out-of-pocket costs will be outlined clearly during your consultation.

Recovery & Follow-Up

After Surgery:

1–2 nights in the hospital (depending on technique)
Drains may be placed and removed after 1–2 weeks
Sutures removed in 7–10 days
Discomfort managed with medication

Downtime:

Back to work in 2–3 weeks (varies)
Avoid heavy lifting, overhead reaching, or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks
Most scars fade significantly over time, though they will not disappear completely

Sensation:

Some numbness is normal
Over time, partial sensation may return

What Are the Risks?

Though rare, risks may include:

Bleeding or fluid buildup
Infection (especially with implants)
Implant-related complications (e.g., capsular contracture)
Delayed wound healing, especially in smokers
Need for revision surgery or breast symmetry procedures

Dr. Kreithen takes every measure to minimize these risks and support your recovery with expert post-op care.

Additional Procedures

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Fat grafting for shape refinement
Breast lift or reduction on the opposite breast for symmetry

Each follow-up step will be discussed at the appropriate time in your recovery process.

Why Choose Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery in Tampa?

Board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive breast reconstruction experience
Compassionate, individualized approach to care
AAAASF-accredited surgical suite and hospital privileges
Close coordination with your cancer care team
Comprehensive support from consultation through recovery

Schedule Your Consultation

You’ve already shown incredible strength—now let’s restore what cancer took away. Contact our team today to begin your breast reconstruction journey in Tampa with expert guidance and support from Holcomb–Kreithen Plastic Surgery.