Breast Reconstruction in Fort Worth

Personalized, Compassionate Care After Mastectomy or Trauma

Breast Reconstruction

At New Leaf Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we understand that breast reconstruction is not just about restoring your physical appearance—it’s about reclaiming confidence, identity, and a sense of wholeness. Whether your surgery follows breast cancer treatment or trauma, Dr. Candis Lovelace is here to provide thoughtful guidance and expert care every step of the way.

Our practice in Fort Worth, TX, offers advanced breast reconstruction procedures designed to suit your body, timeline, and goals.

What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds the breast mound after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or injury. It can be performed immediately during mastectomy or delayed until after healing or other treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation, are complete.

Reconstruction may involve implants, your own tissue (flap techniques), or a combination of both. The goal is to restore shape, symmetry, and a natural contour—while supporting your emotional healing and self-image.

View Breast Reconstruction Gallery

Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Dr. Lovelace offers a range of breast reconstruction options tailored to your unique needs, medical history, and recovery timeline.

Implant-Based Reconstruction

  • Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction: Often performed during a mastectomy using nipple-sparing techniques. This single-stage approach avoids tissue expansion and offers a shorter recovery time.
  • Tissue Expander + Implant: A staged method where a temporary expander is gradually filled to stretch the skin. Once complete, it’s replaced with a permanent implant.
  • Latissimus Dorsi Flap + Implant: Involves transferring muscle and skin from the back to the chest area for coverage, often followed by an implant. Useful for patients with thin chest tissue.

Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction

  • TRAM Flap: Transfers muscle and skin from the lower abdomen to recreate the breast. It offers a natural feel but may affect abdominal strength.
  • DIEP Flap: Uses fat and skin (not muscle) from the abdomen for a more advanced, muscle-sparing reconstruction. It requires a microsurgical technique.
  • SGAP/IGAP Flaps: Tissues are taken from the upper (SGAP) or lower (IGAP) buttocks. It is ideal for those without adequate abdominal tissue and who require microsurgery.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

Performed after the main reconstruction has healed. Techniques may include surgical reconstruction, tattooing, or a combination of both.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?

If you’ve undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy or experienced breast trauma, you may be a candidate for reconstruction. Your treatment plan will depend on your overall health, cancer treatment path, and personal goals.

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Are preparing for or have already had a mastectomy
  • Desire to restore breast volume or symmetry
  • Are physically healthy and a non-smoker
  • Have completed radiation or chemotherapy (for delayed procedures)
  • Want to feel more confident and complete after surgery

Dr. Lovelace will help you navigate your options and determine the best timing and technique for your situation.

Meet the StaffContact Us

“Highly recommend”

5 5 Star Rating –

 

Dr. Lovelace and her entire staff are so caring AND professional. So hard to find both these days. She is a great surgeon who really is actually interested in her patient as an individual – which, in my personal opinion, makes her care more individual in a field that can easily become impersonal. Highly recommend.

 

by M G

What to Expect During Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The details of your surgery will vary based on the method chosen, but every step is carefully planned with your comfort and recovery in mind.

You can typically expect:

  • Pre-surgical planning with 3D imaging and coordination with your care team
  • Implant placement or flap tissue transfer to rebuild the breast mound
  • Optional procedures for balance or symmetry
  • Nipple and areola reconstruction during a later stage, if desired

Surgery may be completed in one or more stages. Depending on the procedure, some patients are discharged the same day, while others may stay in the hospital for a few nights.

Recovery After Breast Reconstruction

Healing times depend on the type of reconstruction:

  • Implant-based reconstructions tend to have quicker recoveries, with a return to light activities in one to two weeks
  • Flap procedures may require more downtime but offer long-term, natural-feeling results
  • Swelling, bruising, and soreness are expected but manageable with prescribed care
  • You may need to wear a surgical bra or compression garment
  • Regular follow-ups with Dr. Lovelace ensure healing is on track

Many reconstructions are done in stages to achieve optimal symmetry and natural appearance.

Cost of Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Fort Worth

In most cases, breast reconstruction is covered by insurance under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)—including procedures to achieve symmetry and nipple reconstruction.

Factors that may affect cost include:

  • Type of reconstruction performed
  • Facility, anesthesia, or hospital stay fees
  • Number of surgical stages required
  • Insurance plan and deductible

Our staff will help you navigate your coverage, coordinate pre-authorizations, and offer financing if needed.

Why Choose New Leaf Plastic Surgery for Breast Reconstruction?

Led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Candis Lovelace, our practice blends advanced surgical expertise with genuine compassion and a personalized approach to care. 

Patients across Fort Worth trust us for our proficiency in implant and flap-based reconstruction, our all-female team that provides a safe and judgment-free space, and our strong collaboration with oncology teams and referring physicians. We prioritize natural-looking results that restore confidence and create personalized treatment plans that honor your body and your journey. 

Here, you’re more than just a patient—you’re a person, and we’re honored to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Yes. Dr. Lovelace uses proven techniques to achieve realistic symmetry and contour. Nipple and areola reconstruction can further improve the natural look.
Sometimes. Immediate reconstruction occurs during mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction is performed after healing or other treatments. Your medical team will help decide which is best.
Under federal law, most insurance plans cover it, including symmetry and nipple reconstruction. Our team will help verify your benefits.
Recovery varies: implant-based reconstruction is generally quicker, while flap-based may take longer. Dr. Lovelace will outline your recovery timeline based on your specific plan.
Not always. If only one breast is affected, you may choose to have a balancing procedure on the other breast, which is usually covered by insurance.

Begin Your Healing Journey with Confidence

If you’re exploring your options for breast reconstruction surgery, we’re here to help you feel whole again—physically, emotionally, and aesthetically.

Contact New Leaf Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery today to schedule your breast reconstruction consultation in Fort Worth, TX with Dr. Candis Lovelace.

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