Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is an incredibly personal chapter in the journey following mastectomy and breast cancer. With a specialist's care, the results can help you feel whole, confident, and satisfied.
Dr. Ravi Tandon is a microsurgeon providing natural-looking results based on science, art, and compassion. We invite you to request your consultation with Dr. Tandon at his Metairie practice serving Baton Rouge, LA:
Why Patients Choose Dr. Tandon For Breast Reconstruction Surgery
There are many breast reconstruction surgeons throughout the Southeastern United States, but patients in Baton Rouge and beyond come to Dr. Tandon because of several important distinctions, including:
Dr. Tandon Is a Microsurgeon
Microsurgery—the use of a microscope to reconnect nerves and blood vessels in transplanted tissue—makes it possible to not only rebuild the breast mound, but also restore sensation following mastectomy. Dr. Tandon is one of only a relatively few providers who can incorporate this surgical technique into breast reconstruction. As Dr. Tandon's patient, you can experience results that possess more of the qualities of a natural breast than traditional techniques make possible.
He Performs a Variety of Surgical Techniques
Dr. Tandon can provide breast reconstruction after a mastectomy using your own tissue (also known as natural breast reconstruction), breast implants, or a combination of both. All breast reconstruction patients have different concerns, goals, and preferences, and Dr. Tandon is capable of realizing virtually any patient's needs thanks to his mastery of a variety of advanced reconstructive techniques.
Dr. Tandon Is an Excellent Listener and Educator
Breast reconstruction holds a special place in the canon of plastic surgery because, for many patients, it represents the final step away from a difficult experience involving breast cancer and other trauma. Dr. Tandon is the kind of physician who understands that the success of a plastic surgery procedure is much more than how the reconstructed breasts look; it must also reflect the patient's vision. In an era when technology holds unbelievable capabilities evolving at an incredible rate, there is no substitute for listening to a patient and answering their questions in terms they can understand. As Dr. Tandon's patient, you will be heard, and you will work together to decide how your breasts will be reconstructed.
We welcome patients from Baton Rouge and throughout Greater New Orleans.
“Thank you, Dr. Tandon.”
Katrina Pelrean
Metairie, LA
2024
Dr. Tandon is the best Plastic surgeon there is. His bedside manner is very professional...his concern for his patients is super. He have the best staff of ladies working for him they are very friendly and professional. Should you need plastic surgery, I recommend you to call Dr. Ravi Tandon, MD.
View on GoogleRick Schmitt
Metairie, LA
2024
In October 2023, I was diagnosed with invasive carcinoma, left breast. I simply don’t know the words to describe the very excellent care I received from Dr Tandon. He and his staff were most reassuring that all would be well, and it was! Dr Tandon is not only a skilled and talented physician, he is a caring and supportive person whose calming manner meant everything to both my husband and myself during such a difficult time.
View on GoogleBreast Reconstruction Using Breast Implants
Breast implants are widely known as the essential component of breast augmentation, but for the right candidates, they can also be used in surgery to reconstruct the breasts. Implants are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be filled with either silicone or saline.
Dr. Tandon can place implants immediately after a mastectomy, or use a delayed technique in which a tissue expander gradually creates a pocket for the implant. Saline solution is injected into the expander periodically until the desired size is reached. At that time, Dr. Tandon can remove the expander and replace it with the implant of your choice during your plastic surgery procedure.
Depending on the patient's needs and goals, Dr. Tandon may provide reconstruction incorporating both implants and natural tissue. During your consultation at our office serving Baton Rouge, he will listen to your goals and make an expert recommendation regarding the best way to restore your bustline following treatment for breast cancer or other trauma.
Request a Plastic Surgery Consultation with Dr. Tandon
Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon who understands your needs and goals is crucial to the success of this surgery. We want you to feel like your plastic surgeon is trustworthy and invested in your satisfaction. The very best way to determine if a plastic surgeon has these essential qualities is to schedule an in-person consultation.
When you meet with Dr. Tandon at his Metairie plastic surgery office serving Baton Rouge, you will be able to take all the time you need to ask questions and explain the results you want to achieve. Together, you can discuss when you should have this surgery, which technique he believes will best suit your goals, and other details. He can also coordinate with your oncologist if you are being treated for breast cancer.
Dr. Tandon and his team look forward to meeting you and helping you explore the ways in which breast reconstruction can help you realize the outcome you envision. To request your consultation, we invite you to write us a message or call:
“I am so pleased with my results.”
Amy DiMarco
Metairie, LA
2024
I had a double mastectomy one year ago. Dr Tandon preformed a nipple sparing procedure with a nerve graft. I now have full sensation in both breast. I am so pleased with my results and would highly recommend Dr Tandon and this procedure to anyone!
View on GoogleRhonda Harry
Metairie, LA
2024
This Doctor’s office is very efficient, the staff are empathetic and systematic to all your needs. I’m very happy with my medical FAMILY!
View on GoogleYour Insurance Likely Covers Breast Reconstruction
The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) requires group health plans and individual health insurance policies that cover a mastectomy to also cover reconstructive surgery, including nipple and areola reconstruction. There are some exceptions; for example, self-funded, short-term government health plans are exempt.
If you have any questions about whether your insurance policy is subject to the WHCRA, we will be glad to provide the answers you need. Our practice serving Baton Rouge believes in giving as many women as possible access to breast reconstruction following treatment for breast cancer or other trauma.
Notably, Dr. Tandon was personally involved in the passing of a state law that aims to educate women about how insurance can work to cover various treatment options.
How to Choose the Right Breast Reconstruction Surgeon
The single best way to maximize the chances of an excellent outcome is to choose your breast reconstruction surgeon wisely. Dr. Tandon would be honored to be the plastic surgeon to help achieve your goals, but only if you feel he is the right surgeon for the job. Here are some tips for selecting a breast reconstruction surgeon, which we hope you will use when considering Dr. Tandon or any other provider:
Be Prepared to Ask Questions
Patient education is the key to the success of any medical procedure. Before consulting with a breast reconstruction surgeon, we recommend that you spend plenty of time to document all questions you have regarding this procedure. If the surgeon takes time to patiently explain the answers to all of your prepared questions (as well as any that occur to you during the consultation) in a way that makes sense to you, the surgeon may be a great choice. We also recommend that you ask questions you feel may have been inadequately answered during your own online searches. No two surgeons or breast reconstruction procedures are exactly the same, so getting real-time answers from an expert who understands your goals is far more valuable.
Ask Your Surgeon About Their Background
In addition to being a good listener and educator, a trustworthy surgeon must also have the right credentials and a track record of outstanding reconstructive results. Board certification is often a good indicator of a surgeon's skill, since it requires testing and a demonstration of excellence that goes beyond what is necessary to graduate medical school. You should also ask to see any before and after images to get a sense of what the surgeon has already provided to patients with goals and needs similar to yours.
Trust Your Intuition
If you find a surgeon with excellent credentials, years of experience, and an impressive before and after portfolio, but you have reservations, trust your intuition. Your chosen breast reconstruction surgeon should be someone you can trust and makes you feel comfortable under their care. Breast reconstruction is an intensely personal journey following breast cancer and other trauma. You deserve a surgeon who makes you feel confident and optimistic about what you can experience as their breast reconstruction surgery patient.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction
The very best answers to all of your questions will come from an in-person consultation with Dr. Tandon at his Metairie plastic surgery office serving Baton Rouge. However, to give you a frame of reference, he has provided some answers to consider prior to your consultation:
Does insurance cover fat grafting for breast reconstruction?
Many insurance companies do, but others do not. If you are interested in incorporating fat grafting into your breast reconstruction procedure following treatment for breast cancer or other trauma, our staff serving patients from Baton Rouge and beyond will gladly reach out to your insurance company to find out if they will contribute to the cost.
How painful is delayed breast reconstruction?
It is virtually impossible to provide a definitive answer to this question since everyone heals differently and each breast reconstruction procedure is unique. Undergoing breast reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer or other trauma can result in one recovery period instead of two recoveries for separate procedures used in delayed reconstruction. The best way to determine an answer to this question is to discuss your concerns with Dr. Tandon, who can explain what to expect based on your recommended breast procedure.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover breast reconstruction?
Yes, if you meet their criteria. This leading insurance provider is subject to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA), which requires that both group and individual insurance plans cover reconstruction of the breast for those who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Our office serving Baton Rouge will be glad to confirm whether your procedure will qualify for coverage under Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Does insurance cover breast reconstruction after lumpectomy?
Breast reconstruction procedures after lumpectomy are covered by most health insurance plans. If you are unsure whether your insurance will cover reconstruction after a lumpectomy, our practice serving Baton Rouge will find out for you.
“Made the best out of an overwhelming situation.”
Kelly McCord
Metairie, LA
2024
Empathetic, kind, detailed oriented, patient, meticulous, highly skilled surgeon, these are some of the many traits of Dr. Tandon! His office staff are also just as wonderful as he is. Always professional and kind! I would highly recommend Dr. Tandon and his team for your plastic surgery needs.
View on GoogleRebecca Hinojosa
Metairie, LA
2024
Dr Tandon is an exceptional surgeon with an incredible staff (Thank you Shannon!). I felt supported and informed for every step of my DIEP flap reconstruction. No matter what the circumstances are, the idea of surgery can be intimidating. Dr. Tandon's talents and skills as a surgeon coupled with his approachable and calm demeanor made the best out of an overwhelming situation. I'm really impressed with my results and sincerely grateful to he and his team!
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