A breast cancer diagnosis or prophylactic mastectomy is a life-changing experience, both physically and emotionally. For many women, breast reconstruction represents an important part of the healing journey — helping restore confidence, femininity, and a sense of wholeness.
At Dr. Kelly Killeen's Beverly Hills practice, we specialize in advanced breast reconstruction techniques tailored to each patient's unique needs. From pioneering direct-to-implant approaches to microsurgical flap procedures, we combine artistry with innovation to create results that look natural, feel balanced, and support long-term health and wellness.
Dr. Killeen is double board-certified (American Board of Surgery and American Board of Plastic Surgery), specializing in complex reconstructive procedures, ensuring precision, safety, and superior aesthetic results.
Breast Reconstruction at a Glance
Procedure Type:
Implant-based, autologous (flap), or hybrid reconstruction
Timing:
Immediate (at mastectomy) or delayed (after treatment)
Surgery Length:
2–8 hours, depending on technique
Anesthesia:
General anesthesia
Recovery Time:
2–6 weeks initial; 6–12 months for full results
Results:
Long-lasting improvement in breast contour and body image
Customization:
Plans tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and personal goals
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction restores one or both breasts to near-normal shape, size, symmetry, and appearance following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or congenital deformities. Reconstruction can be performed:
Immediate Reconstruction
Performed at the same time as mastectomy ("direct-to-implant" or immediate flap reconstruction).
Benefits: Reduces overall surgeries and recovery time
Delayed Reconstruction
Performed after cancer treatments, radiation, or when personally ready.
Benefits: Allows time for healing and treatment completion
There are two main approaches:
Implant-Based Reconstruction
Uses breast implants, sometimes with tissue expanders, to create the breast mound. Often combined with acellular dermal matrix for support.
Autologous Tissue (Flap) Reconstruction
Uses your own tissue from the abdomen, thighs, back, or buttocks to sculpt a natural-feeling breast.
Some patients also pursue hybrid reconstruction, combining implants with tissue for more durability and natural appearance.
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Advanced Techniques We Offer
Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction (Single-Stage)
Pioneered and refined in Beverly Hills, this innovative technique allows patients to wake up from mastectomy surgery with fully reconstructed breasts — eliminating the need for expanders or multiple surgeries.
Benefits include:
- Immediate results: Single surgery, no expanders
- Muscle-sparing placement: Implant positioned above the muscle for comfort
- Internal bra support: Acellular dermal matrix provides stability
- Sensation-preserving options: Nerve grafting can restore sensation
Tissue Expander and Implant Reconstruction
For patients requiring staged reconstruction, a temporary expander gradually stretches the skin, later replaced with a permanent implant. This method allows careful size adjustment but requires multiple procedures.
Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction
Uses your own tissue for natural shape, feel, and permanence. Common flap options include:
- DIEP flap: Abdominal skin and fat, preserving muscle
- TRAM flap: Older abdominal technique, less commonly used
- SGAP / IGAP flap: Tissue from upper or lower buttocks
- PAP / TUG flap: Tissue from the inner thigh
- Latissimus dorsi flap: Back muscle and skin, often with implant
Fat Grafting
Uses liposuctioned fat to refine contour, improve symmetry, or soften implant edges for enhanced natural appearance.
SWIM Flap (Aesthetic Flat Closure Alternative)
A one-stage, implant-free reconstruction using preserved skin and fat, creating a smaller but natural breast mound.
Who is a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- • Are undergoing or have completed mastectomy or lumpectomy
- • Have stable health and are cleared for surgery
- • Do not smoke or are willing to quit
- • Desire to restore breast contour and symmetry
- • Have realistic expectations about outcomes
You may need to delay reconstruction if:
- • You are undergoing active cancer treatment or radiation
- • You plan future pregnancies (if using abdominal flaps)
- • You have certain health conditions affecting healing
- • Your oncology team recommends waiting
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Physical Benefits
- Restored Femininity: Regain confidence in and out of clothing
- Balanced Body Shape: Restore symmetry and natural proportions
- Improved Posture: Better core strength and clothing fit
- Natural Results: Permanent, natural-feeling outcomes
Emotional and Healing Benefits
- Emotional Healing: Important part of cancer recovery journey
- Restored Confidence: Feel whole and complete again
- Sensation Options: Possibility of preserving or restoring sensation
- Quality of Life: Enhanced overall well-being and self-image
The Procedure: What to Expect
Performed in our accredited Beverly Hills facility, your procedure emphasizes safety, comfort, and meticulous care:
Consultation
We evaluate your anatomy, treatment plan, and goals. You'll review options, see before-and-after photos, and ask questions.
Surgical Planning
We coordinate closely with your breast surgeon, often planning nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomies for optimal results.
Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the method, surgery may take 2–8 hours.
Immediate Recovery
Use of advanced pain management (nerve blocks, Exparel, Prevena VAC dressings) enhances comfort and speeds recovery.
Follow-up Care
Concierge nursing support and detailed recovery protocols ensure safe healing.
Recovery Timeline
First Week
Swelling, mild pain managed with medication. Limited activity and rest.
2–4 Weeks
Return to light activity or work, drains usually removed.
6–8 Weeks
Resume exercise and full range of daily activities.
3–12 Months
Final results emerge as swelling resolves and scars fade. Sensation may gradually improve with nerve grafting.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, or anesthesia complications. Specific to breast reconstruction:
Reconstruction-Specific Risks
- • Flap loss or delayed healing
- • Implant issues (capsular contracture, rupture, asymmetry)
- • Sensation changes (often improved with nerve grafting)
- • Rare risks with implants (BIA-ALCL, BIA-SCC, breast implant illness)
Risk Minimization
Dr. Killeen will review these risks and create a personalized plan to minimize them based on your specific situation.
Our comprehensive approach includes advanced surgical techniques, careful patient selection, and detailed post-operative care protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin Your Breast Reconstruction Journey
Restore Your Confidence and Wholeness
Choosing breast reconstruction is deeply personal. Our role is to guide you with compassion, expertise, and advanced techniques that honor both your health and your confidence.
Whether you choose implants, flaps, or sensation-preserving one-stage reconstruction, we are here to help you heal beautifully and feel whole again.
Discover how breast reconstruction can be an important part of your healing journey.
Schedule Your ConsultationRestore Your Confidence and Wholeness
Choosing breast reconstruction is deeply personal. Our role is to guide you with compassion, expertise, and advanced techniques that honor both your health and your confidence.
Whether you choose implants, flaps, or sensation-preserving one-stage reconstruction, we are here to help you heal beautifully and feel whole again.
Discover how breast reconstruction can be an important part of your healing journey.
Schedule Your Consultation