MetroHealth offers many types of breast surgery, including breast enlargement, breast reduction and reconstructive options for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
October 14, 2025
Contributed by: Bram Kaufman, MD / Division Director of Plastic Surgery
Facing breast cancer or a high-risk diagnosis can feel overwhelming. For many women, breast reconstruction is an important part of healing physically and emotionally. At MetroHealth, our expert team is here to guide you through your options, answer your questions and help you choose the path that’s right for you. Whether you’re considering implants or using your own tissue, we’ll support you every step of the way.
Bram Kaufman, MD, is the director of plastic surgery at MetroHealth. He helps women understand their choices and find the best plan for them.
Why Some Women Choose Breast Reconstruction
Some women find out they have breast cancer or a gene that puts them at high risk. This can be scary and confusing. Many choose to have a mastectomy, which means removing one or both breasts. After that, they may want breast reconstruction.
There are two main ways to rebuild the breast:
Option 1: Implants
This is the most common method and usually happens in two steps:
- After a mastectomy, Dr. Kaufman places a tissue expander. This is like a balloon that slowly stretches the skin.
- After healing and finishing radiation (if needed), the expander is removed, and the final implants are inserted during a second surgery. Some women go home the same day, while others stay overnight. You may need drains to help with healing. Recovery usually takes about four weeks.
Some women can get the implant during the same surgery as the mastectomy. This is called “direct to implant” or DTI. Not everyone qualifies for this, so your doctor will help you decide.
Option 2: Using Your Own Tissue (Autologous Reconstruction)
This method uses tissue from another part of your body to rebuild the breast. Dr. Kaufman often uses tissue from the lower belly. This is called a DIEP flap.
Benefits:
- No worries about implants leaking or causing problems.
- The breast can feel more natural.
Things to know:
- It’s a longer surgery. You’ll have a second incision on your belly.
- Recovery takes at least six weeks, sometimes longer.
Dr. Kaufman recommends waiting until you’ve healed from the mastectomy and completed any radiation. “Radiation can make the tissue shrink, so it’s best to complete it before reconstruction,” he says.
Take Time to Decide
Choosing breast reconstruction is a big decision. You don’t have to rush. Your cancer doctor and plastic surgeon will help you understand your options.
Some women choose not to have reconstruction. Others may have a breast reduction if they only need a small part of the breast removed (called a lumpectomy). MetroHealth’s team is here to help you decide what’s best for your body and your life.
To make an appointment with a breast reconstruction specialist, call 216-778-4450 or visit metrohealth.org/plastic-surgery.
Bram Kaufman, MD
Dr. Bram Kaufman is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Director of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at MetroHealth. He has extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.
