Natural tissue (or “flap”) reconstruction uses your own skin, fat, and blood vessels – usually from the abdomen, thighs, or lower back – to create a soft, warm, living breast mound. Unlike implant-based reconstruction, this method avoids foreign materials and offers results that change with your body over time, often feeling and looking more natural.

At ARBRA, we specialize in advanced microsurgical techniques that preserve muscle and minimize donor site trauma. Options include:

• DIEP & SIEA flaps – from the lower abdomen, preserving muscle for faster recovery
• PAP, TUG & VUG flaps – from the inner thigh, ideal for patients without sufficient abdominal tissue
• LAP & LTP flaps – from the lower back or upper thighs, for highly tailored approaches

We help you choose the flap that aligns with your anatomy, lifestyle, and reconstructive goals – delivered with the highest level of microsurgical precision and care.

At ARBRA (Arkansas Breast Reconstruction and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), implant-based reconstruction is a versatile option that uses silicone or saline implants to recreate the breast shape after mastectomy. This method can be done in one or two stages, and is thoughtfully customized to each patient’s anatomy, cancer treatment, and personal goals.

We offer several advanced techniques to ensure optimal outcomes:

• Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction
  For eligible patients, a permanent implant can be placed immediately during mastectomy – avoiding a second surgery and reducing overall recovery time.
• Staged Reconstruction with Tissue Expander
  In cases where more gradual reconstruction is preferred or necessary, a temporary expander is placed first, followed by the final implant at a later stage.
• Pre-Pectoral Implant Placement
  Our preferred, muscle-sparing approach places the implant above the chest muscle instead of beneath it. This reduces pain, preserves muscle function, and improves aesthetic outcomes by avoiding animation deformity and distortion.
• Soft-Tissue Support with Mesh or ADM
  To provide support and shape during healing, we often use a surgical mesh or acellular dermal matrix (ADM). These materials act like an internal scaffold, helping to stabilize the implant and optimize contour – particularly in pre-pectoral reconstructions.
• Implant Removal Surgery
  ARBRA offers implant removal for patients experiencing complications, cosmetic concerns, or symptoms associated with breast implant illness (BII). Common reasons include capsular contracture, rupture, discomfort, or a desire for a more natural, long-term solution.
  For those seeking reconstruction after removal, we specialize in natural tissue options – avoiding implants altogether. Patients may also opt for aesthetic flat closure, performed with precision and attention to symmetry. During your consultation, we’ll review your health, goals, and options to guide a personalized, supportive surgical plan.

Our implant-based reconstructions are designed to offer beautiful, lasting results with a focus on comfort, symmetry, and alignment with your overall reconstructive goals.

Oncoplastic reconstruction combines breast cancer surgery and aesthetic reshaping in a single procedure. This approach is often used after lumpectomy or partial mastectomy, allowing for both cancer removal and cosmetic restoration at the same time.

At ARBRA, we work closely with breast surgeons to preserve or restore the breast’s shape, volume, and symmetry during cancer treatment. This may involve reshaping the remaining breast tissue, using a local flap to add volume, or performing a lift or reduction on the opposite breast for balance.

Oncoplastic techniques are ideal for women who are good candidates for breast-conserving surgery and who also wish to minimize visible changes to their breast appearance. Our goal is to support both oncologic safety and aesthetic confidence – without compromising either.

At ARBRA, we frequently care for patients who have had prior breast reconstruction surgery and are seeking improvements in symmetry, shape, comfort, or overall outcome. Whether you’re experiencing complications – such as implant malposition, capsular contracture, animation deformity, or flap contour issues – or simply aren’t satisfied with a previous result, we offer advanced, modern techniques rooted in the latest surgical training, tailored to your goals.With extensive experience in complex revision surgery, we’re proud to be a trusted referral center for these cases throughout the region. We work closely with each patient to understand their goals, provide clear guidance, and support empowered and guided patient choice every step of the way – crafting a plan that aligns with both your vision and your long-term well-being.

For patients choosing not to undergo breast reconstruction, we offer aesthetic flat closure – a surgical approach that removes excess skin and contours the chest wall to create a smooth, symmetrical result. This option is ideal for those who want a clean, comfortable chest without bulges or irregularities following mastectomy.

At ARBRA, we perform flat closure with intention and precision, using modern techniques to ensure both functional and aesthetic outcomes. We prioritize surgical planning that respects your preferences and supports long-term comfort and confidence.

Fat grafting is a powerful tool we use to enhance breast contour, correct volume irregularities, and refine the results of both implant-based and natural tissue reconstruction. Using minimally invasive techniques, fat is gently harvested from an area of the body and transferred to the breast for a softer, more natural appearance.

At ARBRA, we apply the latest methods in structural fat grafting to improve symmetry and long-term outcomes. Whether performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other reconstructive steps, fat grafting is tailored to your needs and guided by your goals.

Nipple and areola reconstruction is often the final stage of breast reconstruction, restoring visual balance and helping some patients feel more complete after surgery. At ARBRA, we offer surgical nipple reconstruction in-house, and for tattooing, we work closely with highly skilled, specialized tattoo artists who create realistic pigmentation and detail.

Whether you choose surgical creation, 3D tattooing, or opt to forgo this step altogether, we guide you through your options with care and respect – so the outcome reflects your preferences and sense of identity.

For patients experiencing chronic arm swelling after lymph node removal or radiation – and for those considered high risk – vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is a microsurgical option designed to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce long-term symptoms. The procedure involves transferring healthy lymph nodes from another part of the body, such as the groin or abdomen, to the affected area to help improve lymphatic function.

At ARBRA, we offer VLNT to carefully selected patients using advanced microsurgical techniques. Our goal is to improve quality of life, minimize reliance on compression, and reduce the burden of lymphedema through thoughtful surgical intervention.