How Has Breast Construction Surgery Improved Recently?
The ultimate goal in breast reconstruction is to create results that look, feel and function as naturally as possible. This means striving to achieve a similar breast shape, your desired size, authentic texture and optimal symmetry between both breasts.
Today’s most innovative approach uses your own abdominal tissue to rebuild the breast(s). We remove fat and skin from your stomach area, similar to a tummy tuck, and use microsurgery to transfer it to your chest. Abdominal fat has a similar consistency to breast tissue, so the result feels remarkably natural—and as a bonus, you’re left with an improved abdominal contour. This is called a DIEP flap.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking development is nerve restoration. Using sophisticated microsurgical techniques, we can now reconnect nerves from your chest to the reconstructed breast tissue, partially restoring sensation, making your reconstruction feel more natural. In many cases, we’re now even able to partially restore sensation to the nipple area.
The best reconstructive surgeons combine such advanced surgical techniques with an artistic understanding of breast aesthetics, developed through specialized training and experience. It’s also vital that we truly listen to each patient’s needs and goals and set realistic expectations together.
With today’s advances in breast reconstruction surgery, we can help patients feel truly whole again, rather than simply restored.
Dr. Piccolo is an internationally recognized, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon dedicated to providing highly personalized, compassionate care tailored to each patient’s individual goals. Named a “Top Doctor” by Arlington Magazine in 2025, he completed his integrated plastic surgery residency at the prestigious Mount Sinai in New York City, followed by a microsurgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. At the National Center for Plastic Surgery, he specializes in advanced breast reconstruction alongside the center’s other leading experts. Born in Brazil, Dr. Piccolo is a champion of cultural diversity and is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and French.