Breast Reconstruction
in Fort Lee, NJ
Breast reconstruction at Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery rebuilds the shape of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Dr. Boris Mordkovich uses implant-based reconstruction with tissue expanders and plans each stage with your oncologist, so the timing fits your cancer treatment. Many women find that reconstruction helps them feel like themselves again, in and out of clothes.
Breast Reconstruction
in Fort Lee, NJ
in Fort Lee, NJ
Breast reconstruction at Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery rebuilds the shape of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Dr. Boris Mordkovich uses implant-based reconstruction with tissue expanders and plans each stage with your oncologist, so the timing fits your cancer treatment. Many women find that reconstruction helps them feel like themselves again, in and out of clothes.
Table of Contents
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Implant Reconstruction With Tissue Expanders
Consultation & Planning for Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Table of Contents
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Implant Reconstruction With Tissue Expanders
Consultation & Planning for Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction
Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Cost & Insurance for Breast Reconstruction in Fort Lee
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
Why Choose Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery?
What Is Breast
Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery that recreates the shape, size and position of a breast after part or all of it has been removed to treat or prevent breast cancer. It can follow a full mastectomy or a lumpectomy that left a dent or a size difference between the breasts.
At Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery, Dr. Boris Mordkovich rebuilds the breast with implants and tissue expanders, then balances the other breast so both sides match in clothing and swimwear.
Implant Reconstruction With Tissue Expanders
Most women start with a tissue expander, a temporary saline implant placed under the chest muscle. Over several weeks it is filled a little at a time so the skin and muscle stretch to make room. Once the pocket is ready, the expander is exchanged for a soft, long-lasting silicone implant. If the other breast needs adjusting for symmetry, Dr. Mordkovich can match it with a breast lift or a breast reduction.
Consultation & Planning
for Breast Reconstruction
Your first visit is a private conversation with Dr. Mordkovich about your diagnosis, your treatment plan and what you want your breasts to look like. He examines the chest, reviews your medical history and explains which reconstruction approach fits your body and your timeline.
Reconstruction is planned together with your oncologist and breast surgeon. Chemotherapy needs to be finished before reconstruction begins, and implants are often preferred after chemo. You will leave with a written plan, preparation instructions and a clear picture of each stage.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Implant-based reconstruction happens in stages, a few weeks to a few months apart. Here is how a typical reconstruction with tissue expanders unfolds:
Tissue Expander Placement
A saline tissue expander is placed under the chest muscle, either at the time of the mastectomy or later. It creates a pocket for the final implant.
Gradual Expansion
Over several office visits, small amounts of saline are added to the expander. The skin and muscle stretch slowly until the pocket reaches the size you and Dr. Mordkovich chose.
Permanent Implant Exchange
In a second surgery, the expander is removed and replaced with a silicone implant that gives the breast a softer, more natural feel and shape.
Balancing the Other Breast
To match both sides, the natural breast can be reduced or lifted during the exchange surgery or at a later date.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
A nipple can be built from a small flap of local tissue, and the areola is recreated with medical tattooing for color. This final step completes the look of the breast.
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction
Each stage has its own short recovery. After the expander or implant surgery, you will wear a supportive surgical bra, and soreness, tightness and swelling are managed with medication. Light walking helps circulation from the first days.
Most women take 2 to 3 weeks off work after each stage and avoid lifting and strenuous exercise until Dr. Mordkovich clears them. All follow-up visits are included, and the breast continues to settle into its final shape over the following months.
Candidates for Breast
Reconstruction
Reconstruction is a personal choice, and there is no deadline for making it. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have had or are planning a mastectomy for breast cancer or genetic risk
- Had a lumpectomy that left a dent or uneven breasts
- Have finished chemotherapy, or will finish it before reconstruction
- Are in good overall health and do not smoke
- Want to stop wearing an external prosthesis
- Had a mastectomy years ago and want reconstruction now
- Have realistic expectations about staged results
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Reconstruction restores more than a silhouette. Women who choose it often describe these benefits:
A natural-looking breast shape
Better symmetry between both breasts
Renewed confidence when you look in the mirror
Clothes, bras and swimsuits fit again
No more external breast prosthesis
A balanced, proportional silhouette
Long-lasting results
A sense of closure after cancer treatment
Freedom to stay active
Cost & Insurance for Breast
Reconstruction in Fort Lee
The cost of breast reconstruction depends on the number of stages, the implants used and whether the other breast is adjusted. Dr. Mordkovich gives you a detailed estimate during your consultation, and the $150 consultation fee is applied to your procedure. For costs your plan does not cover, financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, Credee and Alphaeon.
Under the federal Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, most group health plans that cover a mastectomy must also cover breast reconstruction, including surgery on the other breast for symmetry. Ask your insurer about your benefits before your first visit.
Breast Reconstruction FAQs
Is breast reconstruction covered by insurance?
In most cases, yes. The federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires group health plans that cover a mastectomy to also cover reconstruction, including surgery on the other breast for symmetry. Check your own plan's benefits and deductibles before surgery.
When can I have breast reconstruction?
Reconstruction can start during the mastectomy surgery or months to years later. Chemotherapy should be finished first, and Dr. Mordkovich coordinates the timing with your oncologist.
How long does the whole reconstruction take?
Implant reconstruction with a tissue expander usually takes several months from the first surgery to the final implant, plus a few more months if you choose nipple and areola reconstruction.
How long is recovery after each stage?
Most women take 2 to 3 weeks off work after each surgery and avoid heavy lifting until they are cleared. Soreness and swelling fade over the first weeks.
Can I have reconstruction after a lumpectomy?
Yes. A lumpectomy can leave a dent or a size difference, and reconstruction can correct that asymmetry, often by adjusting one or both breasts.
Is it too late if my mastectomy was years ago?
No. Delayed reconstruction is common, and many women choose it years after their cancer treatment.
Why Choose Cross Hudson Plastic Surgery for Breast Reconstruction?
Women facing reconstruction need a surgeon who listens, plans carefully and stays with them through every stage. Dr. Boris Mordkovich has more than 30 years of surgical experience and works closely with each patient’s oncology team from the first visit to the final result.
Our Fort Lee office also performs breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction, so the other breast can be matched with the same care. You can read what our patients say on our testimonials page.
Read our Testimonials
I have been a patient with Dr. Mordkovich for nearly 4 years now. Dr. Mordkovich is so caring and gifted. He makes you comfortable and understand everything that is happening. His attention to detail is like no other…You will leave wishing every Doctor cared about patients the way Dr Mordkovich does!
L.R.
Dr. Mordkovich was the only one I felt safe with. He did an excellent job. Dr. Mordkovich is a miracle worker. He exceeded my expectations. He is always available to answer my questions even after a year post-surgery. He is caring and always looking for the best results with his patients.
L.M.
I’ve been w Dr Mordkovich for 8 years, and over time I have had multiple in office treatments. I’m 46 and I’m frequently told that look 10 years younger, I couldn’t be happier. Thank you, Dr Mordkovich!
H.B.
As a medical professional,I was looking for a plastic surgeon, who specializes in excellence and professionalism. 10/10 recommend Dr. Mordkovich and will be back. He is really a master of his craft!
B.S.
As a medical professional,I was looking for a plastic surgeon,who specializes in excellence and professionalism.Dr.Mordkovich was just that.My procedure was done in the office under local anesthesia,went flawlessly and recovery was seamless. 10/10 recommend Dr. Mordkovich and will be back. He is really a master of his craft!
Bella Shapnik
Very knowledgeable Dr. And very caring and he is very patient and answers all the question that you have. I recommend him
Faten Dajani
