The Amonte Center For Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery in
El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Sacramento, Placerville, Amador, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Diamond Springs, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Granite Bay and Northern California

Facelift, Necklift, Breastlift, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, Liposuction, Abdominoplasty, Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Chin Augmentation, Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Complex Scar Revision, Skin Cancer Removal and Repair, Hand Surgery, Breast Reconstruction, Evolence, Dysport

Welcome to the The Almonte Center for Plastic Surgery where it is our mission to provide you with personalized precision and perfection. We offer the full spectrum of plastic and reconstructive surgical procedures ranging from reconstruction after skin or breast cancer removal to cosmetic procedures for the face, breast, or body including Facelift, Necklift, Eyelid Surgery, Breastlift, Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction, and Abdominoplasty.

Nonsurgical procedures include the latest in laser technology with the Laserscope Gemini and Venus systems for treatment of facial wrinkles and sun-damaged skin, hair removal, and superficial spider veins. Facial aesthetic treatments feature NIA 24 skin care, Botox Cosmetic, Restylane, and Juvederm.

My staff and I work together to provide you with the highest quality care and attention you deserve. We hope you enjoy your visit to our Center and ultimately share your experience with friends and family. We would like to be the provider of all your plastic surgery needs. The complete list of our plastic surgery services can be viewed here.

Sincerely,
Arnold Almonte, D.O.

Member American College of Osteopathic Surgeons Logo About Arnold Almonte
His Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training took place at major trauma centers including Lincoln Medical Center in the Bronx, NY, Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY, St. Christophers Children's Hospital, Hahnemann Medical Center and St. Mary's Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Since opening The El Dorado Hills Plastic Surgery Center in 2005, Dr. Arnold Almonte has been providing the full spectrum of plastic/reconstructive surgery services to patients in El Dorado, Sacramento, and Placer counties. Patients have come from as far as Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, and San Francisco for his expertise and personalized care.
The services he offers range from non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Restylane, Juvederm, and NIA 24 Skin Care, to an array of popular surgeries such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelifts, and tummytucks.

picture of our El Dorado Hills office interiorDr. Almonte is also a specialist in reconstructive surgery for patients who have breast cancer, skin cancer, complex wounds, burns, and hand problems. He is the only plastic surgeon in El Dorado county who performs breast reconstruction after mastectomies for breast cancer.
What sets Dr. Almonte apart is his unique ability to connect with his patients,truly understand their needs, and walk them step by step through their procedures. From the initial consultation to the unveiling of the final result, patients feel a sense of security with Dr. Almonte. It is his belief and philosophy that gaining a patient's trust is a physician's greatest responsibility. Through hard work and dedication, extensive training, and attention to detail, Dr. Almonte has made it his mission to maintain that trust.

Our Plastic Surgery Services for El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Sacramento, Placerville, Amador, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Diamond Springs, Elk Grove, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Granite Bay and Northern California

COSMETIC PROCEDURES

BREAST AUGMENTATION

Breast augmentation (also called augmentation mammoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Your new look will bring you greater freedom with fashion and may give your self-image a boost as well.

WHY CHOOSE TO HAVE BREAST AUGMENTATION?

If you often wish that your breasts were larger, fuller, or more shapely, breast augmentation surgery may be the right choice for you. Breast augmentation (also called augmentation mammoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Your new look will bring you greater freedom with fashion and may give your self-image a boost as well.

Women who choose to have breast augmentation surgery do so to improve their self-image. Some feel dissatisfied because their breasts never developed to a size that meets their expectations. Others want to bring balance to a breast that is somewhat smaller than the other. Often, women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION?

Any one of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small
- Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts
- After having children, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness
- Dresses that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline
- One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other
- You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top.

SEVERAL "MUSTS" FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING BREAST AUGMENTATION

In addition, there are several "musts" for anyone considering breast augmentation:
- If you are a young woman, your breast development must be complete
- You must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure (the best reason is to feel better about yourself)
- You must have realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, but not perfection.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

BREAST LIFT

WHAT CAN A BREAST LIFT DO FOR ME?

In breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, the breasts are raised, the nipples are repositioned and the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may be reduced in size. If you have lost breast volume over the years and you want to add more fullness, implants may be inserted during breast lift surgery to increase breast size.

WHAT AGE CAN A BREAST LIFT BE PERFORMED?

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts, so you may wish to postpone surgery until after having children. Still, many women elect to go forward with the surgery before having children, knowing that they can address any pregnancy-related changes later. The milk ducts and nipples typically are not affected during breast lift surgery, so usually the procedure will not alter your ability to breast-feed.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST LIFT?

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have any of the following conditions:
- Breasts are pendulous, but are a size that is satisfactory to you
- Breasts lack substance or firmness
- Nipples and areolas point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

In many cases, women seek breast lift surgery to correct inherited traits or asymmetry--- one breast may be firm and well-developed while the other is not. Breasts of any size can be lifted. However, the results are more long lasting for women whose breasts are smaller and lighter.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a breast lift. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure.

BREAST REDUCTION

RELIEF AND NEW SENSE OF FREEDOM

You'll also get significant relief from many physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom in your exercise and physical activity, and the ability to wear a greater variety of clothing styles. In fact, of all the procedures that Dr. Almonte performs, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient satisfaction.

WHAT IS BREAST REDUCTION?

Breast reduction, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess breast tissue and skin, making your breasts more proportional to the rest of your body. The areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) may be reduced and repositioned as well.

WHAT AGE CAN A BREAST REDUCTION BE PERFORMED?

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with Dr. Almonte.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A BREAST REDUCTION?

You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have any of the following conditions:
- Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
- Heavy, sagging breasts with very low nipples and areolas
- Breast that are too large in proportion to your body frame
- Skin irritation beneath the breasts
- Indentations in your shoulders caused by tight bra straps
- Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
- Feelings of self-consciousness about the large size of your breasts
- One breast that is much larger than the other

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast reduction. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for the surgical procedure.

ABDOMINOPLASTY

PHYSICALLY FIT APPEARANCE

A flat stomach is important to a physically fit appearance. However, a healthy diet and regular abdominal workouts can sometimes do little to eliminate accumulations of excess fat and loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area. If you are bothered by these appearance problems, abdominoplasty (also called tummy tuck) may be a good choice for you.

Abdominoplasty is best suited to women and men who are in relatively good shape, but have loose abdominal fat that won't respond to dieting or exercise.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY?

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
- Abdominal muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy or aging
- Excess fat that is concentrated beneath the abdominal skin.

If you plan to become pregnant or plan to lose a significant amount of weight, you should discuss these plans with Dr. Almonte. Scars from previous abdominal surgeries may limit the results of an abdominoplasty. However, in some cases, an existing scar can be used for the new incision, as is often the case for women with Cesarean section scars.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering abdominoplasty. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the surgery.

LIPOSUCTION

A FIT AND WELL-PROPORTIONED BODY

In today's world, looking and feeling good means having a fit, well-proportioned body. However, for many people, this may seem like an unreachable goal. Sometimes even a strict diet or a disciplined exercise program can't conquer stubborn areas of excess fat.

WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?

Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face or neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles or eliminate a double chin.

Liposuction is most commonly recommended for men and women of normal weight who simply want to improve their body contour. The procedure can produce excellent results for people who have deposits of excess fat that make certain body areas appear disproportionately large. Although liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, it can permanently alter body proportion and is sometimes the only way to eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION?

People of almost any age may undergo liposuction; however, patients with good skin elasticity will achieve the smoothest contour after fat is removed. You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you desire fat removal or contouring in any of the following areas:

Liposuction Can:
- Be performed on several, areas of the body at the same time or be done in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures, as long as you understand that there is increased risk and your surgeon feels that having multiple procedures is a safe option for you.
- Be used to treat some cases of gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which occurs in both teenagers and adult men.

Liposuction Can't:
- Serve as a substitute for dieting and exercise
- Effectively treat cellulite (a condition that gives the skin a dimpled appearance)

Also, certain medical conditions may complicate liposuction. They include: diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, and previous surgery near the area to be contoured. It's important to let Dr. Almonte know if you have any of these medical conditions or if you have had surgery in the past.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering liposuction. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.

FACELIFT

MAKING THE FACE MORE YOUTHFUL

Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face. Although the changes appear gradually, there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face you see doesn't reflect the way you feel about yourself.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A FACE LIFT?

Facelifts are most commonly performed on patients in the 40-60 age range. However, the procedure can produce good results for people in their 60s, 70s and 80s as well. You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you have any of the following types of conditions:

- A deep line that runs from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth
- Loss of a well-defined jawline
- Deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging skin near the cheekbones
- Loose skin, wrinkles, or excess fatty tissue in the neck.

Facelift surgery needs to be approached with extra caution if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Blood-clotting problems
- The tendency to form excessive scars

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering a facelift. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:
- Previous surgeries
- Past and present medical conditions
- Treatments you have received
- Medications that you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies.

If you are overweight and have a realistic desire to lose more that 15 pounds, your weight loss could affect your results. It's important to discuss these plans with Dr. Almonte.

During your physical evaluation, Dr. Almonte will assess your bone structure and the underlying tissues of the face. The thickness, texture and elasticity of your skin and the severity of the wrinkles and folds will also be considered. Your hairline will be examined to determine where incisions can be discreetly placed. All of these factors will be considered in developing your surgical plan.

Dr. Almonte may explain additional procedures that can be performed along with a facelift to meet your appearance goals. For example, a facelift is frequently combined with:
- A forehead lift, to correct lines or furrows in the brow
- Eyelid surgery, to eliminate drooping upper eyelids or bags beneath the eyes
- Nose reshaping
- Skin treatments, such as chemical peels, to minimize fine wrinkles.

BLEPHAROPLASTY (EYELID SURGERY)

WHAT IS BLEPAROPLASTY?

Eyelid surgery (technically called blepharoplasty) is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes - features that make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. However, it won't remove crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows. While it can add an upper eyelid crease to Asian eyes, it will not erase evidence of your ethnic or racial heritage. Blepharoplasty can be done alone, or in conjunction with other facial surgery procedures such as a facelift or browlift.

Blepharoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Almonte.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BLEPHAROPLASTY?

The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. Most are 35 or older, but if droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.

A few medical conditions make blepharoplasty more risky. They include thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves' disease, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A detached retina or glaucoma is also reason for caution; check with your ophthalmologist before you have surgery.

COMPLICATIONS ARE INFREQUENT AND USUALLY MINOR

When eyelid surgery is performed, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

The minor complications that occasionally follow blepharoplasty include double or blurred vision for a few days; temporary swelling at the corner of the eyelids; and a slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Tiny whiteheads may appear after your stitches are taken out; your surgeon can remove them easily with a very fine needle.

THE INITIAL CONSULTATION

The initial consultation with Dr. Almonte is very important. He will need your complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information. Be sure to inform your surgeon if you have any allergies; if you're taking any vitamins, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), or other drugs; and if you smoke.

In this consultation, Dr. Almonte will test your vision and assess your tear production. You should also provide any relevant information from your ophthalmologist or the record of your most recent eye exam. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, be sure to bring them along.

You and Dr. Almonte should carefully discuss your goals and expectations for this surgery. You'll need to discuss whether to do all four eyelids or just the upper or lower ones, whether skin as well as fat will be removed, and whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

RHINOPLASTY

WHAT IS AN ATTRACTIVE NOSE?

Quite simply, it is a nose that fits your face. It is a natural-looking nose that achieves a harmonious balance with your other facial features. If you feel that your nose is not a good fit, you may benefit from cosmetic surgery of the nose, also called rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty can enhance the shape, size and general appearance of your nose.

WHAT AGE CAN A BREAST REDUCTION BE PERFORMED?

Rhinoplasty can be performed on men and women of almost any age. However, it's usually recommended that young people wait until facial growth is complete-about age 13 or 14 for girls and 14 or 15 for boys. If you are a teenager, having the procedure should be your own idea.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you have any of the following conditions:
- Your nose appears too large for your face
- There is a bump or depression on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile
- The nose seems too wide when viewed from the front
- The nasal tip droops or plunges
- The tip is thickened or enlarged
- The nostrils are excessively flared
- Your nose is off-center or crooked
- A previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical
- You have an airway obstruction that impairs breathing.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering rhinoplasty. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

CHIN AUGMENTATION

WHAT IS CHIN AUGMENTATION

Cosmetic chin augmentation surgery changes the shape of the chin, cheek, or jaw. This procedure is typically done to enhance certain facial features, or to bring a certain aspect of the face into proportion with the rest of the face. For the reshaping of the chin, check, or jaw, Dr. Almonte may insert an implant into the area to redefine its appearance.

When only a modest degree of chin augmentation is required to provide contour, Dr. Almonte may use a prosthetic chin implant (artificial -- made of silicone, teflon, or dacron), or may use bone only. The chin augmentation incision is made either inside the mouth or externally under the chin. A pocket is created in front of the chin bone and under the muscles, and an appropriately sized prosthesis or chin implant is inserted. The chin augmentation incision is closed and a pressure dressing is applied. The resulting external scar is barely visible.

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR CHIN AUGMENTATION?

The best candidates for chin augmentation are patients with weak or receding chins (microgenia), but with a normal dental bite. Expectations of looking and feeling better after chin augmentation surgery should be discussed with Dr. Almonte before any surgery, keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

COMMON CHIN AUGMENTATION COMPLICATIONS

Movement or displacement of the implant, bruising (ecchymosis), and swelling of the chin are the most common chin augmentation complications. Infection and blood clots are rare postoperative problems. Nicotine from smoking can delay healing.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering Chin Augmentation. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.

RECONSTRUCTIVE PROCEDURES

COMPLEX SCAR REVISION

SEVERITY OF SCARRING

Many variables can affect the severity of scarring, including the size and depth of the wound, the blood supply to the area, the thickness and color of your skin, and the direction of the scar. How much the appearance of a scar bothers you is, of course, a personal matter. While no scar can be removed completely, plastic surgeons can often improve the appearance of a scar, making it less obvious through the injection or application of certain steroid medications or through surgical procedures known as scar revisions.

IF YOU'RE BOTHERED BY A SCAR

If you're bothered by a scar, your first step is a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon. Dr. Almonte will examine you and discuss the possible methods of treating your scar, the risks and benefits involved and the possible outcomes. Be frank in discussing your expectations with him, and make sure they're realistic. Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have.

INSURANCE

Insurance usually doesn't cover cosmetic procedures. However, if scar revision is performed to minimize scarring from an injury or to improve your ability to function, it may be at least partially covered. Check your policy or call your carrier to be sure.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

While scar revision is normally safe, there is always the possibility of complications. These may include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, or the recurrence of an unsightly scar.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering Scar Revision. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.

SKIN CANCER REMOVAL AND REPAIR

SKIN CANCER REMOVAL

Although skin cancers can be found on any part of the body, about 80 percent appear on the face, head or neck, where they may be disfiguring as well as dangerous.

Fortunately, most skin cancers can be removed in the doctor's office or in an outpatient facility. Dr. Almonte performs this procedure frequently and is able to give you a pathology result in a few days. In many cases, the resulting scar will be barely visible, or will be concealed within the natural folds and contours of your face.

WHAT TYPES OF SKIN CANCERS CAN BE REMOVED BY PLASTIC SURGEONS?

Although most skin cancers can be removed surgically, your specific treatment will depend on the type of cancer you have, its stage of growth and its location on your body. Skin cancer is diagnosed by removing all or part of the growth and examining its cells under a microscope. Dr. Almonte treats all of the following types of skin cancers:

Basal cell carcinoma
This is the most common and least dangerous form of skin cancer. It tends to grow slowly and rarely spreads beyond its original site.

Squamous cell carcinoma
This is the second most-common type of skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma frequently appears on the lips, face or ears. It sometimes spreads to distant sites, including the lymph nodes and the internal organs.

Malignant melanoma
This is the least common, but the most dangerous form of skin cancer. If discovered early enough, it can be completely cured. If it's not treated quickly, however, malignant melanoma may spread through the body and become life threatening.

Moles
These growths appear as clusters of heavily pigmented skin cells that may be flat or raised above the skin's surface. While most pose no danger, some may develop into malignant melanoma, particularly those that have mottled colors or irregular edges. Often, moles are removed for cosmetic reasons, or because they're constantly irritated from rubbing against clothing and jewelry.

Kerotoses
These rough red or brown patches on the skin are usually found on areas exposed to the sun. They sometimes develop into squamous cell cancer.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient who either has been diagnosed with skin cancer or who suspects that he or she may have it. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will examine your skin and evaluate your general physical health as well as the affected area. If you haven't been diagnosed, he can offer you a preliminary diagnosis based on the area's appearance.

HAND SURGERY

INTENSIVE TRAINING

Plastic surgeons undergo intensive training in hand surgery, and they (along with orthopedic surgeons and general surgeons) treat patients with a wide range of hand problems.

IF YOUR CONSIDERING HAND SURGERY

If you're considering hand surgery, a consultation with Dr. Almonte is a good place to start. He will examine you, discuss the possible methods of treatment for your problem, and let you know if surgery is warranted. If it is, Dr. Almonte will discuss the procedure in detail, including where the surgery will be performed (in the office, at the outpatient surgery center, or at the hospital), the anesthesia and surgical techniques that will be used, possible risks and complications, the recovery and rehabilitation period, and the probable outcome in terms of function and appearance.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

In all types of hand surgery, the possible complications include infection, poor healing, loss of feeling or motion, blood clots, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia. These complications are infrequent, however, and they can generally be treated.

MOST COMMON PROCEDURE BY DR. ALMONTE

The most common procedures performed by Dr. Almonte include carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, repair of injured hands, including injuries to the tendons, nerves, blood vessels, and joints; fractured bones, burns, cuts, and other injuries to the skin. In his training Dr. Almonte learned many techniques that improve his ability to restore function and appearance, even in severe injuries.

Among the techniques used by Dr. Almonte:
Grafting
The transfer of skin, bone, nerves, or other tissue from a healthy part of the body to repair the injured part;

Flap surgery
Moving the skin along with its underlying fat, blood vessels, and muscle from a healthy part of the body to the injured site;

In many cases, surgery can restore a significant degree of feeling and function to injured hands. However, recovery may take months, and a period of hand therapy will most often be needed.

THE FIRST STEP

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering hand surgery. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the procedure.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer affects nearly 1 in 8 women in the United States (National Cancer Institute). Once diagnosed, women with breast cancer go through a process of deciding the best treatment options with their physicians. Surgery oftentimes involves removal of one or both breasts and this can have a devastating impact on any woman physically as well as emotionally.

Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed for cancer is one of the most satisfying and rewarding procedures performed by Dr. Almonte. The patients that come to see Dr. Almonte are usually referred by their primary physicians or breast surgeons. The first visit is a lengthy one during which Dr. Almonte takes a complete medical and surgical history as well as documentation of a patient's medications and allergies. After the examination, he discusses all the details of breast reconstruction.

Dr. Almonte spends a lot of time to discussing the entire process with his patients so they leave with a full understanding of the timing of surgery, risks, benefits, and possible complications. He takes into account additional treatments a patient may need such as chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Breast reconstruction is a complex and lengthy process. It may take several months to complete. But once completed, the benefit that a patient gains is the feeling of being whole again, the feeling of looking "normal" in clothes and in daily life.

THE FIRST DECISION

The first decision to be made with the patient is whether she would like the reconstruction to be IMMEDIATE, at the same time as mastectomy, or DELAYED, several weeks after mastectomy.

THE NEXT DECISION

The next decision to be made is what type of reconstruction to perform. These options include the use of AUTOLOGOUS TISSUE, which is the patient's own tissue such as the abdominal skin and fat OR an IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION in which the breast shape is made with an artificial implant. This implant can be SALINE-filled or SILICONE-filled.

AUTOLOGOUS TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION

Autologous tissue reconstruction uses the abdominal skin and fat, also known as a TRAM Flap, or the back skin and fat, also known as a Latissimus Dorsi Flap.

IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION

Implant reconstruction can take place in one stage or two stages. The most common one used by Dr. Almonte is the two-stage technique. In this procedure, Dr. Almonte places a Tissue Expander (STAGE 1) under the muscle in the chest and closes the skin over it. Over the following weeks or months, he will inject saline into the expander in the office in order to gain more skin and more volume.

Once the desired size is obtained, a few weeks are allowed to pass in order for the skin to accommodate the filled expander. A second operation (STAGE 2) is then performed to replace the expander with the final implant. This final implant may be saline filled or silicone filled.

After the breast mound is created by either autologous tissue or an implant, a final option for the patient is the creation of a nipple. The NIPPLE RECONSTRUCTION is an additional operation in which a small "nub" of skin is created onto the breast followed by tattooing of an areola. Some women choose to forgoe this last step. The final result is a breast the comes close to the shape and form of a natural one.

Contact The Almonte Center For Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery

The Almonte Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Arnold Almonte, D.O.

El Dorado Hills Office:
991 Governor Drive Suite 104
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Phone: (916) 933-1113
Fax: (916) 933-1551

Jackson Office:
817 Court Street Suite 8
Jackson, CA 95642
Phone: (209) 223-4853