Breast reconstruction helps restore the shape, balance, and appearance of the breast following mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma, or congenital conditions.
At Murray Hill Plastic Surgery in New York City, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. M. Zakir Sabry provides thoughtful, individualized breast reconstruction designed to support both physical healing and emotional well-being. With extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Sabry works closely with each patient to create a plan that respects their medical history, personal goals, and timeline. He utilizes the latest techniques to recreate a natural-looking, symmetrical breast mound.
Whether reconstruction is performed immediately or years after breast surgery, the focus is always on natural-looking results, long-term stability, and careful attention to safety. Our goal is to help you feel whole, comfortable, and confident again while guiding you with honest recommendations and compassionate care.
If you’re interested, we invite you to reach out online or give us a call at (212) 737-1308 to book a consultation in our Manhattan office. We welcome breast reconstruction patients from all over NYC and beyond.
Breast reconstruction helps restore the shape, balance, and appearance of the breast following mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma, or congenital conditions.
At Murray Hill Plastic Surgery in New York City, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. M. Zakir Sabry provides thoughtful, individualized breast reconstruction designed to support both physical healing and emotional well-being. With extensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Sabry works closely with each patient to create a plan that respects their medical history, personal goals, and timeline. He utilizes the latest techniques to recreate a natural-looking, symmetrical breast mound.
Whether reconstruction is performed immediately or years after breast surgery, the focus is always on natural-looking results, long-term stability, and careful attention to safety. Our goal is to help you feel whole, comfortable, and confident again while guiding you with honest recommendations and compassionate care.
If you’re interested, we invite you to reach out online or give us a call at (212) 737-1308 to book a consultation in our Manhattan office. We welcome breast reconstruction patients from all over NYC and beyond.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical process designed to recreate the breast mound after breast tissue has been removed or altered. This may occur following breast cancer treatment, preventative mastectomy, trauma, or prior breast surgery that resulted in deformity or asymmetry.
Reconstruction is not a single procedure for most patients. Instead, it is often performed in stages, allowing tissues to heal and adjustments to be made over time. The specific approach depends on your anatomy, medical history, cancer treatment plan, and personal goals.
There is no single “best” reconstruction method. Dr. Sabry carefully evaluates each patient to determine which option offers the safest path and most natural outcome.
This approach uses saline or silicone breast implants to recreate breast shape. In some cases, a tissue expander is placed first to gradually prepare the skin and soft tissue before the final implant is inserted.
Implant-based reconstruction may be appropriate for patients who prefer a shorter surgery or do not wish to use their own tissue.
Flap reconstruction (a.k.a. autologous reconstruction) utilizes tissue from another body part, like the abdomen or back to restore the breast shape. The flaps are moved, still attached to a vascular pedicle, to create a breast that moves, ages, and feels more natural but leaves additional donor site scars.
Different flap techniques include:
The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap technique reconstructs the breast using skin, fat, and muscle from the abdomen. The rectus abdominis muscle, which runs vertically between the ribs and the pelvis, is cut and transplanted, along with the overlying tissue, to the chest to build the breast mound. This method involves the sacrifice of abdominal muscle, which can lead to weakness in the future.
Latissimus dorsi flap reconstructs the breast as a primary or as a salvage flap. The muscle and skin from the back is released and repositioned in the breast pocket to recreate the breast. This option often needs an implant to increase fullness.
Some patients benefit from a combination of techniques or staged reconstruction that evolves over time. Dr. Sabry will discuss all appropriate options during your consultation.
Dr. M. Zakir Sabry approaches breast reconstruction as both a reconstructive and restorative process. He understands that reconstruction is about function, balance, and emotional well-being as much as it is about appearance.
Dr. Sabry most often uses implant-based reconstruction. He takes the time to understand your diagnosis, treatment timeline, and long-term goals before recommending a plan. His conservative philosophy emphasizes stability, symmetry, and natural contour rather than aggressive correction. Since reconstruction often involves working with scar tissue, radiated skin, or altered anatomy, his background in reconstructive and craniofacial surgery plays a key role in achieving safe, reliable outcomes.
Your consultation is always conducted directly with Dr. Sabry, never a coordinator or assistant. These visits are unhurried and designed to give you clarity, reassurance, and honest answers.
During your consultation, we will:
Many patients meet with Dr. Sabry more than once before surgery to ensure the plan feels right and aligns with their overall treatment journey.
Breast reconstruction may be performed:
The right timing depends on cancer treatment, radiation history, healing, and personal preference. Dr. Sabry works closely with your care team when appropriate to ensure coordination and safety.
Breast reconstruction procedures are performed in one of our affiliated hospitals. On surgery day, you’ll arrive early, meet with anesthesia staff, and review final details with Dr. Sabry.
Breast reconstruction procedures are performed under general anesthesia administered by a certified anesthesiologist.
Dr. Sabry creates a pocket or space in the chest to accommodate the breast implant or flap:
After surgery, you’ll recover under the supervision of an experienced PACU nurse and be discharged once stable, or admitted for observation if needed, depending on the procedure performed.
Weeks 2 and 3 mark a transition to light activity and more independence in personal care. Bruising and swelling continue to resolve. Patients can usually return to desk work during this time, but strenuous physical exertion is still restricted. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Sabry to monitor healing progress. Discomfort typically decreases to a mild level that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
In subsequent weeks and months after surgery, patients regain strength and resume regular activity. Temporary numbness in the breast area slowly resolves. Scars mature and become less visible over time. Full recovery takes about 6-12 months, depending on the extent of the reconstruction procedure. Patients must continue follow-up mammograms or MRIs to monitor the restored breast tissue.
The first day or two after breast reconstruction surgery should be dedicated to managing pain and beginning basic self-care activities. Drainage tubes are typically placed during surgery to remove fluid and prevent infection and swelling. Patients are encouraged to get up and walk around their homes briefly to avoid blood clots. Activities are kept very limited.
During the first week of recovery, patients follow Dr. Sabry’s instructions for wound care, medication, and activity restrictions. Pain and discomfort should gradually subside, but patients might still require prescription pain relievers. Drainage tubes remain in place for up to 14 days until fluid accumulation is minimal. Stitches may need to be removed around 1 week later. Swelling and bruising are common. Patients should avoid lifting, pulling, or pushing anything over 5-10 pounds.
Breast reconstruction takes real experience, good judgment, and a genuine sense of care. At Murray Hill Plastic Surgery, that’s exactly how we approach it: putting the patient first and tailoring everything to what you actually need.
Dr. M. Zakir Sabry spent more than nine years in surgical training, undergoing full general surgery residency, plastic surgery residency, and then a craniofacial fellowship on top of that. He’s also an Assistant Professor at New York Medical College and has performed well over 1,000 aesthetic and reconstructive cases. All that background lets him handle even the tougher reconstructions with high precision and a steady hand.
We don’t rush you into decisions or try to sell you on procedures that won’t serve you. If waiting makes more sense, if staging the process is smarter, or if a more conservative route is the right call, we’ll tell you. From your first visit through the entire recovery, you’ll be working directly with Dr. Sabry and a small, tight-knit team that pays close attention to how you’re doing every step of the way.
That’s always the main goal: a breast that matches your body in shape, symmetry, proportion, and how it moves. Right after surgery, things can look a bit swollen or different, but as healing progresses and tissues settle (usually over several months), the results get more natural. We aim for something that feels like you again.
No, it doesn’t get in the way of mammograms, exams, or any follow-up monitoring your oncology team needs. Dr. Sabry coordinates with them when necessary to keep everything on track.
It depends on the approach. Some women do great with one main surgery, while others go through stages, like tissue expansion followed by implant placement, or additional tweaks for symmetry or nipple reconstruction. We map it out up front so that you know what to expect.
In most cases, yes. Thanks to federal law (the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act), if your plan covers mastectomy, it should cover reconstruction too, including any work on the other breast for balance. Our office helps verify your benefits and handle the paperwork to make it as smooth as possible. It is important to note that Dr. Sabry is an out-of-network physician, and we can help you decipher if we are able to work with your insurance company.
Both are solid options. Immediate reconstruction (during the same surgery as your mastectomy) can help emotionally and aesthetically, but delayed reconstruction works well if you need time to heal, finish treatments like radiation, or just aren’t ready yet. We will discuss the pros and cons based on your unique situation.
Both are solid options. Immediate reconstruction (during the same surgery as your mastectomy) can help emotionally and aesthetically, but delayed reconstruction works well if you need time to heal, finish treatments like radiation, or just aren’t ready yet. We will discuss the pros and cons based on your unique situation.
Recovery varies, but most people are back to light activities in a couple of weeks and more normal routines in 4–6 weeks. You’ll have some discomfort at first, but we provide clear instructions, pain management, and follow-ups to get you through it comfortably.
The cost of breast reconstruction in NYC varies, since several factors influence the price. Whether using implants or utilizing the patient’s tissue, the type of reconstruction method significantly impacts the total costs. The experience and reputation of breast surgeons also affect pricing. Patients undergoing reconstruction after a mastectomy due to breast cancer may have their costs covered by health insurance. Please be mindful that Dr. Sabry is an out-of-network provider.
