Breast Reconstruction

Restoring More Than a Breast

A diagnosis of breast cancer changes life in an instant.

Choosing the right cancer treatment is only part of the journey. Deciding whether, when, and how to reconstruct the breast is a deeply personal decision that deserves careful thought, education, and compassionate guidance.

For more than 26 years, Bangor Plastic and Hand Surgery has helped women throughout Maine navigate those decisions with individualized care, thoughtful counseling, and state-of-the-art reconstructive techniques.

Our goal is not simply to rebuild a breast.



It is to help restore confidence, body image, and quality of life while respecting each woman's unique priorities, lifestyle, and cancer treatment.

Every Woman's Journey Is Different

There is no single "right" method of breast reconstruction.

Some women prefer implant reconstruction. Others are excellent candidates for reconstruction using their own tissue. Some choose immediate reconstruction at the time of mastectomy, while others prefer to delay reconstruction until months—or even years—after cancer treatment.

Some women ultimately decide not to undergo reconstruction at all.

Every one of these choices is appropriate when it reflects an informed decision made by the patient.



One of Dr. Branch's most important roles is helping each woman understand her options so that she can make the decision that is right for her—not the one that is right for someone else.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Modern breast reconstruction offers more choices than ever before.

Depending on your anatomy, cancer treatment, overall health, and personal goals, reconstruction may involve:

• Implant-based reconstruction
• Tissue expander reconstruction
• Reconstruction using your own tissue (autologous reconstruction)
• Fat grafting to improve contour and soften reconstructed breasts
• Nipple and areolar reconstruction
• Procedures to improve symmetry with the opposite breast

Each treatment plan is individualized and often evolves throughout the reconstructive process.

Autologous Reconstruction

Using a patient's own tissue often creates the most natural appearance and feel.

Dr. Branch was the first plastic surgeon in Maine to introduce Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, helping establish one of the most important advances in modern breast reconstruction within the state.

Although he no longer routinely performs DIEP flap surgery himself, he continues to counsel patients regarding all reconstructive options and collaborates with experienced microsurgeons whenever autologous reconstruction offers the greatest long-term benefit.

The most important goal is not performing every operation personally—it is ensuring that every patient receives the reconstruction that best fits her individual needs.

Innovation Through Fat Grafting

Fat grafting has become an important part of modern breast reconstruction.



For well over a decade, Dr. Branch has incorporated autologous fat grafting to improve contour, soften implant reconstruction, improve symmetry, and enhance the quality of tissues affected by radiation therapy. Ongoing clinical research is exploring additional regenerative applications aimed at improving healing and tissue quality following cancer treatment.

A Personal Commitment to Breast Cancer Care

For Dr. Branch, breast cancer care is more than a specialty—it is a lifelong commitment that has become both professional and deeply personal.

After caring for thousands of women with breast cancer throughout his career, his own family was profoundly affected by the disease. That experience strengthened his belief that every woman deserves not only exceptional surgical care, but also education, compassion, and the opportunity to make informed decisions about reconstruction without pressure or regret.



Members of our team have also faced breast cancer personally, giving us an appreciation for the emotional challenges that accompany diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. We understand that reconstruction is about far more than surgery. It is about helping women regain confidence, restore a sense of normalcy, and move forward with hope.

The Pink Runway Project

This commitment extends beyond our practice through The Pink Runway Project, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Branch to improve education, awareness, and access to breast reconstruction and comprehensive breast cancer care.

The Foundation's mission is to ensure that every woman understands her reconstructive rights, becomes aware of the many treatment options available, and receives the information and support needed to make confident, informed decisions throughout her breast cancer journey.

We believe every woman deserves to know her options.

We believe every woman deserves a voice in her care.

And we believe every woman deserves the opportunity to feel whole again—whatever that means to her.

The Consultation Matters Most

No website can tell you which type of breast reconstruction is right for you.

That decision requires an honest conversation about your cancer treatment, anatomy, lifestyle, personal priorities, and long-term goals.

During your consultation, Dr. Branch will carefully review all of your options—including those he performs as well as those that may require collaboration with other specialists—and help you develop an individualized treatment plan based on what is best for you.



The goal is not simply to reconstruct a breast.

It is to restore confidence, comfort, symmetry, and quality of life while supporting you throughout your entire breast cancer journey.

Have Questions? Reach Out To Us Today.

Take This First Step – We’re Here For You!