A 29-year-old woman with Stage 1 right breast cancer wanted to go from a B to a full C cup. She had a nipple-sparing double mastectomy with immediate prepectoral implant reconstruction; the implants were later exchanged for a larger size to reach her goal.
What do these direct-to-implant before & after photos show?
These before & after photos show direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstruction by Dr. Wai-Yee Li — the permanent implant placed in a single stage at the time of mastectomy, often prepectorally, above the muscle. The results reflect bilateral prepectoral reconstruction in Los Angeles.
A 37-year-old woman with a BRCA2 mutation chose a risk-reducing nipple-sparing double mastectomy with immediate prepectoral implant reconstruction. She later had a capsulotomy with an implant exchange to refine the result.
A 42-year-old woman with left breast cancer had a double mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. About seven months later, Dr. Li performed delayed implant-based reconstruction with prepectoral silicone implants.
Want to understand this procedure first? Learn about Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction›
More before & after results
Frequently asked questions
Direct-to-implant reconstruction places the permanent breast implant at the same surgery as the mastectomy, in a single stage, rather than using a tissue expander first. Dr. Li often places the implant prepectorally, above the muscle.
Prepectoral placement positions the implant above the pectoralis muscle, in the breast's natural location. It avoids cutting the muscle, which can mean less pain and no animation twitching when the arm moves.
Not everyone. Direct-to-implant reconstruction depends on healthy skin and tissue after mastectomy, which Dr. Li assesses at surgery, sometimes with an ICG perfusion scan. She will discuss whether it is right for you.
Take the next step
See what's possible for you
Book a consultation with Dr. Wai-Yee Li, or call the practice to discuss your options.
Visit the practice
Two locations across Los Angeles
Arcadia
Get directions ›Pasadena
Address675 S Arroyo Pkwy Ste 310 B
Pasadena, CA 91105
Pasadena, CA 91105
Contact626.888.9728
HoursMon–Tue, Thu–Fri: 10 AM–4 PM