Breast reconstruction surgeon, Los Angeles
Breast Reconstruction in Los Angeles
Breast reconstruction in Los Angeles with Michael DeLong, MD — a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed a UCLA fellowship in microsurgery. He offers own-tissue (DIEP flap), implant-based and revision reconstruction, and plans each one with your breast surgeon and oncologist.
Medically reviewed by Michael DeLong, MD, Board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery), UCLA microsurgery fellowship. Last updated .
Your breast reconstruction options
There are three main paths: rebuilding with your own tissue (a flap, most often the DIEP flap), rebuilding with implants, or revising an earlier reconstruction. Many patients combine approaches or use fat grafting to refine shape.
- Own tissue (flap) reconstruction. Skin and fat — usually from the lower abdomen — are moved to the chest and reconnected to blood vessels under a microscope. Learn about DIEP flap reconstruction.
- Implant-based reconstruction. A tissue expander or implant rebuilds the breast mound, often in two stages. It can be a good fit for patients without much donor tissue or who prefer a shorter first operation. See breast reconstruction after mastectomy for timing.
- Revision reconstruction. For implant problems, capsular contracture, asymmetry or results that no longer feel right — including converting implants to a flap. Learn about breast implant revision Los Angeles and fat-transfer breast reconstruction.
Why patients choose Dr. DeLong as their breast reconstruction surgeon in Los Angeles
Dr. DeLong's training is focused on reconstruction: Duke University School of Medicine, an integrated plastic surgery residency at UCLA, and a dedicated UCLA fellowship in microsurgery.
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Assistant Professor-in-Residence at UCLA.
- Fellowship at the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, working on breast implant safety.
- NIH-supported research, and a 95-site quality improvement program for breast reconstruction.
- Peer-reviewed publications on implant regulation, prepectoral reconstruction and outcomes. See research and publications.
Where surgery takes place
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed in accredited hospitals that can support microsurgery and overnight monitoring.
Dr. DeLong is a member of the UCLA faculty. Your care team will confirm the specific hospital for your surgery at your consultation.
Insurance for breast reconstruction in Los Angeles
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is covered under federal law: the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) requires plans that cover mastectomy to cover reconstruction, symmetry surgery on the other breast, and treatment of complications.
Your plan's normal deductibles and co-insurance still apply, and most plans require prior authorization. Our office helps you through that process.
Call (310) 267-5518 to confirm whether we work with your plan.
Real breast reconstruction results
These are Dr. DeLong's own consented patients, photographed before and after reconstruction.
- Immediate DIEP FlapOwn-tissue reconstruction at the time of mastectomy.View before & after
- Delayed DIEP Flap after Mastectomy and RadiationReconstruction after radiation therapy.View before & after
- Implant Breast ReconstructionImplant-based reconstruction.View before & after
- Breast Reconstruction RevisionRevision of a prior reconstruction.View before & after
Consented patient photos. Individual results vary.
Breast reconstruction FAQs
Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?
In most cases, yes. The federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act requires group health plans and insurers that cover mastectomy to also cover reconstruction, surgery on the other breast for symmetry, and treatment of complications. Deductibles and co-insurance still apply, and our office helps with prior authorization. Read more about breast reconstruction insurance coverage.
When should I meet a reconstructive surgeon?
Ideally before your mastectomy, so reconstruction can be coordinated with your breast surgeon and oncologist. It is never too late, though — reconstruction can also be planned months or years afterward. See breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Should I choose implants or my own tissue?
Both are valid. Implant-based reconstruction usually means a shorter first operation, while tissue (flap) reconstruction uses your own skin and fat, avoids an implant and tends to change with your body over time. Radiation history, body type, health and personal priorities guide the choice. Compare the details on our page about DIEP flap reconstruction.
How long is recovery from breast reconstruction?
It depends on the approach. Many implant-based patients return to light activity in about two weeks; flap reconstruction typically involves a short hospital stay and around six weeks before most normal activities. Reconstruction often happens in more than one stage, and healing varies by person.
Can I have reconstruction years after a mastectomy?
Yes. Delayed reconstruction is common, including after radiation or after earlier implants that no longer feel right. The WHCRA coverage requirement has no deadline after mastectomy.
How do I choose a breast reconstruction surgeon in Los Angeles?
Look for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, specific training in microsurgery if you are considering a flap, experience with both implant and tissue techniques, real before-and-after cases, and a surgeon who explains risks plainly. Ask how they coordinate with your cancer team.
Is a breast reconstruction surgeon near me in Westwood?
Dr. DeLong sees patients in the UCLA / Westwood area, Los Angeles, convenient to the Westside, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles. Call (310) 267-5518 to schedule.
Visit our Los Angeles office
DeLong Plastic Surgery
UCLA / Westwood area, Los Angeles
Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm
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Talk with Dr. DeLong about your options.
Consultations are personal. Options, recovery and outcomes vary by individual.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not create a physician–patient relationship. Individual results vary. No specific outcome is guaranteed.