Breast Reconstruction in Beverly Hills: Dr. David Sahar

Breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape of the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can use an implant, your own tissue, or both, and it can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or months or years later. Under the federal Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, most group health plans that cover mastectomy must also cover reconstruction.

In Beverly Hills, Dr. David Sahar, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, lists breast reconstruction among his practice's main areas of focus. His published menu prices it from $25,000.

Breast reconstruction at a glance

Immediate or delayed reconstruction?

Immediate reconstruction starts in the same operation as the mastectomy, so you wake up with reconstruction already under way. Delayed reconstruction happens after you have recovered, often once other cancer treatment is finished. Dr. Sahar's practice offers both, and which one suits you depends on your treatment plan, including whether you will need radiation. Your breast surgeon, oncologist and plastic surgeon usually decide the timing together.

What are the implant-based options?

The practice describes two implant-based paths:

According to his practice, Dr. Sahar's work in implant-based reconstruction includes the first prospective randomized trial of acellular dermal matrices, the tissue-support material often used to hold an implant in position.

Can you use your own tissue instead of an implant?

Yes. Autologous reconstruction builds the breast from your own fat or tissue. The practice lists these options:

"Free" flaps are fully detached and reconnected to blood vessels in the chest under a microscope. A "pedicled" flap stays attached to its original blood supply. Own-tissue options usually mean a longer operation and a second healing site. In return, the result is living tissue that changes with your body weight.

What about reconstruction after radiation?

Radiation can change how skin and tissue heal, which affects which reconstruction methods are suitable and when. Dr. Sahar's practice lists reconstruction following radiation as one of his areas of focus. If radiation is part of your treatment plan, ask the plastic surgeon before your mastectomy how it changes your options and timing.

Do you need nipple and areola reconstruction?

Often it is the last step. Once the breast mound has healed, the nipple and areola can be rebuilt, and the practice notes this is sometimes finished with medical tattooing for color.

Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?

Usually, yes. The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires group health plans and insurers that cover mastectomy to also cover:

Your deductible and coinsurance still apply. Before you schedule, ask the practice whether it is in network with your plan, and ask your insurer for pre-authorization in writing. Dr. Sahar's published price of from $25,000 is the practice's menu price, not what an insured patient will necessarily pay.

How do you choose a breast reconstruction surgeon?

Questions worth asking any surgeon you consider:

You can check a surgeon's board certification through the ASPS directory and their provider record on the CMS NPI Registry.

Breast reconstruction in Beverly Hills: what people ask

What is the average cost of breast reconstruction surgery?

There is no reliable single average: the price depends on the method, the number of stages and the setting, and most patients pay through insurance. As one Beverly Hills reference point, Dr. David Sahar's practice lists breast reconstruction from $25,000 on its published menu (October 2026). Implant reconstruction in two stages, own-tissue flaps such as DIEP, and later nipple reconstruction or fat grafting are often billed as separate operations, so ask for the full plan and its stages.

Can insurance deny breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?

A group health plan that covers mastectomy cannot refuse to cover reconstruction under the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act, but the law has exceptions. Self-funded state and local government plans can opt out of it, so check which kind of plan you have. Medicare covers breast reconstruction after a mastectomy for breast cancer, and Medicaid coverage is set by each state. If a claim is denied, ask the insurer for the reason in writing and appeal with your surgeon's documentation.

Do reconstructed breasts look like real breasts?

Reconstruction recreates the shape and fullness of a breast, but it does not fully restore a natural breast. Sensation is often reduced, and the nipple and areola are rebuilt separately, sometimes finished with medical tattooing. Implant and own-tissue methods look and feel different over time, so ask the surgeon to show you results for the specific method recommended to you.

How long does breast fat grafting last?

The fat that survives the transfer is living tissue and stays, changing with your body weight; part of the injected fat is usually reabsorbed. That is why fat grafting is sometimes done in more than one session. In reconstruction it is used to add volume or smooth contour irregularities, and Dr. Sahar's practice lists fat grafting among its reconstruction options. As a stage of reconstruction after mastectomy, it is generally covered under WHCRA, but confirm with your insurer.

What restrictions should you follow after breast reconstruction surgery?

Expect limits on lifting, reaching and strenuous exercise for several weeks, and follow your surgeon's written instructions exactly. Many patients go home with surgical drains and a support garment, and own-tissue flaps add care for the donor site such as the abdomen or thigh. Ask before surgery how long you will be off work and driving, and when you can raise your arms above your head.

Who is Dr. David Sahar?

Dr. Sahar is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He trained in surgery at the University of California, San Francisco and in plastic surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. According to his practice, his research on fat grafting safety and reconstruction after mastectomy has been published in peer-reviewed journals and has received awards from the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His full credentials are in our profile of Dr. David Sahar.

Where to book

Plastic Surgery Art and Science Institute

416 North Bedford Drive #400B, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: 213-900-3182

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (closed weekends)

Website: surgeryart.com

Prices are as published on the practice's site in October 2026 and can change. Confirm your plan and costs at consultation. Cosmetic breast prices are in our Beverly Hills breast surgery cost guide.