What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction employs various plastic surgery techniques to restore the breast to a near-normal shape and appearance after a mastectomy. The primary aim is to achieve a breast that closely resembles the natural shape, appearance, symmetry, and size, whether reconstruction is needed after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or due to congenital deformities. This process often involves multiple stages and can either commence at the time of the mastectomy or be postponed later.
There are two main types of breast reconstruction: implant-based and flap reconstruction. Implant-based reconstruction uses breast implants to create a new breast mound. On the other hand, flap (or autologous) reconstruction utilizes the patient’s tissue from another part of the body.
How Does Breast Reconstruction Work?
Breast reconstruction surgery involves various techniques to rebuild a breast that has been removed or disfigured due to cancer. This procedure can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or delayed until later. Depending on the patient’s needs, the surgeon may use tissue from other body parts—such as the abdomen, back, or buttocks—or a breast implant to restore the breast’s natural shape and size. The process may also include reconstructing the nipple and areola. Breast reconstruction typically involves multiple surgeries over several months. Opting for this surgery can help restore their self-esteem and confidence after a traumatic experience.
Benefits of a Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction offers numerous benefits, including an enhanced quality of life following a cancer diagnosis and reduced discomfort from previous breast reconstruction procedures. It can also improve cosmetic outcomes after unsuccessful reconstruction efforts and provide options for reconstruction with or without implants. Available treatments include tissue expander or tissue flap reconstruction after partial or total mastectomy. Enhanced contour and aesthetic results can be achieved using FDA-approved, state-of-the-art techniques such as tissue expanders, implants, tissue flaps, and fat grafting. Additionally, natural breast reconstruction using FDA-approved cohesive gel implants is available when appropriate.
Is Breast Reconstruction Right for Me?
Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Breast reconstruction is a good option if you are able to cope well with your diagnosis and treatment, you do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing, and you have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring your breast and body image.
It typically involves several procedures performed in multiple stages. It can begin at the same time as the mastectomy or be delayed until you heal from the mastectomy and recover from any additional cancer treatments.
What Will Be Discussed at My Consultation?
- Why do you want the surgery?
- Your expectations and desired outcome.
- The options are available in breast reconstruction surgery.
- The likely outcomes of breast reconstruction.
- Any risks or potential complications.
- Treatment plan recommended by your plastic surgeon, including procedures to achieve breast symmetry.
What Should I Expect Right After Breast Reconstruction?
- Following your surgery gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions.
- An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the reconstructed breast.
- A small, thin tube (called a drain) may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid.
- A pain pump may also be used to reduce the need for narcotics.
- You will be given specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery.
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health.
- When to follow up with your surgeon.
- Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and breast shape and position improve.
- Continue to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
What Should I Expect Over Time?
- The final results of breast reconstruction following mastectomy can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of mastectomy.
- Over time, some breast sensations may return, and scar lines will improve, although they’ll never disappear completely.
- There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their quality of life and the ability to look and feel whole.
- Careful monitoring of breast health through self-exam, mammography, and other diagnostic techniques is essential to your long-term health.
To learn if breast reconstruction is right for you, schedule a consultation today.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before Breast Reconstruction
You will have a complimentary consultation. We will discuss your medical history, personal motivations, and goals. You can expect a thorough overview of your options and a customized plan tailored to your needs. Our priority is to support you in making an informed decision that aligns with your current circumstances and aspirations. To ensure safety and comfort, most procedures are performed under general anesthesia.
What to Expect During Breast Reconstruction
During breast reconstruction, medications are given to ensure your comfort, including options like intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. The TRAM flap reconstructs the breast using muscle, fat, and skin from the lower abdomen. This flap can stay connected to its original blood supply or be completely detached and reshaped into a breast mound. Alternatively, the DIEP or SIEA flap techniques transfer only skin and fat from the abdomen without using muscle. If there is insufficient abdominal tissue, other donor sites like the buttocks or thighs may be used. Additionally, the latissimus dorsi flap uses tissue from the back, sometimes combined with an implant, to achieve the desired breast size.
What to Expect After Breast Reconstruction
After your breast reconstruction surgery, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. You may experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling, but these will subside over time and your scars will gradually fade. Wearing a compression bandage or sports bra is recommended to support healing and your implants during recovery. Medication can be prescribed for pain if needed. You can return to work within two weeks depending on your job but avoid strenuous activities.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
BEFORE & AFTERS
Age: 48 | Height: 5’10″ | Weight: 173 lbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
How should one prepare for Breast Reconstruction surgery?
To prepare for breast augmentation, you may need to undergo a blood test, take specific medications or adjust your current ones, quit smoking, and avoid aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory medications, as they may cause increased bleeding.
What are the results of Breast Reconstruction surgery?
With time, some sensation in the breast skin may return, and scar lines will improve, though they will never completely disappear. While there are trade-offs, most women find these minor compared to the significant enhancement in their quality of life and the restored sense of wholeness.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with Breast Reconstruction?
Potential risks associated with breast reconstruction include bleeding, infection, poor incision healing, and complications related to anesthesia.
WIll a Breast Reconstruction leave a visable scar?
The size and shape of the scar will depend on the type of surgery you undergo. While the scar will become less noticeable and fade over time, it may never completely disappear.
Is there any discomfort during or after Breast Reconstruction treatment?
Because a local anesthetic is administered, patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure. Although some discomfort may occur during recovery, pain is generally well controlled with medications and other therapeutic measures. Many women find that the emotional healing and the restored sense of physical completeness achieved through breast reconstruction far surpass any temporary physical discomfort.