Cosmetic Procedures

Breast Reconstruction

When an illness such as cancer attacks, it can be overwhelming and heart-breaking on many levels. In order to remove the cancer, it may be necessary to remove a breast through a mastectomy. However, thanks to the latest medical technology, plastic surgeons are able to reconstruct the breast to make it look more natural and shapely.

Who Needs It

Nearly every woman in need of a mastectomy is a candidate for breast reconstruction. However, it is sometimes best to wait for the procedure if there is a chance that the cancer will still be present following surgery.

Preparation

A large part of the planning involved in a breast reconstruction is shouldered by the two physicians, the oncologist and the plastic surgeon, as they coordinate the surgery. Together, you will discuss how to prepare for the surgery. When surgeries are done simultaneously, a hospital stay of a couple of days is generally recommended to ensure you receive optimal care.

The Surgery

The surgery will be done under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep during the entire process. Generally, the plastic surgeon will begin to operate when the oncologist has finished removing the cancerous cells from the breast.

There are two methods employed to reconstruct breasts—skin expansion and the flap method. When skin expansion is used, a balloon is inserted into the breast tissue and is expanded to create room for new tissue. After enough tissue forms, the surgeon will insert the implant and suture the skin. Micropigmentation may be used recreate a nipple for a more natural look.

In the flap method, tissue is taken from a donor site, such as the back, abdomen or buttocks, and is moved to the breast area. Sometimes, it is removed and then transplanted, while other times, the tissue remains in tact with the blood stream and is moved through the body and positioned into place on the chest. In some instances, there is enough tissue on the chest to form a new breast mound, while other times, an implant is used.

Results

Most patients are very pleased with the results and relieved that after undergoing such an ordeal with cancer, they will still look good in their clothes. While the new breast will not exactly match the original breast, it will look the same under clothes. Some feeling of the breast will be lost permanently and scars will never completely go away, although over several months the scars will fade to become much less noticeable.

It will take several weeks to recover from the surgery although noticeable improvements will be seen after a week or so. Ultimately breast reconstruction can restore a normal and natural-looking shape and most patients are very pleased and confident in the results.