What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is an operation to make a new breast shape after mastectomy (removal of a breast), or to improve the breast shape after lumpectomy (removal of part of the breast). Not surprisingly, most women find it difficult to come to terms with the loss of a breast. Up to half of all women who have a mastectomy choose to have breast reconstruction, either at the time of their initial surgery or afterwards. The aim of breast reconstruction is to match the remaining natural breast as closely as possible. This can either be done by using an implant, which is put under the skin and muscle that covers your chest, or by using skin, fat (and sometimes muscle) from another part of your body to create a breast shape. A combination of these techniques is used for some women. Your surgeon will advise you on the type of reconstruction that’s most suitable for you.
Breast reconstruction, performed after a mastectomy (removal of the breast due to cancer or other illness), is one of the most gratifying operational procedures for patients that undergo plastic surgery today. The development of new techniques and medical materials makes it possible for the plastic surgeon to create a breast that is similar, in shape, texture and characteristics, to a breast that has not undergone surgery. Thus, the objectives of breast reconstruction are to: Recreate a breast that has a natural appearance, including, if the patient wishes, the areola and the nipple. Eliminate the necessity of using a filler prosthesis, allowing the possibility of wearing garments that would not be possible without the reconstruction (bathing suits, low collars, etc.
If you have been told that you will need, or if you have already undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be an option for you. Breast reconstruction is a series of operations designed to recreate your breast to its original shape. The initial step in breast reconstruction is to evaluate the proposed or existing changes to your breast due to a mastectomy. The types of changes that often occur are the loss of skin surface, breast volume, the nipple, symmetry and contour. As you are already aware, being faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer forces you as a patient to make numerous difficult choices. Breast reconstruction is no different and is similar to an unfamiliar road with many different routes available. Although your physicians are there to help will guide you along the way by explaining the options, you must make the final decisions, which will direct you down the path best suited to your situation.
If you have been told that you will need, or if you have already undergone a mastectomy, breast reconstruction may be an option for you. Breast reconstruction is a series of operations designed to recreate your breast to its original shape. The initial step in breast reconstruction is to evaluate the proposed or existing changes to your breast due to a mastectomy. The types of changes that often occur are the loss of skin surface, breast volume, the nipple, symmetry and contour. As you are already aware, being faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer forces you as a patient to make numerous difficult choices. Breast reconstruction is no different and is similar to an unfamiliar road with many different routes available. Although your physicians are there to help will guide you along the way by explaining the options, you must make the final decisions, which will direct you down the path best suited to your situation.
Reconstructive surgery may begin immediately after a mastectomy is performed, months or years afterward, or not at all. In some cases your surgeon may recommend that you wait a period of time before beginning reconstruction, but in most cases the timing is up to you. If you do have a mastectomy, and you choose reconstruction, several very successful procedures are available for you to choose from. All of these procedures have inherent advantages, and you should weigh the particular merits of each as you consider breast reconstruction. Making a Decision There is absolutely no urgency for making a decision about breast reconstruction. From a medical standpoint it does not matter when you do it, or even if you do it. Many women do not want to contend with additional procedures of any kind immediately following a mastectomy. Others feel that additional surgery to reconstruct the breast will help them psychologically.
