What is Breast Reconstruction? Breast Reconstruction after the breast has been removed due to cancer, or other disease, is now a surgical procedure with more choices that all lead to satisfying results. Breast Reconstruction after mastectomy is a difficult procedure, however, medical techniques and devices have made it possible for a skilled Plastic Surgeon to create a breast that comes close in form and appearance to the natural breast. Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to rebuild the contour of the breast as well as the nipple and the areola. Frequently, Breast Reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal, or mastectomy, so the patient wakes up from surgery with a reconstructed breast already in place, however, Breast Reconstruction may involve one or more follow-up procedures.
What is the goal of Breast Reconstruction?
If only one breast is affected the goal of Breast Reconstruction is to create breast symmetry when you are wearing a bra. When nude, the reconstructed breast will look different than the other breast.
Who is the best candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
There are various options to consider and since each case is unique, the Plastic Surgeon will advise you on the procedure that is best for you. A thorough explanation of your full range of choices will give you a satisfactory understanding of the procedures and of the expected results.
Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for Breast Reconstruction during the actual surgical procedure when the affected areas are removed. The best candidates are women whose cancer, as far as can be determined, has been entirely eliminated by the mastectomy. Some women choose to wait to have Breast Reconstruction for various reasons. Again, this decision should be made after your surgeon evaluates your condition and gives you all your options.
Anesthesia
Most often general anesthetic is used for Breast Reconstruction, however, your surgeon will advise you of the best anesthetic for you personally. Follow-up Breast Reconstruction procedures may require only a local anesthesia, combined with a sedative. You will be awake, relaxed and feel comfortable.
Breast Reconstruction with skin expansion
One technique for Breast Reconstruction combines skin expansion and subsequent insertion of an implant. Following mastectomy, a balloon expander is inserted beneath the skin and any remaining chest muscle. Through a tiny valve mechanism buried beneath the skin, a saline solution is periodically injected to gradually fill the expander over several weeks, or months. After the skin over the breast area has stretched enough, the expander may be removed in a second surgical procedure and than a more permanent implant will be inserted. Some expanders, however, are designed to be left in place as the final implant. The nipple and the areola are reconstructed in a follow-up procedure.
It is important to note that some women do not require preliminary tissue expansion before receiving an implant. For these women, an implant is inserted as the first procedure.
Breast Reconstruction with flap reconstruction
Another method of Breast Reconstruction involves the creation of a flap using tissue taken from other parts of your body to rebuild the contour of your breast. Tissue may be taken from your back, stomach or buttocks. This type of surgery is more complex than skin expansion. Scars will be evident at both the tissue donor site and at the reconstructed breast. Recovery will take longer than Breast Reconstruction with an implant. A benefit from this type of reconstruction is that a breast reconstructed entirely with your own tissue generally gives a more natural appearance and there are no concerns about an implant. In some cases, there is the benefit of abdominal contour improvement.
Breast Reconstruction follow-up procedures
Most Breast Reconstructions will involve more than one procedure. The initial reconstructive surgery is usually the most complex. Follow-up surgery may be required to replace a tissue expander with an implant or to reconstruct the nipple and the areola. Sometimes, an additional surgery is recommended to enlarge, reduce, or lift the natural breast to match the reconstructed breast.
Life after Breast Reconstruction
A reconstructed breast may feel firmer and/or be shaped slightly different than your natural breast. The contour may also be slightly different than before the mastectomy, however, these variances will be most apparent to you. For most mastectomy patients, Breast Reconstruction dramatically improves ones appearance and the quality of life following surgery.
www.plasticsurgeons-mexico.com offers a general overview of plastic surgery procedures and will help guide you through your Plastic Surgery experience. You should understand that the circumstances, experience and surgical results of every individual will be unique. When you do finally consult with your Plastic Surgeon we encourage you to talk with him about your chosen procedure and what you can expect. Additionally, please be sure to give your Plastic Surgeon an accurate medical history to insure that your Plastic Surgery will have no complications.
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