Breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients after mastectomy. There are different types of breast reconstruction. Some techniques use implants or prostheses. Others use the method of using body tissue such as the abdomen to form the breast. Breast reconstruction can happen immediately after a mastectomy or much later. You may need several surgeries over several months. In this article, we will explain to you the best method of breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery to reconstruct the breast after mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can happen immediately after breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or it can happen months or years later (delayed reconstruction).
You may have surgery to reconstruct both breasts, or your doctor may replace one breast and reshape it to match the other. The doctor recommends several surgeries in several stages. Some people choose breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, but many do not. The decision to reconstruct the breast in breast cancer patients is a personal one.
The best method of breast reconstruction after cancer
There are two main types of breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy:
Flap reconstruction
In flap reconstruction, the surgeon takes tissue from the body (autologous tissue) and uses it to form the breast. Tissue is usually taken from the lower abdomen, but it can also be taken from the thigh, back, or lower leg. The surgeon may remove fat, skin, blood vessels, and muscle from these parts of the body to form a new breast.
Repair using fat injection is considered part of flap reconstruction. Doctors call this tissue a flap. Sometimes, surgeons move a flap around the body (pedicle flap). In this way, the flap maintains its blood supply, or the flap may be separated from its blood supply (free flap) and connected to the blood vessels of the chest.
Implant reconstruction
The question may arise to you, what is a breast prosthesis? A prosthesis is the same as an implant. In breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer patients, surgeons use silicone implants to reconstruct breast tissue. Sometimes surgeons will use a combination of implants and tissue from the patient’s own body. Implant reconstruction can happen along with mastectomy or this procedure may be done after mastectomy.
Types of implant reconstruction
Note: Prosthesis can also be used for breast lift.
How is breast reconstruction done?
During breast reconstruction surgery after cancer, you will be completely sedated. So you will be asleep and feel no pain during the surgery. While you are still asleep, the specialist surgeon performs the breast reconstruction. If an implant reconstruction is being performed, the doctor will place the implant in your chest. The surgeon can use a variety of breast prosthesis models for reconstruction.
If you are having a flap procedure, they will take tissue from one part of your body, form the new breast and place it. During surgery, your doctor may insert a drain (thin tube) under your skin. One end of the tube comes out of your chest. As it heals, the tube drains fluid and blood. When you no longer need the tubes, your doctor will remove them.
Possible complications of breast reconstruction
As with any surgical procedure, the risks of breast reconstruction include infection and bleeding. Results vary depending on the type of procedure and the amount of tissue left after breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy. After surgery, you will likely have little or no sensation in your reconstructed breasts. Over time, you may feel a little on your skin, but it won’t be the same.
Complications of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients may include the following:
Return to activity after breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients
Each person’s recovery after surgery is different. Your recovery time depends on a variety of factors, including breast surgery care, general health, and the type of procedure. You should refrain from lifting heavy objects, exercising or doing certain activities for a while to give your body a chance to heal. Talk to your doctor about when you can return to your favorite activities. Cancer can come back after breast reconstruction surgery. See your provider for regular checkups. If you’ve had one breast reconstructed, you’ll need regular mammograms on the other breast to check for cancer.
The right time for breast reconstruction
After breast removal and depending on the doctor’s opinion, you can perform breast reconstruction. But call your doctor right away if you have:
You can visit a doctor at any time to treat sagging breasts.
The cost of breast reconstructio
The cost of breast reconstruction in breast cancer patients can vary from patient to patient. The amount of the fee depends on the following factors:
- Patient condition
- type of surgeries
- The number of surgeries
- Type of prosthesis
For detailed information on the cost of breast reconstruction, you can visit Mahziar Clinic. You may also have a question about the difference between breast lift and breast prosthesis. To learn more about breast beauty surgery, we suggest you read the article on the difference between breast lift and breast prosthesis.
Summary
Breast reconstruction surgery and breast fat injection can improve self-confidence and body beauty after mastectomy or lumpectomy. The decision to reconstruct the breast in breast cancer patients is a personal matter. If you decide to have this surgery, talk to your doctor about which technique is right for you. Be honest and transparent about your goals, lifestyle and desired appearance. You may need more than one surgery within a few months. Follow your doctor’s instructions during recovery. If you have severe pain or signs of infection, call your doctor right away.
