Breast Reconstruction-Gaining a New Perspective and Outlook on Life

There are several types of breast reconstruction procedures available for those needing the shape of their breast rebuilt as a result of trauma, disease, abnormal development of the breasts, but most need them as a result of having a mastectomy. During this surgical procedure, the physician uses tissues from the buttocks, back, or belly or the surgeon uses an implant or tissue expanders to form breast mounds. The implants are silicone sacs that are filled with either silicone gel or salt water. Through an experienced plastic surgeon, the woman is able to have the natural appearance of the breast restored.

There are basically two types of breast reconstruction surgeries performed: reconstruction with implants or tissue expanders or a procedure using the woman’s own tissue. The type of reconstruction surgery a patient receives will largely depend on the patients’ cancer treatment, age, and body type.

The overall goal of a breast reconstruction procedure is for the patient to receive two symmetrical and balanced breasts. During a consultation, the reconstruction breast procedure that will best suit the woman’s situation will be presented. If the Latissimus Flap/Pedicle Flap procedure is chosen, this procedure is best for women who are missing breast tissue and skin following a mastectomy. The goal of this particular type of procedure is to create normal looking breasts. With a surgeon that has years of experience performing this type of procedure, a result with a near perfect match is received.

During the Latissimus Flap and Pedicle Flap procedure, an implant is usually needed in order to add volume. This procedure usually requires a 1-2 day hospital stay. Following the Latissimus Flap and Pedicle Flap procedure, the patient may experience discomfort in the reconstruction site and back area for a few weeks. It usually requires 4 weeks for the patient to have full use of the area again and sutures are removed within a month’s time.

The patient and surgeon agrees on the DIEP Flap and Free Flap procedure typically when only the loss of breast tissue after a subcutaneous mastectomy
occurs or if one or both sides of the breasts have experienced loss of skin and breast tissue following a mastectomy. However, although uncommon, some women opt for this procedure to receive larger breasts.

The goal of the DIEP Flap and Free Flap procedure is to create a normal breast shape and mound during the first operation; however, other smaller procedures are usually necessary such as areola and nipple reconstruction. This procedure usually requires the patient stay in the hospital 2 to 3 days following surgery. The day after surgery ambulation will begin and the patient may begin to experience comfort 7 to 10 days following surgery. The average patient who receives this type of procedure has a completed recovery 6 weeks following surgery.

Breast implant surgery is the most common type of breast reconstruction surgery performed. This procedure most often utilizes mammary tissue replacement with an implant and usually uses tissue expanders prior to implant placement. In the case a tissue expansion is used, the patient will have enough skin envelopes remaining whereby they can receive a natural looking breast.

During tissue expansion, the skin is stretched to prepare for the placement of a permanent implant later. The expander can be placed during a later procedure or at the time a mastectomy procedure is taking place depending whether the procedure is delayed or immediate reconstruction. A qualified surgeon will make the decision of the tissue expander location depending of the characteristics of the breast and the surgeons own preferences.

Additional procedures can be utilized if the patient wants added enhancement such as reducing the other breast, lifting, enlargement, and areola or nipple reconstructions and all are part of breast reconstruction. Undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure can be a timely and complex undertaking and should only be left to a surgeon who is well-qualified and utilizes the most up-to-date treatments in reconstruction and plastic surgical procedures. The ABMS only recognizes a surgeon that has received certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and should be the choice of those opting for this type of surgery.

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