Reconstructive Breast Surgery after Cancer

If you have ever had a mastectomy, then you know what women who have gone through this are feeling. You might go through times when you do not feel like you are a whole person anymore, even though all that has changed is that one aspect of your body. It is probably a very emotionally and physically draining time for you. If you have recently gone through this, do not lose hope. Reconstructive breast surgery may be a good option for you to help you feel like yourself once again.

There are two main types of reconstructive breast surgery that can be done to help those who have had a mastectomy. There is the type that makes use of artificial products such as saline or silicone implants. There is also the type that uses portions of the individual's body from another location and takes that to remake the breasts.

It will probably depend on the individual as to what type of procedure will work the best. An individual that does not have very much extra tissue on their body may not benefit from the removal of tissue from one part of the body to another part. Anyone will likely be a good candidate for the implants as long as they are healthy enough to have a surgical procedure in general.

This is something that a surgeon will need to take into consideration before saying they can give you a surgical procedure in the first place. There may need to be a length of time between your mastectomy and your repairing treatment. This will likely be decided on by your cancer doctor.

You may not have a plastic surgeon already chosen to do your reconstructive breast surgery. If you have not then there are some things to consider before you do. You will want a surgeon that has experience in working with cancer patients. This is important because they will better understand what you are going through physically and emotionally. Make sure that you also choose a surgeon that will work with your insurance to cover your treatment. It might depend on the insurance company whether they will cover it since it is somewhat cosmetic. If insurance will not work with you, try to find a clinic that offers financing that will work for you.

Once you do choose a plastic surgeon, you will want to discuss your procedure with him or her concerning how it will affect later testing that might need to be done for possible cancer that has possibly returned. Although this is not something you might want to think about, you would be wise to make sure the implant you receive or the reconstruction you have done will not negatively affect your other doctor's ability to find possible cancer.

After discussing your concerns with your doctor, if you decide to have reconstructive breast surgery, hopefully you will feel like yourself once again. There is no reason to go through life feeling less than the person you are.