Reconstructive Breast Surgery Choices

When a patient needs to have reconstructive breast surgery performed, there are various options that she can choose from. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of this disease in American females besides skin cancer. Due to today's prevention tactics, tests to detect it, and treatment options, the prognosis for a woman who discovers she has this disease is usually good.

The most common type is ductal carcinoma which means that the abnormal cell growth began in the milk ducts. There are various stages of the disease. The earliest stages, 1 and 2, can often be cured with a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The later stages will require additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. After surgical removal of the cancerous cells and tumors, there are options in reconstruction.

- Implants: Reconstructive breast surgery can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or after some time has passed. Implants are medical devices shaped in ovals or rounds. They come in an array of sizes and are filled with either saline or silicone solution. In order to place an implant immediately, there has to be ample tissue in the region. Otherwise, an expander will have to be used. Expanders are devices which are similar to balloons that can be filled up over time to stretch out the area. Once it's stretched enough, an implant can be placed.

- Flap surgeries: There are various types of flaps that can be used to create a mound of flesh that resembles a natural breast. This skin and fatty tissue is harvested from the belly region. In some techniques, just the skin and fat are repositioned while in others the muscles are moved, as well. An added benefit of flap operations is that they are similar to an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck because they remove excess bulge in the midsection. A patient can end up with a slimmer belly and a new breast due to these techniques.

- Nipple reconstruction: There are various ways to recreate a nipple. A doctor can suture a tuck into the skin in order for it to resemble the peaked area. A tattoo can be placed to give it a darker skin tone that aligns with the patients' complexion. Some patients have chosen to forego this enhancement and opted instead for a tattoo of a heart or something symbolic.

- Prosthesis: Some patients opt to forego reconstructive procedures altogether and decide to live sans bosoms. Instead, they may wear prosthesis sewn into their bras, swimwear and undergarments. This is a personal choice and up to each individual.

When a patient loses breasts or portions of them to cancer, it can be a devastating experience. After going through mastectomy or lumpectomy, a woman can have surgery to give her back her feminine shape. When a patient feels better about her appearance, it will enhance her well-being and boost immune functioning. Thanks to ongoing research and advancement in medical sciences, there are many options for reconstructive breast surgery including implants, flap surgeries, and nipple reconstructions. For patients who choose to forego further surgeries, prosthesis are an alternative.