Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Types, recovery and procedure

Breast reconstruction refers to surgical procedures to restore breasts that have been removed due to a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Several operations may be necessary for complete rebuilding. Many methods exist for breast reconstruction. Breast implants, either made of silicone or saline, are used by certain women. Using a flap of your tissue is another option (such as tissue from the lower belly).

Immediately after the following mastectomy for breast cancer, breast reconstruction may be performed (immediate reconstruction). It may take months or even years (delayed reconstruction). Surgery to rebuild both breasts is an option. Otherwise, your doctor may sculpt or replace one breast to make it look like the other. Your doctor may suggest a series of procedures spaced out over time.

Following a mastectomy, breast reconstruction is an option for some but not for others. Breast reconstruction is totally an individual choice.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

Implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction are the two main types of breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is sometimes done using both implants and flaps.

There are often “touch-ups” procedures, like fat grafting and scar revisions, that can be done on all types of breast reconstruction. The nipple-areolar area can also be rebuilt as part of breast reconstruction. This can be done with a small surgery, a tattoo, or a combination of the two. This is done to help the reconstructed breast look more like the original breast.

Deciding between the several types of breast reconstruction available

If you have made the decision to get breast reconstruction, you will still have a lot of questions to ask your doctors as you discuss the many types of reconstruction and which one could be the most appropriate for you. When deciding what course of action to take, you and your doctors will need to consider a number of issues, including the following:

• Your state of health in general (including issues that might affect your healing, such as smoking or certain health conditions)
• How extensive your breast cancer is and where it is located
• The size of your breasts
• The extent of your breast cancer surgery, including the potential of retaining your breast nipple and whether or not you are a candidate for a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.
• Whether or not you can treat your cancer with procedures other than surgery.
• The amount of healthy tissue that can be used for rebuilding (for example, very thin women may not have enough extra tummy tissue to use this area for breast reconstruction and having a “tummy tuck” in the past makes the tummy tissue not usable for breast reconstruction)
• Regardless of whether you want breast reconstruction surgery on one breast or both,
• Your aspiration to achieve an appearance that is comparable to that of the other breast
• Your insurance coverage, as well as any additional costs associated with the breast that was not affected
• How quickly you hope to be able to get back on your feet after having surgery.
• Your openness to the possibility of undergoing more than one operation as part of the reconstruction process.
• The potential effects that the various types of reconstructive surgery could have on other areas of your body

Your surgeon will look at your medical history and overall health and tell you which reconstructive options might be best for you based on age, health, body type, lifestyle, goals, etc. Talk openly with your surgeon about what you want. Make sure to talk to the surgeon about your worries and top priorities for the reconstruction, and look for one you feel comfortable with. Your doctor should talk to you about each option’s limits, risks, and benefits.

What happens before surgery to rebuild the breasts?

After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, the breast is rebuilt. If you have breast cancer, you might also need chemotherapy or radiation before breast reconstruction surgery. Your surgeon will ask you what you want to get out of surgery and talk to you about your options.

First, your surgeon will give you a thorough checkup. They will measure your breasts and take pictures of them. Tell your provider how you feel, what medicines you take, and if you’ve ever had surgery. Before the procedure, your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medicines.

What happens during surgery to rebuild the breasts?

Your breast reconstruction surgery will be done in a hospital by a doctor. You will be put to sleep with anaesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the surgery. If you’re getting a mastectomy or lumpectomy, your surgeon will do that first.

Your surgeon will perform the breast reconstruction while you are still asleep. When you have implant reconstruction, the implant goes in your chest. During a flap procedure, tissue from one part of your body is taken, shaped into a new breast, and put in place.

During surgery, your doctor may put a thin tube called a drain under your skin. The tube comes out of your chest at one end. As you heal, the tube drains blood and fluids from your body. When you no longer need the tubes, your provider will take them away.

What happens after surgery to rebuild the breasts?

You might have to stay in the hospital for up to a week after surgery. Your care team will monitor you to ensure your recovery. You can wear a bra made for surgery. The bra supports your breasts and keeps the swelling down as you heal. When it’s time to go home, your care provider will tell you how to take care of yourself.

After surgery, your doctor or nurse will help you deal with the pain. They may suggest painkillers you can get with or without a prescription. When taking medicine, pay close attention to what your doctor says.

If you had reconstruction on one breast, you may need more surgery to make the other breast look the same. This could involve surgery to make the breasts smaller or bigger.

When will I be able to resume my normal routine following breast reconstruction?

After surgery, your body reacts in different ways. How long it takes you to feel better is subject to a number of variables. Your general health and the specifics of your operation are two such factors.

You need to give your body time to heal. Therefore, you shouldn’t undertake heavy lifting, intense exercise, or other similar activities for a while. Find out from your provider when you can resume your routine.

There has been evidence that cancer can recur following breast reconstruction. Have regular visits with your doctor. If you’ve had breast reconstruction, you should continue getting frequent mammograms on the breast that wasn’t operated on.

Conclusion

Dr Mansi Chowhan is a top surgical oncologist. Her post-graduate performance earned her a gold medal. She is extensively trained from world-renowned institutions like MSKCC, New York and Paris Breast Centre. She performs breast oncoplastic, head and neck, and reconstructive surgery.