Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is an
emotionally and physically rewarding procedure for women who lose one or both
the breasts to cancer. It creates a more natural-looking breast that will
mirror the appearance of your original breast.
You may be a candidate for breast
reconstruction surgery if you have had a mastectomy or will be considering in
the future. The surgery is commonly performed immediately after mastectomy. But
if radiation is still a part of your cancer treatment, you can opt for breast
reconstruction surgery months or years after mastectomy.
Why Breast Reconstruction?
Considering surgery again after going
through cancer treatments can be stressful. But many women across the globe are
opting for these reconstruction surgeries. The surgery is empowering more women
to regain a sense of normalcy and also their feelings of femininity. Most of
the times, the surgery helps to rebuild your breast symmetry. It can also
correct previous breast surgeries and even nipple replacement.
When is the right time to get Breast Reconstruction Surgery done?
Breast reconstruction surgery can be
done with mastectomy. This is usually done to reduce the time of recovery and
the cost of the treatment.
Make sure you do not have any other co-morbidities
like obesity, diabetes or hypertension. The cancer stage is also taken into
account before proceeding with the procedure.
The most important factor that usually delays the reconstructive surgery is whether
radiation or chemotherapy is a part of
your cancer treatment. Breast reconstruction is only performed once you
complete all your radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
The right time
ultimately depends on the medical evaluation by doctors and what you are
comfortable with.
Deciding on the Right Surgeon
Choosing the best plastic surgeon is
important when opting for breast reconstruction. The surgeon should be
board-certified with many years of experience in performing breast
reconstruction. This will help in creating more natural-looking breasts that
will enhance your body shape.
The surgery requires a thorough
understanding of the intricacies of human anatomy, as it is not the standard
breast augmentation procedure. A surgeon with extensive experience in breast
reconstruction surgeries will provide the best outcomes.
Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Several reconstruction procedures can
be considered that attempt to restore a breast to its original size, shape, and
appearance following a mastectomy. Sometimes, a breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation may be recommended for the other
breast to improve the symmetry, when only one breast is affected. Moreover, you
can also choose whether or not to have nipple reconstruction.
There are generally
two techniques for breast reconstruction:
- Implant
reconstruction: An implant is inserted that is filled with silicone gel,
saltwater (saline), or a combination of both.
- Flap or Autologous reconstruction: A tissue from other parts of your body (a thigh, back, or belly) will be transplanted. This may also include an implant.
Precautions to take after a Breast
Reconstruction surgery
You might experience little pain or
soreness in the chest area post-surgery for which the surgeon will prescribe
painkillers. Avoid lifting any extra weight using your arms.
You may be discharged with a drain
tube that will remove extra fluid from the surgical site while it heals. The
surgeon will advise you application of medications and also about changing
bandages of the incision area.
Talk with your surgeon regarding the
type of bra to use. Follow the surgeon’s advice regarding post-surgery
exercises. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon if you have any concerns.
Reconstruction does not make cancer return
Numerous studies have shown that reconstruction
does not make cancer to return. But, what if it does come back?
- It will not be that harder to detect any
tumor through the reconstructed breast.
- Treating it with chemotherapy or
radiation should not be posing a problem.
You should discuss all the risks and
benefits of the surgery with your surgeon before you go ahead. Also, consider
taking the opinion from your oncologist. Once you weigh all the pros and cons,
proceed with the surgery without fearing the return of cancer.
Decision Making
Breast reconstruction is an important
decision that patients need to take wisely. Make sure you discuss all the
options of reconstruction surgery with your chosen plastic surgeon and your oncologist.
Wait, if necessary, for any other treatments to be completed.
Additionally, discuss all the options
regarding the implants to be used or the replacement of the breast tissue. All
of these factors will contribute to creating the natural-looking breasts you
wish to see. Some other factors that should be discussed extensively are:
·
Stage
of breast cancer
·
Type
of the cancer
·
Personal
preferences
·
Overall
health
A woman can also opt for
reconstruction surgery at the same time as her mastectomy. This is to avoid multiple
rounds of anesthesia and recuperation and also to lessen the shock of losing an
important part of the body. It is a time of overwhelming choices hence every
breast reconstruction patient needs compassionate care and the best outcomes.
IndiCure is one of the most renowned and largest providers of medical tourism in India. People of over 40 countries trust IndiCure for their medical treatment in India.
For more information, you can write to us at info@indicure.com or call us at +91 9320036777 or +1 8772702448 (US Toll-Free)
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