Reconstructive Breast Surgery – What to Expect Before the Procedure

 

  

The decision to undergo reconstructive breast surgery is a deeply personal and often difficult choice to make. Every woman makes her own journey back to health and wholeness . . . and no two experiences are exactly the same. For many women, undergoing breast reconstruction is an important part of embracing their health and moving into the future with confidence.

 

There are various ways to reconstruct the breast . . . a lot depends on a woman’s individual anatomy and preferences. Your surgeon will work with you to get a full understanding of all of the details that will guide the planning of your reconstructive procedure . . . details such as your health, the shape and size of your breasts, your remaining skin and tissue, and your desires and lifestyle.

 

The timing of reconstructive surgery

 

Breast reconstruction may be carried out in the same operation as the breast cancer surgery (it is then said to be immediate) or at a later stage, weeks or even years afterwards.

 

Whichever method of reconstruction is used, it may involve various steps before the final result is achieved. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy might also have an influence on the timing of certain surgical procedures and should be taken into consideration.

 

Immediate reconstruction

 

Depending on your situation, your surgeon may identify immediate breast reconstruction as one of your options. One advantage of this method is that when you wake up from the anaesthetic, you will already have moved partway down the reconstruction path.

 

While this may mean a slightly longer operation initially, it allows you to avoid the experience of having only one breast, or none if a mastectomy* was performed on both breasts. However, you should be aware that the appearance of your breast or breasts might have been altered following your breast surgery and that the final result of your reconstruction might not be achieved at this stage.

 

Reconstruction at a later stage

 

If the decision is to opt for reconstruction at a later stage, often called ‘delayed reconstruction’, you will have the advantage of more time to make a decision. In fact, you can work on your recovery in two phases. You can begin by concentrating entirely on any follow-up treatment that may be required, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both. You will also need time to cope with the whole course of the disease, a process that may require a great deal of energy. On the other hand, delayed reconstruction means that you will have to wait for the restoration/return of your bodily contours for weeks or even months.

 

Reconstruction options

 

There are various ways to reconstruct the breast. Your surgeon will help you choose the best option based on your specific needs. Breast reconstruction can be carried out with the aid of a breast implant, by using your own tissue, or by a combination of the two. 

 

Reconstruction with a breast implant

 

With this method, a breast implant is placed under the chest muscles to create a cover for the implant. In many cases, stretching the skin on your chest with an inflatable expander is necessary before placement of the final

implant in order to recreate a natural-looking breast.

 

Breast reconstruction with your own tissue

 

With this method the surgeon may use your own fat, skin, and muscle tissue, most frequently from your back or abdomen. In a few cases, tissue can also be taken from your buttocks, your thigh, or even other distant regions of your body.

 

Breast reconstruction with your own tissue and a breast implant

 

In some cases, a combination of both techniques may be used, for example if you are very slim and have a large breast, the reconstruction may require both an implant and your own tissue to obtain satisfactory results.

Remember, your surgeon is the best person to guide you in making the right choice for your needs. Find a surgeon >>

 

Next: During Your Procedure

 

 
Getting Ready
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