Breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as mastectomy or sometime after the mastectomy is done. Cosmetic surgery done at the same time as mastectomy includes the ability to better preserve the breast skin envelope and perhaps cosmesis while the reconstruction procedure done after the mastectomy gives the women more time to think and frequently directs their attention toward the treatment of their cancer first. The decision of when reconstruction needs to occur remains with the patient, the cancer specialist, and the plastic surgeon.
There are two major methods of breast reconstruction: implant-based reconstruction and autogenous tissue reconstruction. Well, in implant-based reconstruction silicone or saline implants are utilized to rebuild the breast shape or size. Flap reconstruction is also one of the procedures that fall under the category of autologous tissue reconstruction. In this procedure, the breast tissue is replaced with the help of the patient tissue taken from some other part of the body. The most popular donor sites include the abdomen and the back facilitating the reconstruction surgery of both breasts at the same time. It generally includes nipple and areola reconstruction in addition to reconstructing the breast mound. Reconstruction is completed with nearby tissue rearrangement, skin portioning grafting, or 3D tattooing. Many women opt for the nipple-sparing mastectomy when oncologically appropriate.
This method sometimes yields a more natural-looking and feeling breast since the patient’s tissue is used. However, it takes an exceptionally lengthy surgery, it has a more prolonged period of healing, and results in complications in the harvest. Depending on the method chosen and any additional cancer treatment required, this could all take many months to a year or more to complete.
It is well to note that breast reconstruction does not remain confined to mastectomy in women alone. This also helps those women who go for breast-conserving surgery, whereby certain reconstructive techniques may contour deformities or asymmetry caused due to partial removal of the breasts.
Although reconstruction significantly enhances the quality of life and body image for most women, there are a few things that a patient should consider while undergoing this process. The reconstructed breasts will not be like natural breasts; there will be a loss of sensation, and visible scarring might be there. Advanced surgical techniques provide continuous improvement in the cosmetic outcome and scarring.
The psychological impact of breast reconstruction should not be minimized either. Many women commented that they felt more confident, had a better body image, and were better off sexually, following reconstruction. However, reconstruction is an intensely personal decision, and many women do not have reconstruction at all, opting for an external prosthesis or choosing to accept their bodies as they are after mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction is also not free of possible risks and complications in any surgery. These include infection, poor healing, implant problems in implant reconstruction, and donor site complications with autologous reconstruction. Patients are to discuss these at length with their surgical team and carefully follow the postoperative instructions so that such complications are minimized as much as possible.
Research in this field of post- breast cancer surgery is continuous, and new technologies are being introduced to improve outcomes and options for patients. Among the most popular innovations is fat grafting, a process by which fat is suctioned from another part of the body and used to enhance the shape and texture of rebuilt breasts. Advances in 3D imaging and printing technologies also enable surgeons to plan and execute more precise reconstructions.
In the comprehensive care of breast cancer survivors, cosmetic surgery assumes wide significance. It gives women the ability to reclaim their body image and wholeness after the physical and emotional damage due to the therapy for breast cancer. Reconstruction decisions, and the type of reconstruction, should be discussed with a multidisciplinary team of health care providers and must take account of patient history, planned course of cancer therapy, body type, and patient choice. The goals remain to provide safe and effective reconstructive options for breast cancer survivors, techniques that continue to evolve and support their recovery both physically and emotionally.
To learn more about cosmetic surgery procedures post breast cancer or your breast health, book an appointment with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Our team of doctors is here to guide you through breast cancer screening help you practice breast self-examination and provide you the best cosmetic surgery options.
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