Breast reconstruction surgery has to a great extent helped to ease the trauma and aftermath caused by breast cancer. It can be seen as a relief for cancer survivors and has proven to be so for a lot of people throughout the years of its use.

What Is a Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction is a type of plastic surgery that is performed to restore the breasts to their previous, pre-mastectomy size and appearance. It is often performed immediately after a woman has undergone a mastectomy and can also be done sometime after.

The surgery can be customized to fit the needs of each individual patients. It may be Implant-based or performed using flap reconstruction.

In an implant-based surgery, breasts implants are used to emulate the shape of the breasts whereas, in flap reconstruction, a patient’s own tissues are harvested from areas such as the thighs and buttocks to remodel the breast shape.

Good Candidates for the Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Patients who have suffered from breast cancer can opt for this surgery to restore the shape and appearance of their breasts. It’s important to note, however, that this surgery should only be undergone if it is desired by the patient and not the desires of anyone else. It is a tremendous mental undertaking that should only be done after giving it a lot of thought.

What to Expect After You’ve Decided to Get the Surgery

First, you will need to schedule a consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon who you trust. Your doctor will assess your body as a whole and develop a treatment plan that will help satisfy your needs.

Depending on the technique chosen, the surgeon will either use implants or tissues harvested from other parts of your body to reconstruct your breasts while you are under the effects of an anesthetic.

The flap reconstruction method might result in suture or incision marks on the donor site, but rest assured, it will fade away with time. You can discuss which procedure you would like to go for and make a choice for yourself based on the pros and cons presented to you during your consultation.

Breast Reconstruction Results

Mastectomy can have an immense mental, physical, and emotional impact on a woman. A procedure like a breast reconstruction can help reinstate your confidence and lessen the impact it has on your overall well-being. After the surgery is completed, it may take a while for the sensation in your breasts to return.

Breast reconstruction surgery has its own set of trade-offs but the end result is much much more impactful than the small compromises you might have to make. Breast reconstruction has over the years, made many women feel complete and whole after going through a mastectomy.

Recovery

Breast reconstructive surgery doesn’t have many risk factors. However, you must keep note that you might lose sensation in the donor area and the surgical area for some time after the procedure. This is temporary and varies from person to person.

There will be follow-up sessions and post surgical care that the doctors will prescribe though it’s your responsibility to keep checking for any signs of anomalies in your breasts and discuss it with your doctor for extended good health.

Another factor to keep in mind is to take time off to rest and relax. Recovery is optimized when you are comfortable and free of anything that can cause you stress or strain on your body.

Learn More About Breast Reconstruction

Contact our office to learn more about breast reconstruction with board-certified plastic surgeons Doctors Matthew Romans and Jeremy Silk. During your consultation, you can ask any of the questions you have and receive the guidance you need to get through this time.