Breast Cancer Reconstruction: What You Need to Know

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and unsettling. It is common to feel extreme emotions, including worry, fear, and uncertainty. A support system and a medical team are crucial to help you navigate the recovery journey. 

Are you at a high risk of developing breast cancer or recently underwent a mastectomy? If so, you may be considering breast reconstruction surgery. This procedure can occur during or shortly after a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or later. 

What Is Breast Cancer Reconstruction?

Breast cancer reconstruction is a surgical procedure. It aims to reconstruct the breast shape following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Mastectomy is the medical term for breast removal. Lumpectomy is the surgical removal of a tumor or abnormal breast tissue.

What You Need to Know

When deciding on breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, you have to consider the following:

Timing

The decision to have this procedure is a personal one. Some women have reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy or lumpectomy. Others prefer to wait until the end of their chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Concurrent reconstruction and mastectomy or lumpectomy may be more convenient because it eliminates the need for additional surgeries. On the other hand, you may prefer to wait until the end of your chemotherapy or radiation treatment, as these treatments can impact the healing process and the final reconstruction outcome. It is best to discuss your options with your doctor and plastic surgeon to determine the best timing.

Reconstruction Type

Plastic surgeons can accomplish breast reconstruction using various techniques. These include using artificial implants, tissue flaps from other body parts, or a combination of the two.

• Artificial Implants

To recreate the breast mound, the surgeon can use artificial implants made of silicone or saline. He/she can place implants in a pocket beneath the skin and muscle of the chest wall or the chest muscle. Several types of implants are available; your plastic surgeon will help you pick the one that best suits your needs.

• Tissue Flap

The cosmetic surgeon takes a piece of skin, fat, and muscle from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast. Tissue flaps can produce more natural-looking results than implants, but they require more recovery time and may be more difficult to perform.

Emotional Considerations

Breast cancer can be emotionally draining. It may be helpful to speak to a counselor or join a support group to cope with the emotional impact of breast cancer and reconstruction.

Recovery Time

The time it takes to recover from breast reconstruction surgery depends on your reconstruction type. Depending on your procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or longer. You may also need to take several weeks off work for adequate healing.

Conclusion

This surgical procedure aims to restore the breast to its presurgery appearance as closely as possible. It is best to discuss your reconstruction options with your doctor and plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for you.

For more on breast cancer reconstruction, call Gupta Plastic Surgery at  (858) 408-6100 to reach our San Diego or Encinitas, California office.