Breast Reconstruction
Each year, millions of individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer, often requiring breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed by a qualified plastic surgeon that rebuilds a natural-looking breast. The skin, breast tissue, and nipple are reconstructed using one of two methods: breast implants and flap reconstruction.
If you're considering breast reconstruction surgery, it's understandable you have important questions. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions by patients considering the procedure.
FAQs
Is Breast Reconstruction the Right Choice for Me?
Choosing to opt for breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. While somewomen feel completely comfortable not altering their appearance at all, others choose to wear external breast pads or silicone inserts underneath clothing. For others, however, breast reconstruction is the only option. The physical and psychological benefits of undergoing the procedure boost self-esteem whileinstilling a sense of personal well-being.
What are the Differences betweenBreast Implants and Flap Reconstruction?
• Breast Implants using Tissue Expanders – The most popular breast reconstruction technique in which a surgeon inserts a temporarysilastic implant functioning as a tissue expander beneath the pectoralis major muscle within the chest wall. A saline solution is injected into the tissue to expand overlaying tissue in a series of procedures over weeks or months. The expander is removed once it's enlarged to a desired size. Once it's removed, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant. A separate operation is required once skin has been stretched to its final size for reconstruction of the nipple and areola.
• Flap Reconstruction - A relative more invasive procedure in which tissue is taken from various parts of a patient's body to reconstruct a natural-looking breast. Tissue may be taken from the abdomen, buttocks, thigh or back.
When Should I Schedule Surgery?
Making the decision of when to schedule a breast reconstruction procedure is also a personal choice. Factors such as the patient's preferences, current medical conditions, and ongoing cancer treatment dictate scheduling timeframes. Patients with existing medical conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smokers are considered higher-risk candidates for the procedure. Among such patients surgeons may delay the surgery to decrease the associated risks.
The reconstructive surgery is typically performed simultaneously with a mastectomy (removal of the breast due to cancer); however the surgery may also be done months or years later following a mastectomy.
What are the Risks Involved?
As with any invasive medical procedure there are risks involved. The following are some of the potential risks associated with a breast reconstruction procedure:
• Prolonged time in surgery under anesthesia
• Extended recovery time
• Slow wound healing
• Infection
• Fluid collection
• Bleeding
• Death of tissue due to poor blood supply
• Abdominal wall hernia or weakness
• Changes in breast sensation
• Sensation loss of tissue at the donor site in flap procedures.
What's the Expected Recovery Time?
Recovery time depends on the individual patient and procedure performed although for implants recovery time in the hospital is usually one to two days, and for flap procedures a hospital stay of five to six days. Complete recovery time for both procedures varies from three to six weeks. Also follow-up procedures to reconstruct the areola and nipple are required.
Dr. Pascual is a leading authority for breast reconstruction in the Miami area offering patients the procedure to regain self-confidence and promote well-being.
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