Breast reconstruction after mastectomy

Breast reconstruction is a choice for women who have had a mastectomy, which is the removal of one or both breasts. Mastectomy is usually the ultimate intervention to fight breast cancer, but losing their breasts can cause a severe psychological trauma for the patients. Today, many women choose to have their missing breast surgically reconstructed, and thus regain their natural breast contour. Through a separate procedure, it is even possible to reconstruct the nipple and areola, which is the darker area around the nipple.

Aims of breast reconstruction

The main goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to permanently reshape the breast contour to match the other breast. This way, the patient’s chest will have a balanced look while wearing a bra, and this way, she can avoid wearing an external prosthesis. Although one thing must be made clear: the reconstructed breast will not look the same as the other one when the patient is naked. There is a possibility however, to reconstruct the nipple and the areola in another procedure. Patients must be realistic in their expectations, for breast reconstruction is a complex procedure, and the outcome may not look exactly as anticipated.

How it is done

Because it is a very complex procedure, each and every case of breast reconstruction after mastectomy is different; therefore the exact course of the reconstruction is up to the surgeon to describe after a consult. The type of mastectomy is also an important factor when planning a breast reconstruction. It is advisable to ask for a consult with our plastic surgeon before you have the mastectomy operation, for the need for radiation treatments may interfere with the reconstruction.

The missing breast is usually recreated either by inserting an implant to reshape the breast contour, or by using tissues from other areas of the body. This latter type is called the tissue flap procedure. Excess skin, fat, and muscle is taken from either the lower abdomen, thus resulting in a so-called “tummy tuck”, or from the upper back, which is the area of the latissimus dorsi muscle.

The tissue flap procedure is an exceptionally complex operation, and therefore our surgeons have to apply strict requirements to patients. The tissue flap procedure can involve the complex microsurgery of veins, therefore patients with cardiovascular problems, diabetes, or patients who are heavy smokers will not be able to undergo this kind of operation. It is crucially important to discuss every detail with your plastic surgeon before you decide to undertake any type of breast reconstruction surgery.

What should I do?

If you have or in the future will go through a mastectomy operation, you can rest assured that we are able help you regain your natural breast contour. If you feel that you want to undergo a breast reconstruction surgery, you should contact us, and let us help you arrange a consult with our plastic surgeon as soon as possible. He will advise you about your choices, and will plan your reconstructive surgery to every detail. After this, you will still have time to decide, but you can be always sure that our highly professional surgeons will do everything in order to help you, and our clinic will be the most comfortable, and the safest environment for your surgery.