Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure aimed at recreating the breast mound following mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts) due to breast cancer or other medical conditions. Breast reconstruction can help restore a woman's silhouette, improve body image, and enhance quality of life after mastectomy. Reconstruction can be performed using various surgical techniques and can involve either immediate or delayed reconstruction, depending on individual circumstances and treatment preferences.
Evaluation and Consultation:
- Before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, patients typically have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, concerns, and medical history.
- The surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation of the breasts, chest wall, and overall health to determine the most suitable reconstruction options.
- The patient's cancer treatment plan, including the need for adjuvant therapy (such as radiation or chemotherapy), will also be taken into consideration when planning reconstruction.
Surgical Techniques:
- Breast reconstruction can be performed using several techniques
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola (nipple-areola complex reconstruction) can be performed as a separate procedure following the initial breast mound reconstruction. Techniques include tattooing, local tissue rearrangement, or nipple grafting.
Timing of Reconstruction:
- Breast reconstruction can be performed either immediately at the time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or delayed to a later date (delayed reconstruction).
- Immediate reconstruction offers the advantage of preserving breast skin and contours, which can improve the aesthetic outcomes and reduce the need for additional surgeries. However, not all patients are candidates for immediate reconstruction, particularly if adjuvant therapy is planned.
- Delayed reconstruction may be preferred in cases where additional cancer treatments are required, or when patients need time to consider their reconstruction options.
