Breast Reconstruction Your Questions Answered

Introduction
One of the most difficult challenges that a woman can face is being diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, most women who need to undergo a mastectomy to treat breast cancer can opt for reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can help restore the body image of a woman.

What is breast reconstruction?
It is a surgical procedure that creates a new breast mound which is aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical to the other breast.

Who may undergo breast reconstruction?
Candidates for breast reconstruction include women
• diagnosed with breast cancer, who had or will have either a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast), partial mastectomy or lumpectomy (surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding breast tissues),
• with breast cancer family history (i.e. genetic mutation) and will have a prophylactic mastectomy (removal of non-cancerous breast to prevent cancer)

What are the methods of breast reconstruction?
The breast can be reconstructed either by using an implant or a woman’s own tissues. Deciding which reconstruction method is best for you will be discussed during your consultation with the plastic surgeon, who will consider your personal preferences, as well as body and breast shape, prior surgeries, current medical condition and cancer treatment needs. All reconstructive options have both risks and benefits.

• Implants
A breast implant filled with saline or silicone is placed on the chest wall under the pectoralis muscle and skin. There are cases wherein the skin may be deficient mainly because the reconstruction is performed months or years after the initial breast surgery. In this case, a temporary tissue expander can be inserted under the chest muscle to allow progressive stretching of the skin and muscle before a permanent breast implant is placed. A combination tissue expander and implant is now also available for single stage breast reconstruction which can take place immediately after the mastectomy.

• Own tissue
A skin flap or using your own tissue for reconstruction may be the procedure of choice for some women. This procedure can utilize tissues from two areas.

Skin, fat and muscle from the abdomen
This procedure involves taking skin and fat from the lower abdomen and transferring them to the chest wall to create the new breast mound.

Skin, fat and muscle from the back
A piece of skin and muscle can also be taken from the back and moved to the chest wall to create the new breast mound. Depending on the desired size of the new breast, an implant may or may not be added to the tissue from the back.

When can breast reconstruction be performed?

Depending on the patient and her desired goals, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after the mastectomy or may be delayed. Breast reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy can minimize the emotional trauma from the loss of a breast, and allows for a better aesthetic outcome as the breast skin can be preserved. Reconstruction can also be delayed to a few months if the patient desires.

• Nipple reconstruction
The nipple and areola are usually reconstructed a few months after the breast reconstruction surgery. This is to allow the new breast mound to settle into its position so that the nipple and areola complex may be placed at its optimum location.
The nipple is created from local skin by use of small skin flaps or part of the nipple from the other breast. The areola or dark skin around the nipple can also be created from a small skin graft taken from the groin, or tattooed.

Does breast reconstruction affect my treatment and recovery from breast cancer?
Studies have shown that breast reconstruction does not increase the risk of the cancer recurring nor does it make it harder to detect if the cancer does return. More importantly, it does not affect breast cancer survival rates.
Breast reconstruction does not delay or interfere with chemotherapy or radiotherapy should either be required. Breast reconstruction can enhance women’s quality of life, sexuality and overall confidence.

Recovery after surgery
Hospital stay is normally between 3 days to a week depending on the type of reconstruction and the patient’s condition or preference. One can return to their day to day activities such as household chores, sports and leisure, driving and sexual activity 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Scars will be present initially, but will lighten over time.

Source:
TMC Cancer Center, Breast Unit
www.breastreconstruction.org

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

 The Medical City offers a roster of competent, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons who will evaluate you and perform your breast reconstruction.

Breast Center Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday, 8:00AM – 7:00PM
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6527 / 6528

AESTHETIC SURGERY SUITE

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 Ext. 6600 / 6588/ 6592

CENTER FOR WELLNESS AND AESTHETICS
Monday – Saturday, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6576 / 6386

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444