Breast reconstruction is an increasingly common surgical procedure for women who have had a mastectomy. The procedure can create a breast that resembles a natural breast in appearance and form. Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other condition.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds a new breast or breasts to resemble a natural breast in appearance and form. Breast reconstruction is usually performed immediately after, or some time after a mastectomy.
There are two main types of breast reconstruction: implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction. In implant reconstruction, an implant is placed under the skin and muscle to recreate the shape of the breast. In flap reconstruction, skin, fat and muscle are taken from elsewhere on the body to make the new breast. The procedure best for you will depend on your age, general health, size and shape of the other breast, and available body tissue.
Breast reconstruction is a highly individualised procedure and may not be suitable for everyone.
Before you decide on breast reconstruction surgery, there are some important issues to keep in mind:
- Breast reconstruction usually requires more than one operation
- Breast reconstruction with implants may not be a good option if you need to undergo radiotherapy as radiotherapy can cause the skin around the implant to shrink, This can cause scar tissue, may interfere with healing and could lead to leaking implants
Remember that the procedure best for you will depend on your age, general health, size and shape of the other breast, and available body tissue. Discuss your options with Dr Theile.