Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Breast cancer reconstruction surgery is done after the cancer has been removed. The surgery rebuilds the breast tissue so that it looks the same as before your mastectomy. Breast cancer reconstruction is done by a plastic surgeon.

Reasons To Have Reconstruction

After your breast cancer surgery, called a mastectomy, you will lose one or both of your breasts. You can choose to have the reconstruction of your breast done at the time of the mastectomy. Or, you can choose to wait until some time later.

Women choose breast cancer reconstruction for many reasons. Some of them are:

• To make the breasts look balanced when wearing clothes
• To permanently regain their breast contour
• To avoid using an external prosthesis (a form that fits in your bra)

Your body image and self-esteem may improve after your reconstructive surgery. However, you may be disappointed with the results. You should decide to have the reconstruction only after you are fully informed about your choices.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

The most common implants and breast cancer reconstructions use saline-filed sacs. They are filed with salt water. There are also silicone gel-filled implants. The silicone implants are not used as often anymore. They may leak and cause damage to your immune system.

One-stage immediate breast reconstruction may be done at the same time as your mastectomy. A plastic surgeon places the implant where the breast tissue was removed.

Two-stage reconstruction is necessary if your skin and chest wall tissues are tight and flat. A tissue expander, like a balloon, is placed beneath the skin. Using salt water the surgeon fills the expander over time. After stretching is complete, a second surgery removes the expander. A permanent implant is then inserted.

Tissue flap procedures involve taking tissue from your abdomen, back, thighs, or butt. The most common flap surgery is called TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle). Tissue from this area is often enough to shape a breast, and other implants are not needed. There are minor differences in the three types of TRAM procedures. There is a newer type of surgery called nipple-sparing mastectomy that eliminates the need for reconstruction of the nipple and areola.

Your breast cancer surgery is just the first step. You need to consider your options and talk to a plastic surgeon before making a decision about breast reconstruction.