Breast Reconstruction Surgery

 

• What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
• How Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
• What Is The Recovery Period?
• Where Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Done?
• What Are The Risks?

 

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WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY?

Congenital deformity, or in more severe cases, complete absence of the breast may motivate a woman to seek a breast reconstruction procedure. Alternatively, a patient who has undergone treatment of breast cancer may feel that she is missing a component of her identity. Mastectomy without reconstruction removes the entire breast and leaves a scar on a flat bed that once had a feminine contour. Breast conservation therapy followed by radiation can leave a woman with a contracted, disfigured breast. These situations are painful daily reminders of a woman’s encounter with a potentially fatal disease. Breast reconstruction is designed to help in the healing process of a woman, restore her identity, and help make her feel whole again. Typically, reconstruction is performed in several stages that begin with the creation of a breast mound using either implants, the patient’s own tissues, or a combination of both. Additional procedures such as a breast lift or reduction for the other breast are performed to improve the symmetry between them. The reconstruction culminates with the reconstruction of the nipple and ultimate tattooing of the areola. In 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act was enacted requiring health insurance carriers to cover breast reconstruction in conjunction with mastectomy.

HOW IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY PERFORMED?

Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the needs of the patient, there are many reconstructive options available to her to include reconstruction with implants, with flaps, or a combination of both.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?

The recovery period varies with each patient and the type of procedure performed; however, the majority of patients are able to resume most normal activities within one to two weeks after surgery. The decision on when to return to work and normal activities depends on how fast you heal and how you feel. After surgery, pain is relieved with medication. Breast scars will undergo a period of maturation that typically lasts a year or more.

WHERE IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY DONE?

Breast reconstruction surgery using breast implants is well suited to our American Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) accredited outpatient SurgiCenter. In some patients with more extensive surgical needs such as procedures involving flaps or combination procedures, the operation will be performed in the hospital.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Thousands of breast reconstruction surgeries are successfully performed each year. Nevertheless, you should be aware of the potential hazards of surgery and specific risks associated with breast reconstruction surgery. Postoperative complications such as delayed healing, nerve damage, infection, or localized collections of blood are uncommon. Other problems associated with breast reconstruction surgery include asymmetry, unattractive scarring, and loss of the nipple or breast skin. If an implant is used, there are additional problems to include shifting of the implants, capsular contracture and rupture or leaking of the implants. Smokers should be aware that smoking is not allowed for four weeks prior to and four weeks after surgery. Complications arise more frequently when a patient continues to smoke. Risk of complications can be minimized by closely following Dr. McKane’s advice on follow-up care during the healing process.

 

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