Understanding Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Breast reconstruction is surgery to recreate breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. At other times, reconstruction comprises several surgical procedures. Some use silicone or saline implants. Also, tissue flaps can be used for other body parts (for example, the belly). 

Breast reconstruction can be done just after a mastectomy surgery or later. However, this surgery is completely the patient's decision. It is an independent choice and may be avoided if somebody doesn't want to get it done. In this blog, you will learn more about the breast reconstruction process and its types.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures

The types of breast reconstruction procedure are: 

1. Implant-Based Reconstruction 

A breast implant is produced in a round teardrop shape. But, the implant shell is filled with saline or silicone gel. A plastic surgeon carries out the implant-based reconstruction. After some time, your body replaces the lost tissue with collagen.  

2. Autologous or Flap Reconstruction

Autologous or flap reconstruction involves taking the tissue from the same breast or any other part of the patient’s body. 

Some common techniques are:

• DIEP Flap: The skin and fat are taken from the lower abdomen in the DIEP flap. Moreover, abdominal muscle injury is avoided in this process. 
• TRAM Flap: The TRAM flap also uses muscles from the lower abdomen. More specifically, the rectus abdominis muscle is used for the surgery. 
• Latissimus Dorsi Flap: In the latissimus dorsi flap procedure, skin and fat are removed from the upper arm. The tissue is removed under the chest's skin to reconstruct the breast's figure. 
• Combination Procedures: These procedures combine the use of the woman’s tissue and the implant in
  Thus, this method unites the advantages of natural tissue with the volume and shape that an implant offers. It also provides a more natural area to suture, improves blood circulation, and stabilises the newly reconstructed breast.  

An implant is placed to create the final size and shape, ensuring a matching look and symmetry. Surgical techniques that combine different breast reconstruction procedures provide the patient with a unique result.

Read More about Reconstructive Surgery

The Reconstruction Process

Understanding the stages before, during and after the reconstruction process is beneficial in easing the process.  

1. Pre-Surgery Preparations 

The process starts with the assessment and development of a pre-implementation plan. During this process, the surgeon assesses the patient’s past and present state of health and her particular requirements. Clients are well-informed, more likely to achieve their goals, and less prone to complications.

Thereafter, the patient is provided with preoperative guidelines. These usually consist of a list of drugs and food to be avoided or any changes in accumulating habits like smoking. Before surgery, a patient has to follow the instructions very carefully to avoid any adverse consequences.

2. The Surgery Day 

Patients should meet a friendly staff member who will provide a well-organised process for their surgery and stay. The medical team will briefly discuss the procedure before the operation, which will answer any questions the patient may have. Depending on that, local, regional or general anaesthesia is given. The time taken to complete the surgery might differ.

3. Post-Surgery Recovery 

Doctors and medical staff must take appropriate care before, during, and after surgery so that the patient can comfortably recover. The medical staff closely monitors the patients and checks on them completely. They give medications, restrictions on activity, and a schedule of follow-up visits before the patients leave the hospital.

Expert Note on Double Mastectomy

Risks and Complications

The several risks and complications involved in breast reconstruction are: 

• The flap surgery has possible complications like failure of the flap either partially or completely, and both the donor and the receiver patients are likely to lose sensation.
• Breast reconstruction can lead to large-cell lymphoma. It is a type of cancer of the immune system beginning from the later years, which has been linked with textured implants mostly. 
• Other very rare types of cancer were also found in the capsule surrounding breast implants. One of the disorders is known as breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma-BIA- SCС. 
• Some women report that breast implants cause general flu-like symptoms that are collectively termed breast implant illness) that includes fatigue, headache, muscle or joint pain, and rash. 

Know more about What's A Mastectomy

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Now, let’s look at the benefits of breast reconstruction procedures.

• Restoring Symmetry and Balance

Breast reconstruction aims to obtain symmetry or balance in the body since one breast and the surrounding skin would have been removed. This is mostly done to restore the missing breast, give it an appropriate size, and make it look as close to normal as possible. 

• Improved Clothing Fit

Many women who have had a mastectomy have issues with skin-fit clothing. Surgery to reconstruct the breast can be useful in reclaiming the better symmetry of the body.  

• Improved Quality of Life

The social and self-perception aspects of breast reconstruction can have an impact on a woman’s well-being, thus improving the overall quality of a woman's life. 

Conclusion

Breast reconstruction is a big decision after mastectomy or lumpectomy, considering the psychological and physiological changes that patients go through. They are implant-based breast reconstruction, autologous or flap procedures, as well as a combination of both. Even though risks and possible complications surround such procedures, advantages such as proper body appreciation, boosted confidence, and normalcy usually overshadow such aspects. 

It is important to contact Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital before making any decisions regarding breast reconstruction. The diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative care provided by Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital are quite professional and have recognisable outcomes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is breast reconstruction safe?

Breast reconstruction is a safe surgery but might include certain complications. Hence, one must follow the medications and take good care of themselves after the surgery.

2. How long does the reconstruction process take?

The time taken during breast reconstruction usually takes 1-2 hours, but it might sometimes differ depending on the surgeon and the patient.

3. Will my reconstructed breasts look and feel natural?

The structure of the reconstructed breast will depend on whether you undergo implantation or use your tissue. Salient implants make your breasts look more rounder. 

4. Can reconstruction be done at the same time as mastectomy?

Yes, in most cases, reconstruction can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy.

5. Who treats breast reconstruction?

A breast surgeon or a plastic surgeon treats breast reconstruction.