Learn about breast reconstruction after breast surgery

When a woman has to undergo surgery due to breast cancer, it has a huge impact on her both physically and mentally. Breast reconstruction is a solution to the anxiety and sadness that comes with changing the appearance of her body. This is a very personal decision. Some people go for it, others decide not to. Both decisions are correct. Today, we will talk about everything, answering all the questions that come to mind.

Simply put, what is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is the surgical reconstruction of one or both breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer. Sometimes this is not done in one surgery, and several surgeries may be required.

There are several main methods for performing this surgery. Some methods use breast implants filled with silicone or saline. In other methods, a flap of tissue is taken from another part of your body, for example, the lower abdomen, and used to create the breast.

There are two cases where this surgery can be performed:

1. Immediate Reconstruction: In this, the breast is reconstructed at the same time as the mastectomy, immediately after the surgery is completed.

2. Delayed Reconstruction: In this, the surgery is performed on a separate day, several months, or even years, after the breast is removed.

What are the main methods of breast reconstruction?

There are two main methods. Let's look at them separately.

1. Using your own body tissue (Flap Reconstruction)

In this procedure, your surgeon takes tissue from another part of your body (autologous tissue) and uses it to create a breast. This tissue is called a "flap." This tissue is usually taken from the lower abdomen. But sometimes it can be taken from the thigh, back, or buttocks. This tissue can include skin, fat, blood vessels, and sometimes muscle.

There are various surgical techniques in this method as well. See the table below for a simple understanding of them.

2. Reconstruction using implants

In this procedure, surgeons use saline or silicone implants to reshape the breast. Sometimes, these implants are combined with tissue from your own body.

Can the nipple and areola be reconstructed?

Yes, it can be done. Some mastectomy surgeries leave the nipple and the dark skin around it (areola). This is called a ``nipple-sparing mastectomy''. However, if they have to be removed, a new nipple can be created. This is done using a skin graft from another part of your body.

Then, to recreate the dark area around it (the areola), many people turn to 3D tattoos . There are artists who have received special training for this. They can tattoo that area to make it look like the real thing.

How do I choose the method that suits me best?

This is the most important question. Your doctor will discuss with you what method is best for you. When making that decision, consider the following factors:

• Your age, overall health, and lifestyle.
• What type of surgery you had (mastectomy or lumpectomy) and how much breast tissue is left.
• Whether further cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy or radiation) is needed.
• Any previous surgeries you have had. For example, if you have had abdominal surgery, it may be difficult to remove tissue from your abdomen.
• Your hopes and desires. What you want your look to be is also very important here.

What are the benefits and risks of this surgery?

What are the advantages?

This surgery is a great way to rebuild the self-confidence that is lost after breast surgery. It helps many people overcome the discomfort they feel when wearing clothes or a swimsuit.

However, many people choose not to have this surgery. They may use a prosthesis inside a special bra. Others choose to go flat, doing nothing. Each decision is different for each person, and each decision should be respected.

What are the risks and complications?

As with any surgery, there are some risks. The main ones are infection and bleeding. In addition, there may be other risks such as:

• Blood clots: This risk is slightly higher after some flap surgeries.
• Changes in the shape or size of both breasts: One may be thicker than the other, or the shape may change.
• Scarring: All surgeries leave scars, but these will fade to a great extent over time.
• Fat necrosis: If the blood supply to the transplanted tissue is insufficient after a flap surgery, the tissue can die.
• Implant problems: The implant may become wrinkled, cracked, or burst.
• Problems at the site of tissue removal: Weakness, pain, or sensitivity may occur in areas where tissue was removed, such as the abdomen, thighs, or back.

How do you recover after surgery?

You may need to stay in the hospital for about a week after surgery. You will need to take painkillers exactly as prescribed by your doctor to control your pain. You will be asked to wear a special surgical bra to support your breasts and reduce swelling during the healing process.

Recovery time varies from person to person. It depends on your health and the type of surgery you had. You may need to stop lifting weights and exercising for a while. Ask your doctor when you can resume normal activities.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

When you get home after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• Signs of an infection, such as a fever .
• Severe pain that does not subside even after taking medication.
• Bleeding from surgical incisions, such as blood or pus .
• A change in skin color around the breast or incision.