Have you had to have one or part of your breast removed (mastectomy) due to breast cancer? I know this is a very difficult and emotional experience. But you are not alone. After such a surgery, it is now possible to reconstruct the breast, that is, rebuild it. Today we are talking about this breast reconstruction .
Is this surgery right for me? Do I really need to do this?
Everyone experiences the idea of living without breasts differently. So this is a completely personal decision . There is no rule that says you have to have this surgery. If you want, you can use external breast forms. Or you are free to do nothing.
But think about it, this surgery can not only improve your appearance, but also your mental well-being. The relief and self-confidence you feel when you get a new breast to replace the one you lost is very valuable. Nowadays, plastic surgery technology is very advanced, so you can achieve very successful results.
The most important thing is that this is your decision. Make the best decision by talking to your husband or family, especially your doctor, about what you think.
Is this cosmetic surgery?
No. This is where many people make a mistake. Breast reconstruction is not cosmetic surgery. It is reconstructive surgery . Simply put, it is the restoration of a body part that has been lost due to a medical condition. Therefore, it is considered part of the treatment of a disease. By law, even insurance companies must cover it.
What is the best time to have surgery?
There is no single answer to this. It depends on your preferences, your health status, and the cancer treatment you receive.
- Immediate Reconstruction: A new breast can be constructed at the same time as the mastectomy .
- Delayed Reconstruction: This surgery can be performed several months, or even years, after the breast has been removed.
Usually, if you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation, this surgery will be postponed until after all of that treatment has finished. Your surgeon will explain to you the best time for you.
What are the options?
There are two main ways to reconstruct a breast. One is to use implants . The other is to use tissue taken from another part of your own body. Let's look at these two separately.
| Reconstruction method | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Through artificial implants | This involves first placing an inflatable balloon-like device under the skin where the breast used to be. This is called a tissue expander . Then, over a period of several weeks, about once a week, it is filled with saline water to stretch the skin. When the skin has stretched to the desired size, it is removed and replaced with a permanent implant filled with silicone gel or saline. |
| Through your own body tissue (Flap Surgery) | This involves taking skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from another part of your body, such as your abdomen, and using it to create a new breast. This gives a more natural look and feel than an implant. The most common method is the TRAM flap . There are also newer methods, such as the DIEP flap , which removes only skin and fat without removing the abdominal muscles. |
Advantages and disadvantages of using your own tissue (Flap Surgery)
When a breast is created from part of your own body, its shape, feel, and feel are very similar to a natural breast. However, this surgery is more complicated than an implant surgery. The recovery time is longer. The surgery can last about 4-8 hours. You may have to stay in the hospital for about 5 days.
After a TRAM flap surgery, you will be left with a scar across your stomach area (usually below your bikini line). Also, because the skin and fat are removed from your stomach, your stomach area will look flatter and firmer than before.
But not everyone can have this surgery.
- For those who have had several previous surgeries in the abdominal area.
- For those who are very thin and do not have enough extra tissue in their stomach.
- For those who are planning to become pregnant (you should definitely talk to your doctor about this).
Nipple reconstruction
Breast cancer surgery (mastectomy) usually involves removing the nipple and the dark area around it (areola). This reduces the risk of the cancer coming back. After the breast has been reconstructed and healed properly, you can have the nipple reconstructed if you want.
This is a small surgery that is usually done under anesthesia. A small incision is made from your own body tissue and a tattoo is made on it in the color of a nipple. This can complete the look. However, because there are no nerve connections, it is not sensitive to touch or temperature.
Recovery and care after surgery
You may feel some pain for the first few days after the surgery. The doctor will give you painkillers to help with this. Several small tubes (drains) will be placed to drain fluid from your body. You may have to go home with these tubes. The hospital will teach you how to care for them.
- Hospital stay: 1-2 days for implant surgery, 5-6 days for flap surgery.
- Recovery: It takes about 6-8 weeks to fully recover. During this time, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
- Scars and numbness: Scars remain at the surgical site, but they fade over time. You may also feel numbness in those areas. You may even regain some sensation over time.
Important: Breast reconstruction does not increase the risk of cancer coming back or interfere with future treatments. You should still continue to have your usual monthly breast self-exams and annual mammograms.
Side effects and when to see a doctor
Like any surgery, this one can have some risks and side effects.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Infection | There is a risk of infection in the surgical wound, which can usually be treated with antibiotics. |
| Pain and discomfort | Use the painkillers your doctor gives you. Pain can vary from person to person. |
| Itching | Itching is normal as the wound heals. But don't scratch the wound. Ask your doctor for a suitable ointment. |
| Fluid accumulation under the wound | There may be fluid under the wound. If there is little, it will heal on its own. If there is a lot, the doctor will have to remove it with a syringe. |
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately! | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Breast reconstruction is a completely personal decision that you make based on your wishes. It is not mandatory.
- This is not cosmetic surgery, but reconstructive surgery performed due to a medical condition.
- This surgery can be performed using artificial implants or your own body tissue (flap surgery). Both have advantages and disadvantages.
- Before making any decisions, carefully discuss all of these options, their risks, and outcomes with your doctor.
- It takes time to heal, so listen to your body and be patient.
- If you notice any danger signs, such as fever, severe pain, or drainage from the wound, notify your doctor immediately.
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