Let's learn about Breast Surgery? What you need to know

Hearing the words Breast Surgery may make you feel scared and anxious. But it's not always something to be afraid of. Breast surgery is done for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it's done as a treatment for a medical condition like cancer. Other times it's done out of personal preference and concern for your appearance. So today, let's talk about everything in a very simple and friendly way.

Why would someone want to have breast surgery?

There are several main reasons for undergoing breast surgery. This can be purely medical or cosmetic. Let's take a look at the main reasons.

• If you have breast cancer: Surgery to remove cancerous tumors in the breasts is the most common and main treatment.
• If you have a noncancerous lump: Sometimes, not all lumps that develop in the breast are cancerous. However, if there is pain, discomfort, or if there is a suspicion that it is cancerous, the lump may be removed surgically.
• If you have a high risk of breast cancer: Some people have a higher risk of developing cancer because of their family history, such as if their mother or sister has had cancer, or if they have genetic mutations such as (BRCA1) or (BRCA2) . In such cases, some people decide to have their breasts surgically removed as a precautionary measure before cancer develops.
• Pain caused by breast enlargement: Some women experience constant neck, shoulder, and back pain due to their enlarged breasts. In such cases, breast reduction surgery can provide great relief from that pain.
• To change the appearance based on personal preference: Someone who is dissatisfied with the appearance, size, or shape of their breasts may resort to cosmetic surgery based on their personal preference to change it.

What are the main types of breast surgery?

Breast surgery can be divided into two main categories based on the reason for which it is performed. Let's look at each of them separately.

Surgeries for cancer and tumors

These are surgeries performed primarily as treatments for medical conditions.

• Breast Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from a lump or suspicious area of ​​the breast and examined under a microscope to determine whether it is cancerous. This is essential for diagnosis.
• Lumpectomy: This involves removing only the cancerous tumor and a small area of ​​tissue around it , rather than removing the entire breast.
• Mastectomy: This surgery involves the complete removal of one breast . Sometimes both breasts may need to be removed (Double Mastectomy).
• Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: This surgery is performed to see if breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit and, if so, to remove them.
• Prophylactic Mastectomy: As mentioned earlier, if the risk of developing cancer is very high, removing the breast as a preventive measure before cancer develops.

Cosmetic surgeries

These are surgeries performed with the aim of improving one's appearance and self-confidence.

• Breast Augmentation: Insertion of silicone or saline implants to increase the size and shape of the breasts.
• Breast Reduction: Breast tissue is removed and reduced in size to eliminate the physical discomfort caused by large breasts or to change their appearance.
• Breast Reconstruction: The process of creating a new breast after a mastectomy has been performed for cancer. This can be done at the same time as the removal surgery or separately.

What happens before the surgery?

No matter what your reason for breast surgery is, you should meet with your surgeon to discuss your options. This is the best time to ask any questions you may have.

Typically, these are the things that happen in this discussion:

• Reviewing your medical history: The doctor will ask about other illnesses you have, medications you take, and allergies.
• Talking about treatment options: Explaining the types of surgeries you can have, their pros and cons, and recovery time.
• Explanation of side effects and complications: You will be informed about the risks and complications that may occur after surgery.
• Breast Measurements and Photographs: Your breasts will be measured and photographed to see the difference before and after surgery, as well as to plan your surgery. These photographs will be kept strictly confidential by the medical team treating you.

At this point, you can ask questions like these:

• "What will my breasts look like after surgery?"
• "Will that look change over time?"
• "Will the sensation I feel change?"
• "Will I be able to breastfeed my baby after surgery?"

What happens during the surgery?

Although every surgery is different, these things generally happen.

1. Anesthesia: For major surgeries, you will be given general anesthesia, which puts you completely asleep. For something minor like a biopsy, you will be given local anesthesia, which numbs only the area of ​​the breast that is being operated on.

2. Incisions: A cut is made in the skin to access the breast tissue. These incisions are needed to remove a lump, take a tissue sample, or insert an implant.

3. Suturing the wound: After surgery, the incision is closed with dissolvable or removable stitches.

4. Surgical Drain: After surgeries like mastectomy and breast reconstruction, blood or other fluids may collect in the wound. If these collect, the wound may become infected. To prevent this, a small tube (drain) is attached to the wound to drain the accumulated fluid . This is removed by the doctor in a few days or a week or two.

What to expect after surgery?

The recovery period after surgery is very important. The medical team will explain to you in detail what you need to do.

• Wearing a special bra or bandage: You may be asked to wear a special bra or elastic bandage to support the wound and breast.
• Keeping the wound clean: You will be instructed on how to care for and clean the wound after you go home.
• Rest: It is essential to get plenty of rest in the first few weeks. You may be asked to refrain from heavy lifting or lifting your arms for a while.
• Recovery time: Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery you had. For example, it can take about a month to fully recover after a breast reconstruction. It can take several months after a mastectomy.

Do men also have breast surgery?

Yes. Men can also develop breast cancer. In such cases, they also have to undergo such surgeries. In addition, surgery is also performed to treat a condition called gynecomastia , which is the discomfort caused by abnormally enlarged breasts in men.

Breast surgery is a physically and emotionally overwhelming experience. You may feel a variety of emotions, including sadness, fear, and anger. This is normal. So talk to your medical team, family, and friends about this. Never hesitate to ask for help.

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