What is breast reconstruction ?Breast
reconstruction surgery is a procedure used to restore the breast to its
normal shape , size and proportion after a mastectomy , injury or other
circumstances that changed the appearance of the breast . The areola ( dark area around the nipple ) and the nipple can be reconstructed .
Why have breast reconstruction ?The loss of the breast for mastectomy is difficult physically, mentally and emotionally . Breast
reconstruction restores the chest he was before getting sick to his
image of himself again match his physical appearance. Breast reconstruction is a way to help you to go after cancer treatment , the recovery of his body and his life.
Once
you have the procedure, you will need to use a breast form to fill one
side of your bra or bathing suit ( if you had a single mastectomy). While
the reconstructed breast look and feel different to the natural breast
when you do not wear clothes, your body will find balance and
proportion.
What are the different types of breast reconstruction ?A woman who has undergone a mastectomy a few options when it comes to breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction with implantsThe most common method for breast reconstruction is the use of breast implants . You can choose saline implants or silicone implants . Saline implants consist of a casing filled with salt water . Silicone implants are solid pieces consist of a soft silicone gel feels similar to human adipose tissue . Your plastic surgeon will help you choose the type of implant that best suits your situation .
If
you decide to get breast reconstruction with implants, there is another
option: immediate breast reconstruction and delayed reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction occurs during the same operation as the mastectomy . The surgeon removes the breast oncology and plastic surgeon places the implant to replace the lost tissue .
Delayed reconstruction is more common and occurs in several stages. After
curing mastectomy , a tissue expander is placed on the position of the
breast and slowly filled with saline for about six months. It extends to the skin over the breast area . Once the skin is stretched enough , have another method of placing the implant.
Breast reconstruction procedures tissue sectionsTissue flap reconstructions are similar procedures , which means using the body's own tissues to reconstruct the breast . The
most common forms of tissue flap reconstruction are the latissimus
dorsi flap , which uses tissue from the upper back and right transverse
abdominal muscle flap ( TRAM ) muscle , which uses tissue from the
abdomen .
The TRAM flap procedure often provides enough questions that you do not need an additional implant reconstruction. As it is necessary to remove the fat and skin from the abdominal area , not just breast reconstruction also had a tummy tuck ?
The
latissimus dorsi muscle flap with skin and muscles of the upper back to
create a pocket in the breast area where the implant is placed . Other options include the use of tissue flap of the buttocks , inner thigh , and variations in the TRAM .
Who is a good candidate for breast reconstruction ?A good candidate for breast reconstruction have had a mastectomy or other trauma to the chest that changed his appearance . The patient must be healthy enough to handle the transaction . In
general , they must wait six after chemotherapy , and six months after
radiotherapy to start rebuilding so that these therapies do not
interfere with wound healing weeks .
A good candidate is not obese , and will not be a smoker. Breast Reconstruction Patients should have realistic expectations about the results of surgery . Or
reconstructed breasts do not look exactly like natural breasts feel and
undergo a breast reconstruction does not guarantee that the cancer will
not return .
If you want to continue breast reconstruction, contact a plastic surgeon as soon as possible after diagnosis. Your
surgeon can work with your oncology team to complete the reconstruction
of a scene that will not interfere with your cancer treatment .
What happens during my consultation for breast reconstruction ?During
the first visit, board certified plastic surgeon performing breast
reduction review your medical history and treatment for cancer. You will be given a physical exam , and possibly take photos of your breasts or at the surgical site . If you find a flap reconstruction will select the best donor .
The
surgeon will discuss your options for breast reconstruction on the
basis of its stated objectives , including the type of surgery, he
thinks he should have. It will be in contact with your oncologist to reach its reconstruction schedule.
How I can prepare for breast reconstruction ?Your surgeon will probably order laboratory tests in advance to ensure that you are well enough to do the surgery . You
need to stop smoking at least six weeks before hand , and to stop
eating and drinking at the same time occupied the night before surgery. Your
surgeon ( with your oncologist) may be necessary to adjust the
medications you are taking so that they do not interfere with your
recovery. It may also be invited to spend a preoperative mammogram .
Review
all documentation and post-operative instructions in advance and make
sure you have cold packs , medicines , and buttoned shirts on hand at
home . You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
How is breast reconstruction ?First, you will be prepared for surgery and anesthesia given all that the surgeon has chosen. Actual measurements of the reconstruction depends on what type of reconstruction you have selected. If
you have immediate reconstruction ( for example, an implant is placed
in the same time as the mastectomy ) , then the surgeon will create a
pocket for the implant after mastectomy part of the operation is
completed. Then carefully place the implant and close the incision.
To flap procedures , the surgeon removes the donor tissue donor , and moves into the chest to reconstruct the breast mound . Some
donor sites (such as the latissimus dorsi ) allows to hold together the
tissue blood supply due to the tissues throughout the body tunnel chest
. Once the tissue flap is placed on the chest , an implant can be placed behind it , if necessary. Some flap procedures do not require use of an implant.
If you experience delayed reconstruction , the initial procedure to place the tissue expander . Once
it has reached a certain stage of development , which have a second
procedure in which the expander is removed and an implant placed
permanently.
If you choose areola and nipple reconstruction , this is usually done as the last step in a separate procedure.
What is the recovery for breast reconstruction ?When you have completed surgery , you will be taken to a recovery room . No dressing up in his bosom, and all donor sites if you had a flap procedure . You can also have drains to prevent fluid accumulation and compression garments breast support . You need to stay in hospital for one to six days , depending on your personal situation. Any discomfort can be managed with medication from your doctor.
Once you get home , you have to take it easy for several weeks. You
will notice bruising and swelling that gets worse immediately after
surgery , but you should start to disappear after a few days . I should have gone about eight weeks. You
should be around after six to eight weeks , but should continue to
avoid strenuous activity until your doctor ( patients receiving
procedures blinds are generally longer recovery ) . You should also talk to your doctor about when you can start wearing normal bras , which varies from one patient to another .
Note that the recovery of breast reconstruction is not only physical . You can have an emotional reaction to your new breasts , and there can be an adjustment period . Talk to your doctor about how you feel physically and mentally.
When I can see my final results ?The results of breast reconstruction is especially visible after about two months. The swelling and bruising have diminished by then. However, your breasts will continue to move and settle in their new positions for up to a year later.
What are the risks of breast reconstruction ?A breast reconstruction surgery has risks, but it depends on what type of surgery you get. Procedures strips come with the risk that you may have changes in the sensitivity of the skin in the donor area and chest. There is also a risk of muscle weakness in the donor area.
If you rebuild the implant , there is a risk that the implant will develop capsular contracture or hardening . The two forms of surgery involve risks that accompany any surgery : infection , bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Your doctor will explain the risks in detail with you during your consultation .
Will my insurance cover breast reconstruction ?Your insurance should cover breast reconstruction if mastectomy is because , although the details of your plan may vary. Call your insurance company to inquire about your plan.
