subject: Everything You Should Know About Breast Reconstruction Surgery [print this page] Breast cancer patients may choose or be required to undergo a mastectomy to remove their breasts. Some people may be born with abnormalities or deformities of the breast. Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure where a breast is created to mimic the appearance of a natural breast.
Not every treatment works for every individual. Some may need major breast reconstruction, while others may be relatively minor. Your doctor will take note of your body type, breast shape, health history and your goals with this surgery. He/she will then be able to suggest various options for breast reconstruction, including the following:
Breast Implants The surgery is limited to the breast and a saline or silicone implant is placed. Sometimes a temporary implant is needed to stretch the natural skin to accommodate the permanent implant.
Flap Reconstruction Uses your own body tissue to reconstruct the breast and yields a more natural feel than breast implants. The tissue is often taken from the abdomen or back to rebuild the breast.
Flap Reconstruction with Implants If body tissue is insufficient, implants may be used to fill out the desired volume along with the tissue already taken from other areas of the body.
Since this is major surgery, you must stay in the hospital anywhere from two to five days, depending on your case. Once you're home, it's recommended that you take it easy the next couple of weeks and rest. If your reconstruction involved procuring tissue from your abdomen or back, your recovery time jumps to four to six weeks.
As your breasts start to heal, you'll notice moderate to significant discomfort, depending on the extent of your surgery and the type of surgery done. Pain medication will be prescribed to you by your doctor to help control any pain you experience.
If your breast reconstruction surgery only entailed your own body tissue, the results are permanent. If you chose to have breast implants placed, the results will last for several years, although you may need to replace the implant if it loses volume or begins to leak.
by: Penelope Stone
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