Breast Reconstruction

About Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a procedure to rebuild a breast which has been completely or partly removed. The most common reason for undergoing breast reconstruction surgery is for patients who have had breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy). In the US, breast cancer affects around 1 in 8 women. The surgery is often performed at the same time as a mastectomy, however some patients may choose to wait a while before undergoing a breast reconstruction. Patients who are undergoing radiation therapy are advised to undergo breast reconstruction in stages, as they cannot undergo reconstruction whilst receiving radiation therapy, as this could damage the new breast.

There breast can be reconstructed either with breast implants or with flaps. Implants are made of silicon or saline and are an inserted under the chest muscle. Flaps are made up of tissue which is taken from another area of the body such as the buttocks or thighs, and are connected to the blood vessels on the chest. With a flap procedure, the shape and size of the breast will change in the first few months and once it has formed it's shape, nipple reconstruction may then be performed. Nipple reconstruction involves taking part of the nipple from the other breast and filling in the color by tattooing it to the nipple. As there are a number of different surgical options for patients undergoing breast reconstruction, the time needed for the treatments vary considerably.

As a guideline: Mastectomy with placement of a tissue expander - 1 to 2 weeks Mastectomy with latissimus dorsi flap - 2 to 3 weeks Mastectomy with pedicle TRAM flap - 6 to 8 weeks Mastectomy with abdominal free flap (free TRAM, DIEP or SIEA flap) - 4 to 6 weeks Mastectomy with GAP flap - 6 to 8 weeks Exchange tissue expander to implant - 1 week or less Exchange unilateral tissue expander and augment/reduce/lift opposite breast - 1 to 2 weeks Nipple areola reconstruction - 1 week or less Recommended for Breast reconstruction surgery is recommended for women that have previously undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 - 3 days Average length of stay abroad 1 weeks. Time off work 1 - 8 weeks. There are a number of different surgical options for breast reconstruction, and the treatment duration varies. Breast reconstruction options include breast implants or tissue grafting. 

Before Procedure / Treatment

Patients who are having breast reconstruction surgery should discuss the surgery before a mastectomy or lumpectomy, so that it can be determined whether the surgery is performed simultaneously with a mastectomy, or if it will be performed as a separate surgery or in stages.

As there are various reconstruction options, the patient should discuss this with the surgeon in order to establish the best course of treatment to suit their needs.,

How it Performed?

There are a range of surgical options for breast reconstructions. The options should be discussed in the plastic surgery consultation. Some patients benefit from implant, others use their own tissues (usually taken from the stomach or thigh area.)

Often, the surgery will require two steps, the first to build the breast mound, and the second to create the breast in full. This will depend on the state of the breast site at the time of surgery.

Materials Some surgeries involve the insertion of silicone or saline implants. Anesthesia Usually general anesthetic. Procedure duration The Breast Reconstruction takes 1 to 4 hours. Plastic Surgery,

Recovery

Post procedure care Patients should take any medication which has been prescribed by the doctor for pain relief. After the surgery, a drain may be put into place to drain any fluid after the surgery, this is usually removed before leaving the hospital.

The patient may be advised to wear certain supportive clothing after the surgery, such as a sports bra. Possible discomfort Some discomfort and swelling is to be expected immediately after the surgery, and many patients spend the first night in hospital after surgery.,

Top 10 Hospitals for Breast Reconstruction

Following are the best 10 hospitals for Breast Reconstruction in the world:

Best doctors for Breast Reconstruction

Following are the best doctors for Breast Reconstruction in the world:

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