Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Breast Cancer

Have you had or are about to have surgery to treat breast cancer? If yes, your surgeon may have taken you through options to restore your breasts if you so choose. You may opt to wear a prosthesis breast or undergo breast reconstruction surgery.

 

Breast reconstruction surgery works to rebuild the look of your breasts after mastectomy. If rebuilding your breast is important to you, you can consider having the surgery. Do not worry if you are not okay with having more surgeries. Your doctor will explain other available options.

 

If you are curious about breast reconstruction surgery, here is a look at the surgery and what the procedure involves.

 

What Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure done to reshape breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The goal is to create a breast of similar shape and size to your natural breast, although they may not be identical.

 

Breast reconstruction can use breast implants or tissue flaps from your skin, muscle, or fat. Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate option for you based on:

 

•  Your age, lifestyle, and general well-being

• The type of cancer removal surgery you had and how much tissue you have left

• Whether you need to undergo more cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy

• Previous surgeries that may make it problematic to undergo breast reconstruction
  
   

Who Can Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Breast Cancer?

Any woman who has had a mastectomy or lumpectomy can have breast reconstruction surgery. Typically, breast reconstruction surgery happens during or not long after mastectomy or lumpectomy.

 

Your surgeon may recommend having breast reconstruction during mastectomy. They may also delay or advise against having the procedure because of your health. For instance, you may have medical issues that can complicate the surgery.

 

Timing of Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Breast Cancer

Your plastic surgeon can reconstruct your breast during mastectomy or later. The timing relies on:

 

• Physical assessment by the plastic surgeon

• Treatments you will need after breast reconstruction

• Medical risk factors such as being overweight and smoking

Choosing Whether to Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Deciding whether to have breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. While some women feel the procedure is necessary to rekindle their confidence, others prefer to use prosthesis breasts. Still, other women decide not to get breast reconstruction or wear artificial breasts.

 

You may decide to delay your reconstruction surgery if you need more time to decide. There is no right and wrong decision—you only need to do what suits you best.

 

Talking Over Breast Reconstruction With Your Surgeon

Before deciding, it is crucial to deliberate it with your surgeon. Your surgeon will want to ensure you understand the procedure and its risks.

 

You will also need a realistic outlook of how your rebuilt breast will look and feel. That is because the breast will not look or feel the same as your original breast. If you choose to have breast reconstruction, your surgeon will explain the technique appropriate for you.

For more information on breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer, contact Texas Plastic Surgery at our office in San Antonio, Texas. Call (210) 934-8400 to book an appointment today.