Breast reconstruction surgery is a medical procedure performed to change the shape, size, and appearance of a breast or breasts that have been altered or removed due to various factors such as breast cancer, trauma, or congenital abnormalities. This can involve several techniques depending on individual circumstances and preferences.
SUITABILITY FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY
For most women, breast reconstruction can be an important aid in the healing process. The changes caused by a mastectomy or other operation varies greatly from person to person, so every breast reconstruction is an individual procedure. Breast reconstruction surgery can change and alter the breast shape, but there are limitations in restoring the exact feel and appearance compared to the breast that has been removed.
Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy in many cases. However, if you require further healing time from associated cancer treatments, the breast reconstruction can be delayed.
RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY METHODS AND OUTCOMES
Outcomes are variable depending on underlying conditions, and reconstructed breasts won’t have the full range of feeling as the breast removed. There will also be visible incision lines on the breast as a result of the mastectomy or reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction techniques performed by Dr Laniewski include tissue expansion with a breast prosthesis(implant) and autologous techniques.
In Tissue expansion technique the remaining breast tissue post mastectomy is expanded over successive weeks until it is ready for placement of a breast prostheses(implant). It is important to note that the procedure can be temporarily uncomfortable until the process is completed.
In some cases, an autologous muscle and/or tissue flap nrecosntruction is appropriate. After this procedure it is important to understand that the shape of the reconstructed breasts will generally be in symmetry however there can be variations in skin colour and texture. In this situation, there will also be incision lines at the donor site, typically located in the buttocks, back or abdomen. Further improvements in symmetry may also be achieved by undergoing a breast lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction for the opposite unaffected breast.
Nipple reconstruction is another procedure that will assist in changing the breasts appearance. The nipple is usually removed during a mastectomy as a caution against the return of any cancer. Nipple reconstruction is often an outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Many women have nipple reconstruction done after breast reconstruction when tissues have settled and healed. Adjustments to the position or size of the breast can also be carried out at the same time the nipple and areola are being rebuilt.
