When the breasts are altered due to trauma or cancer treatment, breast reconstruction is often performed. Breast reconstruction restores beauty and form to damaged breasts through the placement of implants or tissue from other parts of your body. To see other breast procedures we can do for you, click here!
Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for breast reconstruction are those in overall good health and non-smokers.
Because breast reconstruction is typically considered after significant trauma or diagnosis of cancer, you should also be emotionally prepared to handle a significant, although restorative, change in your appearance.
The Procedure
After a thorough discussion with Dr. Silver about your desired outcome and expectations, preliminary labs and a general exam will likely be performed in preparation for the surgery.
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery will take place in a safe and comfortable environment such as a hospital or an accredited outpatient surgical center.
The method of reconstruction will often depend on what trauma or cancer treatment has occurred. When mastectomy or radiation has removed or damaged most of the original tissue and skin, a flap technique is often performed. The flap technique uses muscle, fat, and skin from the woman’s own body to reconstruct the breast.
If there is healthy skin and breast implants are being implanted, tissue expansion with breast implantation may be a more suitable option. This process involves a gradual stretching of the skin over a few visits before the implant is placed. Depending on the technique used, breast reconstruction typically takes several hours to perform.
Results and Recovery
Once your reconstruction is complete, a support bra may be placed to minimize swelling and provide comfort to the healing breast. Pain from the surgery can be expected for the first few days, and Dr. Silver will advise you on how to manage it.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for a few weeks. Be sure to ask Dr. Silver when it will be safe to resume certain activities.
Also, pay attention to all post-op instructions and keep planned follow-up visits for optimal healing and results.
Overall benefits from a breast reconstruction surgery include:
- Restored or often improved breast appearance
- Improved self-confidence and body image
- Healing both physically and emotionally
If you are interested in learning if breast reconstruction is the right option for you, contact our office today for a detailed evaluation and discussion of your options.