Breast Reconstruction

Who is it for?

Individuals who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer treatment.

Patients with congenital breast abnormalities.

Victims of traumatic breast injury desiring reconstruction.

Patients seeking reconstruction after preventive mastectomy due to high cancer risk.

Recovery Period

The duration of the procedure depends on the method used, ranging from 1 to 8 hours.

Initial recovery period spans 2 to 6 weeks, with full recovery taking several months.

Activity restrictions and wearing a supportive bra are common post-operative advisories.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Infection and bleeding.

Scarring and poor wound healing.

Complications from anesthesia.

Implant-related issues including leakage and capsular contracture.

Fatigue grafting failure in autologous reconstructions.

Alternative Treatments

External breast prostheses.

Not opting for reconstruction and embracing the post-mastectomy body.

Fat grafting alone for minor corrections.

Success Rate

The overall success rate of breast reconstruction procedures is high, with satisfaction rates exceeding 80% among patients. Outcomes depend on the technique used, overall health, and adherence to post-operative care.

Procedure step-by-step overivew

Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, options, and plan the reconstruction.

Selection of the reconstruction method (implant or autologous tissue) based on the assessment.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. For implant-based reconstruction, an expander may be placed first to stretch the skin.

In autologous reconstruction, tissue is harvested from the donor site and transplanted to the chest, sometimes requiring microvascular surgery.

Recovery in hospital for a few days post-surgery, followed by weeks to months of home recovery depending on the procedure complexity.

Follow-up appointments for monitoring and eventual additional surgeries for nipple reconstruction or symmetry correction.