Women facing breast cancer today have more options to choose from when it comes to reconstructive surgery. Breast reconstruction isn’t required to treat breast cancer, but many women feel that it helps address their body image and self-esteem.
After a mastectomy, in which the natural breast tissue is removed, reconstruction restores the breast to as near a normal shape as possible.
The choices in breast reconstruction fall into two categories: implant and autologous, each with its own benefits and challenges, and both beginning immediately following mastectomy.
Implant Reconstruction
The implant option is usually a one- or two-stage operation with a faster recovery.
In most cases, a tissue expander is inserted in a pocket created in the chest wall. The expander is slowly inflated
The option of implant reconstruction may result in a less natural look and
Autologous Reconstruction
Women wanting a more natural look can opt for autologous reconstruction. This surgery uses the woman’s own natural tissue. This does require surgery at a donor site (usually the abdomen) and may involve a longer procedure and recovery time.
These options take advantage of extra skin and fat in the abdomen which
Recent advances in autologous reconstruction employ microsurgical techniques to transfer abdominal tissue to the breast. These advances can lessen the impact on the muscles of the abdominal wall. In this type of surgery, the abdominal skin and fat are detached and moved to the chest, where tiny blood vessels are meticulously reconnected.
Breast reconstruction needs to be individualized to the patient, but it’s good to know that many reconstructive options are available right in our own community to women facing the disease.