Breast reconstruction surgery is appropriate for many women who have lost a breast during a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction represents a meaningful and life re-affirming aspect of recovery after breast cancer. By restoring the breast or the portion of the breast removed, breast reconstruction allows women to return fully to the life they enjoyed before the diagnosis of the cancer.
In the past, the majority of women who had Mastectomy surgery wore an uncomfortable prosthesis in their bras – a breast form made from synthetic materials. The latest technology and advanced techniques have made it possible to create a breast that greatly resembles and feels like a natural one.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Most often women can have the reconstructive surgery immediately following the removal of the cancerous breast tissue. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and most reconstructive breast surgeries require a series of procedures rather than just one. The reason for the multiple procedures is that breast reconstruction often requires the use of a tissue expander that is later replaced with an actual breast implant.
The other type of breast reconstruction surgery is through the use of a skin flap made from tissue located on other parts of the patients body. Our breast surgeons will determine which method is more appropriate for you.
Recovery After Breast Reconstruction
Recovery is often easier when our surgeons use the expander followed by implant series of procedures. Recovery is quicker but again you will have to have follow up procedures over a period of time. The tissue flap method of reconstructive breast surgery will require a longer initial recovery period but you will not have to have multiple procedures done.
Generally speaking it can take up to 6 weeks to recover from a mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction.
Before & After Photos of Breast Reconstruction
Please visit our before and after photo gallery to see previous patient results.