Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a very popular field in plastic surgery and its goal is for patients to have symmetrical and balanced breasts. This type of procedure is often performed after an individual undergoes a mastectomy. But there are also instances wherein certain techniques are used to treat abnormal developments of a woman’s breasts. You have a couple of options such as tissue breast reconstruction, as well as the use of breast implants, which should be discussed only with a professional plastic surgeon.

Tissue Expansion And Implants

A lot of women these days undergo breast reconstruction by using implants. Over the years, this procedure has been refined with tissue expansion being used prior to placing a permanent implant. Although this is now a common surgery, there are times when patients don’t necessarily need to undergo tissue expansion, such as a person undergoing a skin-sparing type of mastectomy. In this particular case, the patient has enough skin to facilitate with the reconstruction of one or both breasts.

A mastectomy normally removes a large amount of skin that surrounds the nipple. When this occurs, one cannot have a natural appearing form without using tissue expanders. Moreover, the skin’s healing ability and circulation may be compromised by a mastectomy, which prevents the placement of permanent implants right away. This is why a breast reconstruction with the use of implants becomes a staged process.

Once the tissue expansion procedure is done and complete, a person may then get a permanent breast implant. Keep in mind that this is a serious matter and is something that you should definitely discuss with your surgeon before coming to a decision. Once you have made up your mind, you may then choose between a textured or smooth implant and whether or not you plan on using saline or silicone. Lastly, the shape and size of your implants should be chosen, which will be part the discussion with your plastic surgeon. Most prefer to use the round type of implant because it is easier to insert, less expensive, and is said to have less chances of migrating and rotating when compared to an anatomic implant.

Advantages of Implant Reconstruction

• Duration of the procedure is shorter
• Patients are discharged from the hospital quicker
• Recovery time is also shorter
• Less scars
• Muscle movement [of muscles] from the back or abdomen is not necessary

Disadvantages of Implant Reconstruction

• Result may be ‘less natural’ in terms of breast shape
• Expansion process may be inconvenient
• Final shape of the breast is not immediate
• Expanders/implants may rupture
• Rippling or wrinkling may occur

Indications for Implant Reconstructions

Most who decide to get a breast reconstruction surgery are presented with both options - use of implants or one’s living tissues. Although this is the case, generally, those who have smaller breasts and have undergone mastectomy, as well as those who don’t have the required amount of tissue, are considered to be the best candidates for implant reconstruction.

Recovery Time

After this particular type of procedure, women are able to resume most of their regular activities after a week or two. Keep in mind that you will only be allowed to do more strenuous activities and work after 3 to 4 weeks. Be sure to talk to a skilled and certified cosmetic surgeon if you have plans on undergoing this type of surgical procedure.

If you would like to know other options or similar treatments, you may visit our breast enhancement page.