Breast Reconstruction
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Introduction to Breast Reconstruction Surgeries
Reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy due to cancer or other disease is quite possible with today’s surgical procedures. The procedure is often covered by many HMO’s after breast cancer surgery and legislation is currently before Congress to enact mandatory coverage. Using the newest medical techniques, a plastic surgeon is often able to create a breast that is similar in form and appearance to that of the natural breast. A consultation will provide you with information on the many available options for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.
In breast reconstruction surgery, the Plastic Surgery Group surgeons recreate all or part of the breast that has been surgically removed. The goal of reconstruction is to make breasts look natural and balanced when wearing clothing. This is done using a breast implant or your own tissue from another part of the body.
FAQ
Breast Reconstruction Q & A
Depending on your lifestyle and preference, patients may choose implants over tissue-based reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction offers an acceptable cosmetic outcome without having to use tissue from another part of the body. There are two types of implants: saline-filled and silicone gel-filled. Both types of implants come in numerous shapes, sizes and profiles. Despite controversy over silicone implants in the 1990s, they have been ruled safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration. Your surgeon will help determine which implant is best for your body shape.
The best candidates for implant reconstruction are women with an adequate skin “pocket” to hold the implant (skin-sparing mastectomy); those who don’t have adequate tissue of their own or do not want to use their own tissue; or those who have no history of radiation treatment.
When back tissue is used for breast reconstruction, it uses the latissimus dorsi muscle, along with the skin and fat that covers the muscle. This procedure is called a latissimus dorsi flap. The tissue from your back is rotated to the front of your chest, with the blood vessels still attached. Since most women do not have enough fatty tissue on their back to recreate a breast using only the latissimus dorsi flap, an implant or tissue expander is commonly used. Often, an additional surgery is necessary to replace the tissue expander that is placed under the latissimus dorsi flap for a permanent silicone or saline implant.
The location of the incision on your back will depend on the amount of skin needed to replace the skin removed during the mastectomy. Often, the incision can be placed so that your bra will hide the scar.
The Latissimus flap may also be used after breast conservation surgery to fill in the misshapen area that can result after removal of breast tissue. Patients generally have no major long-term problems from the latissimus dorsi flap, and can resume activities of daily living and exercise just as before the surgery.
Advantages of Latissimus flap reconstruction:
- Decreased surgery and recovery time
- Better coverage over the implant
- One-time surgery, if the implant placed immediately
- Good option for thin patients who have had radiation therapy
Disadvantages of Latissimus flap reconstruction:
- A breast implant is usually required for the desired projection and size
- May have complications in the back where the tissue was taken from
- Minor muscle weakness in the back can affect professional rock climbers, swimmers and tennis players
Candidates for breast reconstruction include women who have been:
- Diagnosed with breast cancer and had or will have a mastectomy
- Diagnosed with breast cancer and had or will have breast conservation surgery, such as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy
- Found to have a genetic mutation and will have a prophylactic mastectomy
There are many options for breast reconstruction. Deciding which reconstruction method is best for you will be discussed during your consultation. We will consider your personal preferences, as well as body shape, prior surgeries, current medical condition and cancer treatment needs. All reconstructive options have both risks and benefits, and each option usually requires multiple procedures to reach a final result.
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Contact the breast reconstruction surgeons with The Plastic Surgery Group to learn more about breast reconstruction surgery. We are pleased to consult with patients at our Montclair office.
For additional information on Breast Reconstruction, visit: www.plasticsurgery.org