FAQ
What is breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed to create a new breast using a breast implant or tissue from another part of the body (back /thigh / lower abdomen), usually after removal of breast for benign or malignant conditions.
What is the type of breast reconstruction?
There are mainly two methods for breast reconstruction:
- Implant reconstruction: In this procedure, an implant filled with saline or silicone gel is inserted.
- Autologous reconstruction: It is done using tissue from another part of your body, it also may include an implant.
What is Mastectomy?
Mastectomy is surgery in which the whole breast is removed. There are many types of mastectomy which include simple mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy etc. It is the best way to treat breast cancer.
What is a Breast Lift?
A breast lift also called mastopexy is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape of ptotic or saggy breasts. During the procedure, extra skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breasts. Breast lift is usually done to enhance self-image and self-confidence.
What is Breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery also known as reduction mammaplasty is a procedure performed to remove excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts. It is done to ease discomfort and to get a proper breast size.
What are the risks associated with Mastectomy?
The risks associated with mastectomy include bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, the formation of hard scar tissue, shoulder pain and stiffness, numbness, a buildup of blood in the surgical site.
What are the types of Breast Implants?
There are various types of breasts implants:
- Saline breast implants: These implants are filled with sterile saline and they provide a uniform shape, firmness, and feel.
- Silicone breast implants: They are filled with silicone gel, it feels a bit more like natural breast tissue.
- Round breast implants: They are round in shape. Commonly used for breast augmentation.
- Anatomical breast implants: They anatomically match the shape of the breast. Used for certain patients depending on the assessment by a plastic surgeon.
- Smooth breast implants: The surface of the implant is smooth. Very safe but can cause capsular contracture
- Textured breast implants: The surface is textured. Very rarely can cause ALCL type of cancer.
What signs can tell you that you need a breast reduction?
The common signs of having a breast reduction surgery include chronic back pain, neck pain, nerve pain, restricted activity, difficulty fitting into bras and other clothes, lack of self-confidence, etc.
How is breast created with autologous tissue?
The most commonly used tissue is tissue from the lower abdomen. It is called a DIEP flap or MS TRAM flap. The biggest advantage is that the patient’s own tissue is used to create a natural breast. An added advantage is that the patient will also get a ‘Tummy tuck’ (Abdominoplasty) as a part of the procedure. Some women may also require reduction or adjustment of the opposite breast to create symmetry. Nipple and areola can also be created in subsequent stages using simple techniques. This is the most commonly done procedure in the world for breast cancer patients. Other options are to take tissue from the upper thigh (TUG flap) and back (LD flap).
How should you prepare for breast reconstruction surgery?
Your breast surgeon or plastic surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery such as:
- Quit smoking if you are a smoker
- Avoid certain medicines, supplements for some weeks before the surgery. Your plastic surgeon will give you a detailed list.
- Gather full knowledge about both mastectomy and breast reconstruction from your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon.
What is the recovery period after Mastectomy and breast reconstruction?
It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a mastectomy. Give yourself extra time to rest in the first few weeks after surgery. The plastic surgeon and pain specialists will give you the pain medicine to ease the pain and numbness around the breast incision.
