What is reconstruction of the breast?

What is reconstruction of the breast?

Breast reconstruction is surgery to recreate breasts after a mastectomy. There are several types of breast reconstruction. Some techniques use implants. Others use tissue from your body (such as the belly) to form a breast. Breast reconstruction can happen right after a mastectomy or much later.

How long does breast reconstruction last?

Preparation for the procedure, including anesthesia, may take 2 hours. The reconstruction will take 1 to 6 hours. After the surgery, you’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours in recovery before being transferred to a hospital room.

Do reconstructed breast have feeling?

Changes in breast sensation: When your reconstructed breast is touched, it will feel much like your natural breast to you or whoever else is touching it. Still, you probably won’t feel much sensation in your breast while it’s being touched.

Does breast reconstruction include implants?

The implant is the most common form of breast reconstruction, and it involves the use of either a silicone or a saline implant to rebuild the breast.

What are the risks of breast reconstruction?

The possible risks of breast reconstruction include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions and anesthesia risks. You should also know that: Flap surgery includes the risk of partial or complete loss of the flap and a loss of sensation at both the donor and reconstruction site.

Can breast reconstruction fail?

About 3 out of every 100 (about 3%) flaps fail completely and the cells in the whole flap die. If this happens, you will need to have surgery to remove the flap. If your flap fails completely and is removed, you will need to recover fully from the operation.

Where does the skin come from for breast reconstruction?

IGAP flap: Tissue comes from the buttocks and contains only skin, blood vessels, and fat. PAP flap: Tissue, without muscle, that comes from the upper inner thigh. SGAP flap: Tissue comes from the buttocks as in an IGAP flap, but includes a different set of blood vessels and contains only skin, blood vessels, and fat.

What are the side effects of breast reconstruction surgery?

Possible problems with breast reconstruction

  • Blood clots. After surgery, you’re at risk of blood clots developing in your legs.
  • Wound infection.
  • Fluid under the wound (seroma)
  • Flap failure.
  • Loss of sensitivity.
  • Hardening and changing shape of the implant.
  • Leakage of the implant fluid.
  • Unequal breasts.

What is the best type of breast reconstruction?

Your overall health (including issues that might affect your healing,such as smoking or certain health conditions)

  • The size and location of your breast cancer
  • Your breast size
  • The extent of your breast cancer surgery – if you are a candidate for lumpectomy or mastectomy,and the possibility to keep your nipple
  • What results should I expect after breast reconstruction?

    Size: Right after surgery,the reconstructed breast may be somewhat larger than the other breast.

  • Weight gain: A breast that’s been reconstructed with an implant doesn’t gain and lose weight if you do.
  • Drooping or sagging: It’s hard to match the natural droop of your original breast.
  • Which breast reconstruction method is best for You?

    Deciding which reconstruction method is best for you will be discussed during your consultation with the plastic surgeon, who will consider your personal preferences, as well as body shape, prior surgeries, current medical condition and cancer treatment needs.

    How is the first stage of breast reconstruction performed?

    The surgeon creates a pouch under your chest muscle.

  • A small tissue expander is placed in the pouch.
  • A valve is placed below the skin of the breast.
  • Your chest still looks flat right after this surgery.
  • Starting about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery,you see your surgeon every 1 or 2 weeks.