Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical technique that involves rebuilding the breasts after a mastectomy. There are different approaches to breast reconstruction, such as using implants or transferring tissue from other areas like the abdomen to create a new breast. This reconstruction can be done right after the mastectomy or postponed to a later time. It is essential to understand that multiple surgeries might be necessary over several months.

What choices exist for reconstruction?

Before making a choice, it is important that you have a conversation with your doctor about what you want and need, how your health currently is, and any past surgeries you have had.

Flap reconstruction

Flap reconstruction is a procedure where tissue from one’s own body is used to build a breast. Usually, the surgeon removes this tissue from the lower abdomen, although it can also be sourced from other parts like the thigh, back, or buttocks.

To reconstruct a new breast, your surgeon can choose to take fat, skin, blood vessels, and muscle from various parts of your body. This group of tissues is called a flap in the medical field. There are two techniques available for the surgeon: they can either relocate the flap while preserving its own blood flow (referred to as a pedicled flap), or they can separate the flap from its initial blood supply and attach it to blood vessels in your chest (referred to as a free flap).

Implants 

The process involves utilizing a tool called a tissue expander to internally expand the skin, then placing a silicone-gel or saline implant after a few weeks. The tissue expander is gradually filled with saline in multiple sessions, usually once per week. Though there might be some discomfort, overall, the final result is usually pleasing for numerous women.

Implants can rupture, which can result in pain and infection. In these instances, surgical intervention may be required to either extract or substitute the implants.

The aim of breast reconstruction

The goal of breast reconstruction is to create a breast that looks authentic and closely matches the size, shape, and placement of the opposite breast.

In order to achieve the desired appearance, it may be necessary to undergo multiple procedures that will be carried out gradually over a certain period of time.

To begin, the first step is to create the form of the breast. It may be necessary to perform additional procedures to improve the cosmetic appearance of the reconstructed breast. Alternatively, further surgeries may be needed to ensure symmetry with the other breast.

Even if the desired outcome is achieved, there will still be noticeable differences between the remaining natural breast and the reconstructed breast.

The objective when rebuilding both breasts is to create a pair that matches in size and shape, while also being in balance with the proportions of your body.

Which individuals meet the requirements to be considered a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction?

You may be a candidate for breast reconstruction under the following circumstances:

• You effectively manage your diagnosis and treatment.
• No additional medical conditions or illnesses exist that could impede the process of healing.
• Your attitude is positive and you have realistic goals for enhancing the look of your breasts and body.

How should I prepare for breast reconstruction?

Before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Consider taking certain medications or altering your current medication regimen.
• Stop smoking
• It is advised to avoid the use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they may lead to an elevation in bleeding.

Breast reconstruction surgery is commonly performed in a hospital setting, often necessitating a short hospital stay. This procedure is typically conducted using general anesthesia, although certain supplementary treatments may be performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia and sedation.

The choices that are selected will be based on the particular requirements of your situation and will consider both your personal preferences and the expert advice provided by your doctor.

What happens during breast reconstruction surgery?

During your breast reconstruction procedure in a hospital, a surgeon will be responsible for performing the surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you anesthesia to make sure you are unconscious during the process, thus making it a painless experience. If you are having a mastectomy or lumpectomy, the surgeon will first perform that particular procedure before moving on to the reconstruction.

While you are unconscious, the surgeon performs the breast reconstruction surgery. If you choose implant reconstruction, the surgeon places the implant in your chest. However, if you prefer a flap procedure, the surgeon takes tissue from a different part of your body, molds it, and then places it as the new breast.

During surgery, a healthcare professional may insert a narrow tube, called a drain, under your skin. The drain will be positioned in your chest and will be used to remove fluid and blood while you are healing. Once it is deemed unnecessary, your healthcare provider will take out the tubes.

Recovery From Breast Reconstruction Surgery

In the first few days after your surgery, you may feel some discomfort. In case you need it, you will be given pain medication. Throughout your stay in the hospital, the medical team will carefully observe how you are doing.

After the surgery, you will be instructed to start moving your arms. However, it is important to refrain from engaging in strenuous activities like pulling yourself up, getting out of bed, or lifting heavy objects. The nurses will help you get in and out of bed. The day after the operation, you may have the ability to sit in a chair beside the bed. By the second day, the majority of patients are able to walk independently.

There is a possibility that you will be given fluids through a needle in your vein for a few days. You may require a tube to drain urine overnight or until you can move to the bathroom on your own. Moreover, there will be tubes in the areas where the doctor made cuts. If you are sent home with these tubes, you will receive instructions on how to care for them correctly.

The length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery you have and how quickly you recover. If you receive implants, you will typically stay for 1 to 2 days. However, if you have flap procedures, you may need to stay for 5 to 6 days.

Having Breast Reconstruction in Turkey?

The patient must carefully search for an appropriate service provider, have information, and ask about the surgeon and his experience. And also, checking examples of his previous operations.

Accordingly, we encourage you to contact the Health & Beauty to obtain all information and details, and to ensure that you have your operation done by the hands of the most skilled doctors working in this specialty.

Request a free consultation.