Breast Cancer begins as a growth of cells in your breast tissue. It is the most commonly reported cancer, after skin cancer. Breast cancer is not just restricted to women. Everyone has breast tissue as a part of their body, and everyone is equally susceptible to breast cancer. With the widespread support and awareness in the funding of breast cancer research, survival rates for breast cancer have been increasing.
With the latest research of breast cancer being genetic and even hereditary, several individuals have chosen to get screened for their chances of developing breast cancer, and take preventive measures such as undergoing a double mastectomy. Some breast cancer patients find a lump in their breasts, and if it proves to be cancerous, they either have to undergo a mastectomy or a lumpectomy i.e., either surgically remove the affected breast or simply remove the lump.
It’s normal to experience a sense of mourning or loss after a mastectomy, or a feeling of insecurity after a lumpectomy leaves a surgical defect on your breast. Many women find that having breast reconstruction surgery, or an oncoplastic reconstruction helps them deal with these intense feelings and move ahead.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Surgery to restore breasts following a mastectomy or lumpectomy is known as breast reconstruction. Reconstruction might occasionally require multiple procedures. There are numerous methods for reconstructing breasts. Some use saline or silicone breast implants. Alternative methods employ a flap of your own body (e.g., lower abdominal tissue). Breast reconstruction (sometimes known as immediate reconstruction) can occur immediately following breast cancer surgery. Alternatively, it may occur years or months later (delayed reconstruction). You might need surgery to rebuild both of your breasts. Alternatively, your surgeon may reshape one breast and reshape the other to match. Your doctor might suggest multiple procedures stretched out over time.
After a mastectomy, some people decide to get breast reconstruction, but many others don’t. The choice to have breast reconstruction is highly personal.
What are the Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
There are two most commonly known types of breast reconstruction surgeries after mastectomies.
- Flap Reconstruction
During flap reconstruction, your surgeon forms a breast using tissue taken from your body. Usually, the lower abdomen (belly) is where the tissue is taken from. However, it may also come from your back, bottom, or thigh. To build a new breast, your surgeon may extract muscle, fat, skin, and blood vessels from these areas of your body. Medical professionals refer to this tissue as a flap. Occasionally, a flap (pedicled flap) is moved through your body by a surgeon. In this manner, the flap keeps its blood flow. Alternatively, they might attach the free flap—which is separated from the blood supply—to the blood veins in your chest.
Many types of flap reconstruction include DIEP flap, TRAM flap, LD flap, IGAP flap, PAP flap, TUG flap, and SIEP flap. Consult with your doctor and your surgeon to determine which is the best option for you.
- Implant Reconstruction
Surgeons use saline or silicone implants to replicate breast tissue in implant reconstruction. Surgeons occasionally combine implant technology with your own body tissue. Mastectomy and implant reconstruction are possible procedures. Or you might decide to have this operation done following a mastectomy.
Your implant reconstruction can be under the chest muscle, above the chest muscle, or with a tissue expander. Consult your surgeon or your doctor to understand each method and determine what’s best for you.
What is Oncoplastic Reconstruction?
If you meet the criteria for a lumpectomy, oncoplastic reconstruction can be advantageous. You can find out if you qualify for breast conservation by speaking with your oncologic breast surgeon. On the other hand, radiation therapy will be necessary after a lumpectomy.
Surgeons performing oncoplastic reconstruction perform breast reduction or breast lift procedures concurrently with the lumpectomy. The breast form is improved and the defect left by the lumpectomy is filled up with a breast reduction or lift. For symmetry, the opposite breast will require a breast lift or reduction.
Determining What Type of Breast Reconstruction You Should Get
Your doctor and surgical team will recommend the surgery that suits you best based on certain criteria:
- Your age, overall health condition, and lifestyle
- The kind of mastectomy or lumpectomy you had and how much tissue is still left
- If you need additional chemotherapy for breast cancer
- History of surgeries that might affect the procedure
- Your goals and desired appearance
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Everybody’s post-operative recovery is unique. The length of your recovery relies on a few things. These consist of the kind of procedure you underwent and your general health. You must refrain from lifting, working out, and engaging in certain activities to allow your body to recuperate. When you can resume your favorite activities, discuss this with your provider.
Following breast reconstruction surgery, cancer may recur. See your doctor for routine examinations. You will require routine mammograms on the non-reconstructed breast to screen for malignancy.
Following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction surgery can enhance one’s self-esteem and perception of their physique. Choosing to have breast reconstruction is a highly personal decision. Discuss the best procedure with your surgeon if you choose to have this surgery. Talk openly and honestly about your aspirations, way of life, and ideal look. You might require multiple surgeries spread out over a few months. During your recovery, adhere to the advice of your healthcare team. Call them as soon as you notice any acute pain or infection-related symptoms.