Breast Reconstruction Options

Breast reconstruction can be achieved in various ways after a patient has had a mastectomy. Many women opt for these techniques in order to restore their self-confidence and self image. A person's self image has a lot to do with their well-being and can contribute to healing and overall immune response. A mastectomy removes diseased tissue from the patient's body which may include a portion of one or both breasts or the entire mound. If segments are removed rather than the entire breast, this may be classified as a lumpectomy. Here are some things to think about regarding the options that are available:

- Good candidates for the procedures: There are multiple factors that a surgeon will take into consideration when determining if a patient is a good candidate for reconstruction techniques: the woman's body type, her oncology treatments of radiation and chemotherapy, whether she's in optimum health to undergo an operation and whether she smokes tobacco. A patient's previous surgeries will also play a part in whether she's a good candidate because of scar tissue and the amount of skin available for reconstructive procedures.

- Surgical options: There are various techniques to reconstruct the breasts including saline, gummy bear or silicone implants, using the woman's own tissue and techniques called FLAP, DIEP, TRAM as well as others. If using implants, a patient will often have to undergo a stretching technique using expanders in order to allow enough room for an implant to be inserted.

- Improvement rather than perfection: A patient will need to realize that improvement is the goal rather than perfection. If only one side is being reconstructed and the natural breast remains intact, the new mound will look different from the original bosom. The result may appear asymmetrical or have a different texture or softness. Nipples can be rebuilt from a suture gathering and a darker pigment toned tattoo in the region or a nipple sparing technique may be used.

- Immediately or later: Some patients have breast reconstruction performed immediately following a mastectomy or even simultaneously. Others wait till a later date because of personal preference or because of a medical necessity. In some cases, the skin must be stretched first to allow for a successful result.

- Surgeon who would perform procedure: The medical doctor who would perform a reconstructive operation would be a plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructing techniques. The oncologist is the medical doctor who treats the cancer but he or she is not the practitioner who would perform the plastic surgery portion of the process. When selecting a cosmetic surgeon, a woman should ask her oncologist and the hospital nursing staff for referrals. It's important to have a practitioner who is experienced in the specific procedure she is opting for.

When a woman finds out she has cancer, it's can be a devastating piece of news. Luckily, today's advanced technology is able to eradicate the cancerous cells with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. After that, having breast reconstruction will allow the patient to rebuild her appearance and her self esteem in a wonderful new way.

By: A Aaronson

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