What is Post Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction?

Post mastectomy breast reconstruction is an operation which women may have after having had one or both breasts removed as a treatment for breast cancer.

Rebuilding The Breast

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy operations involves rebuilding the breast so it’s a similar size and shape as it was before surgery. It will never be the same or have normal sensation. Often the nipple and areola (the area of darker skin around the nipple) can be included in the reconstructed breasts so they look more natural.

Full Reconstruction Required?

In some cases post mastectomy breast construction isn’t required, for example in women who have had just part of their breast tissue around the cancer removed. However some women prefer to have reconstructive surgery after removal of a lump (lumpectomy) to enhance the shape of their breast.

Talking To Your Surgeon

Breast reconstruction surgeons are able to give advice on the options available to women who will require breast reconstruction after mastectomy procedures. Breast reconstruction surgeons can talk women through the different types of reconstructive surgery and there are many options to consider such as:

The amount of breast tissue that has been removed.
How healthy the surrounding tissue is.
General health of the patient.
The patient’s personal preferences.
Whether the patient has undergone radiotherapy.

Benefits Of Reconstruction

There are many benefits to undergoing post mastectomy breast reconstruction including having a natural looking cleavage, not having to wear prosthetics and also boosting self-confidence. Most women require two or three operations for the breast to be reconstructed and other drawbacks can include reduced sensitivity in the reconstructed breast. Some women require further surgery on their other breast to ensure the breasts are symmetrical.

Further Advice

There are many choices to consider with post mastectomy breast reconstruction so it’s advisable to research into the topic and talk to breast reconstruction surgeons so you have all the information you require to make an educated decision. For more information on post mastectomy breast reconstruction visit Cancer Research

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The information on my website is intended as an introduction or guide to Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. It should not be used to replace a formal consultation with a qualified surgeon and no liability is accepted for the misuse of this information.