What to Expect from a Breast Reconstruction Expert

Breast cancer is far too prevalent, striking roughly 12% of all women at some point in their lifetime. The preferred treatment for breast cancer is a mastectomy, which is the surgical removal of the breast. While this is quite effective in treating the cancer, it also leaves the woman’s chest extremely deformed. To heal from the surgery, both physically and emotionally, many women choose breast reconstruction. Reconstruction can help a woman feel whole again and more womanly following the mastectomy.

A breast reconstruction expert is a type of plastic surgeon who can create new breasts on the patient’s body using their own fat deposits or with artificial implants. Breast reconstruction surgery is possible anytime following the mastectomy, and the surgeon can even add natural-looking areola and nipples several months following the breast reconstruction surgery.

Why Women Choose Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The scars remaining following a mastectomy are a constant reminder of the cancer. The breast reconstruction replaces these scars with something that makes a woman feel more like herself and provides closure to the negative experience of breast cancer and breast removal.

Choosing to undergo breast reconstruction isn’t as difficult as it once was. Modern breast reconstruction experts can recreate the breasts’ natural symmetry, making them look quite normal, especially when wearing clothing.

What to Expect from Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The other option is to have breast implants inserted behind the pectoral muscle. This option may also use dermal grafts to provide additional support for the implants.

In either case, the doctor performs the surgery under general anesthesia. More than one procedure may be necessary to achieve the final results.

Breast Reconstruction Alternatives

Not too many alternatives to breast reconstruction surgery exist. Some women choose not to have their breast(s) reconstructed, and they learn to live with the mastectomy. Others may choose to use a prosthetic device under their clothes to mimic the look of breasts.

After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Some patients will need an overnight stay in the hospital following their reconstruction. The decision and timing of the hospital stay will depend on the technique the breast reconstruction expert uses for the procedure.

Typical side effects following the surgery include swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the chest area. Some patients will require a surgical drain to collect the fluids that build up around the incision sites.

Patients can also expect the need to wear a special surgical bra following the surgery. This bra provides extra support, and a patient may need to wear it 24 hours a day for several weeks following the surgery. Patients will need to take antibiotics to avoid the risk of infection and may need prescriptions for oral pain medications.

In most cases, the patient can return to work within four weeks, but she must avoid physical exercise for six to eight weeks following breast reconstruction surgery.

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