Breast reconstruction is restoring your breast volume and shape following breast surgery due to cancer or other causes. It can be done in conjunction with mastectomy, and the goal is to return you to your pre-surgical body shape. There are many benefits to this surgery, including improved quality of life and self-esteem after breast loss. Your best East Windsor, NJ breast reconstructive surgeon will conduct this procedure alongside other breast surgeries. Here is everything you need to know about breast reconstruction.
Types of breast reconstruction
There are two types of breast reconstruction surgeries that your doctor may recommend. These are by the use of breast implants or tissue transfers. Each method has its benefits and risks, which is why you should have an open discussion with the surgeon before proceeding.
Breast reconstructions using breast implants generally give a more immediate result than those involving breast tissue transfers. However, there are long-term risks such as rupture, loss of volume, and pain.
Breast reconstruction using tissue transfers has long-term benefits over implants, and there are fewer risks or complications than those associated with silicone or implants.
What to expect during breast reconstruction
The first stage is the planning and placement of breast implants or breast tissue transfer. This will be done before the surgery, and your surgeon will also consider any previous surgeries, breast shape, size, and symmetry.
The second stage is breast placement surgery, and your doctor will apply general anesthesia. It is a crucial surgery that can take up to five hours, depending on your specific case. It may also involve multiple surgeries if there is a need for larger implants.
After the surgery, you may spend a few days in the hospital for the medics to assess your recovery. Flap procedures may then follow, which aims at rebuilding the shape of your breast.
Generally, there is a two-week waiting period before you can go back to work. It would help if you avoided heavy lifting for the first six weeks following a breast reconstruction surgery, as you may injure your chest.
What are the side effects of breast reconstruction?
There may be an infection on the surgery site, and you might experience nausea or other unpleasant side effects such as tiredness. However, your doctor prescribes pain medications and antibiotics after surgery.
Another side effect is swelling due to the build-up of fluid on the breast. It is essential to talk to your doctor about any side effects or complications that you may experience after breast reconstruction.
Benefits of breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction helps restore your breasts to their natural state after being removed due to cancer or damage from trauma like accidents and burns. Therefore your chest stays more balanced after the surgery, and this improves your self-esteem or self-confidence.
On top of buying new clothes that fit well, you will immediately feel better about yourself after breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction can help women regain their confidence after losing their breasts. Contact Matthew J. Lynch, MD, for a one-on-one consultation about breast reconstruction and the available treatment options.
