Breast Reconstruction Surgery

What is breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery is sometimes performed after a mastectomy (a surgical procedure to remove a breast) in order to restore the shape and appearance of the breast.

Breast reconstruction may be done right after mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or months or years later (delayed reconstruction) as a second operation.

Types of breast reconstruction surgery

There are 2 main types of breast reconstruction surgery:

Implant reconstruction

To restore breast tissue, the surgeon places an implant filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel.

Flap reconstruction

The surgeon uses tissue transplanted from another part of the body (such as the belly, thigh, or buttock) to form a new breast.

Why do you need breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery is used to reshape the breasts and replace damaged or missing tissue. It is also beneficial in restoring breast symmetry. This means that both breasts will be made to have the same size and shape.

In rare cases, the surgery is also performed to rebuild breast tissue that has been damaged due to congenital problems (birth defects).

While breast reconstruction surgery can restore the shape of the breast, some sensation will return later to the breast skin and nipple.

Breast reconstruction offers benefits such as:

  • Creating a breast contour
  • Making the breasts appear more natural under clothing
  • Removing the need to use external prostheses within the bra

Who should not undergo breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery may not be suitable for everyone and is not recommended in women with the following conditions:

What are the risks and complications of breast reconstruction surgery?

As with any other surgical procedure, breast reconstruction involves the risk of bleeding and infection.

Depending on the type of surgery, complications of breast reconstruction surgery may include:

  • Changes in breast sensation
  • Blood clots
  • Scarring or bruising around the reconstructed breasts
  • Tissue death (necrosis) due to insufficient blood supply after flap surgery
  • Pain or sensitivity and poor wound healing at the donor site
  • Wrinkling and rupture in the implant
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