5 Common Questions about Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy
According to BreastCancer.org, every year 296,000 American women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Although in many cases the patient is able to have a lumpectomy, or segmental mastectomy (where just part of the breast tissue is removed) in some women a mastectomy may be recommended. In these cases, the patient may wish to undergo further surgery in order to reconstruct the look and shape of the breast.
With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to a close I wanted to address the top 5 most common questions regarding breast reconstruction surgery:
1. How is Breast Reconstruction Performed?
During surgery the breast is reconstructed using either implants, or the patient’s own tissues.
When implants are used a tissue expander is usually placed to help gently stretch the covering tissue. The expander is then removed and the implant inserted.
The second option for breast reconstruction is to use autologous tissue, which is tissue taken from elsewhere on the patient’s body, usually the back or abdomen. This harvested tissue is sculpted into the correct shape, and used to reconstruct the patient’s breast.
2. Should I Choose Implants or Natural Tissue for my Breast Reconstruction?
Whether a reconstructive surgery should make use of implants or natural tissues will differ from patient to patient. There are a number of factors we need to consider:
- Appearance: Reconstructions using natural tissues tend to be more successful at replicating the look and feel of natural breasts.
- Impact of Surgery: Implants require less extensive surgery than autologous techniques. Because the natural tissues are harvested from elsewhere on the body, the patient has two surgical sites.
- Recovery: A reconstruction using Implants usually requires a 2-3 week recovery period with few resulting scars. Surgery using natural tissue techniques can require 3-6 weeks of recovery time, and result in more scarring.
- Risk of Complications: Both techniques carry the risk of surgical complications. The amount of risk will be unique to your case, so please consult your surgeon on this topic.
3. Should I Undergo Reconstruction at the Same Time as My Mastectomy?
The main benefit of immediate breast reconstruction is it allows surgeons to use the patient’s own skin and fresh incision site, which means less surgery for the patient, and often better results. Delayed reconstruction is necessary in patients who require additional radiation therapy to the chest area after the mastectomy.
4. How is Nipple Reconstruction Performed?
Nipples are commonly reconstructed using skin from the new breast once it’s fully healed. The areola (the area surrounding the nipple) can be tattooed on, or created from grafted skin. Both nipple and areola reconstruction help to hide scarring and make the breast more realistic looking. Some patients may be able to use the nipple saving mastectomy option currently in trials; be sure to consult with your plastic surgeon for more information.
5. What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Reconstruction?
Results from reconstructive surgeries are highly variable and patients may not be happy with the final outcome. The reconstructed breast will not experience the same level of sensitivity as it did before cancer surgery and there will be scarring visible both on the breast and from where any natural tissue was harvested (if autologous techniques are used). There may be a degree of asymmetry following reconstructive surgery, although this may be corrected using breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift procedures.
A united group of skin care specialists from Westlake Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Austin's leader in Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Articles posted under WD staff are authored through combined contributions from our entire team, including Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologists, Aestheticians, Physician Assistants, Aesthetic Nurses, and Patient Coordinators.
Thanks for sharing this Dr. Chike-Obi!
I have read your blog and really like the content, keep up the posts they are very helpful!
wow.. really good post.. thanks
So you would recommend undergoing reconstruction at the same time as the masectomy procedure?
I liked what you said about doing both at the same time means less surgery and better results. My friend just found out that she’ll be needing a mastectomy and is really considering getting it reconstructed. I think that I’ll bring this option up with her and see if she thinks this would be the best thing for her.
Just had a stacked diep flap on the right breast, which failed completely. Leaving me with full mastectomy. I was fortunate I was able to keep my nipple, but very unsettled with the who situation. Wondering if it is possible to have some sort of reconstruction after a mastectomy? Already ready to feel normal.
Hi Susan,
We’re very sorry to hear about that but we greatly appreciate your comment and question. It will greatly help our community.
From what you describe, it does sound like you may be a candidate for a reconstruction procedure. However, you would need to have an in-person consultation to be fully sure. Unfortunately, we are no longer providing reconstructive surgeries. However, there are numerous great providers here in the Austin area. You’ll definitely want to find a board certified surgeon.
Sorry we can’t be of more help.
Thanks,
WD Staff