Overview
What Is Breast Reconstruction After Cancer?
Breast reconstruction after cancer is a surgical procedure that restores the shape and appearance of the breast following mastectomy or lumpectomy performed for breast cancer treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Had a mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer
- Wish to restore breast shape and symmetry
- Are in good overall health
- Have completed cancer treatment or are planning reconstruction at the time of mastectomy
When Can Breast Reconstruction Be Performed?
Breast reconstruction can be performed either immediately during mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or months to years later after cancer treatment (delayed reconstruction).
What Are the Types of Breast Reconstruction?
There are two primary methods:
- Implant-based breast reconstruction
- Autologous tissue (flap) reconstruction
What Is Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction?
This technique uses silicone or saline implants to recreate the breast mound after mastectomy.
What Is Flap Breast Reconstruction?
Flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from areas such as the abdomen, back, thighs, or buttocks to create a natural breast mound.
What Is DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
DIEP flap reconstruction uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen while preserving abdominal muscles to create a natural-looking breast.
Can Fat Transfer Be Used in Breast Reconstruction?
Fat grafting can be used to refine breast contour and improve symmetry after breast reconstruction surgery.
How Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
The procedure varies depending on the technique used. Surgeons create a breast mound using implants or tissue flaps and may later reconstruct the nipple and areola.
What Is Recovery Like After Breast Reconstruction?
Recovery depends on the surgical technique. Implant reconstruction generally has a shorter recovery period, while flap reconstruction may require longer healing time.
Can Both Breasts Be Reconstructed?
In some cases surgeons reconstruct one breast and reshape the opposite breast to improve symmetry.
Are Breast Reconstruction Results Permanent?
Breast reconstruction results are long-lasting, although additional procedures may be needed over time.
Does Breast Reconstruction Leave Scars?
Breast reconstruction does leave scars, but surgeons aim to place them in less visible areas.
What Is Post-Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction?
Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction refers to rebuilding the breast after surgical removal due to cancer.
What Is Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction?
Oncoplastic surgery combines breast cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to reshape the breast during tumor removal.
What Is the Difference Between Implant and Flap Breast Reconstruction?
Implant reconstruction uses silicone implants, while flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.