Reconstruction of the breasts after breast cancer surgery restores the natural shape and volume and helps in building confidence. If you are wondering what your breast-reconstruction options are, read on.
Your surgeon or doctor is the best person to guide you regarding the most suitable option for you. The decision is made based on the following factors:
- Overall health condition
- The size of your breasts and whether both breasts need reconstruction
- The extent to which the tissues have been removed during your surgery or mastectomy
- If you have been advised further treatment, including radiation or chemotherapy
What Are the Options Available?
Two types of reconstruction options are available:
Implant-Based Reconstruction: Your surgeon may discuss with you whether you would be able to undergo an immediate reconstruction at the time of mastectomy. If this is not desired by you or is not advisable, a two-stage reconstruction can also be done.
In the immediate reconstruction technique, the implant is placed under the chest muscle after the removal of cancerous breast tissue. A mesh that is biodegradable is used to support this implant.
If a two-stage reconstruction is desired, the surgeon prepares the breast tissues by placing an expander. The expanders are usually in the form of a temporary prosthetic filled with a salt water solution. This solution is injected at regular frequencies, gradually filling the prosthetic to enable the tissue to slowly expand.
Once the tissues have been expanded to the necessary degree, the expander is removed and the implant is placed. Implants come in two types: silicone and saline.
Flap Procedures: In this technique, healthy tissues are grafted from other parts of the body to reconstruct the breast. Depending on the size of the breast and the extent of reconstruction, your surgeon will decide what kind of graft is needed.
Commonly used areas where healthy tissue is grafted from include:
- Transverse rectus abdominis muscle: Involves grafting tissues and muscle from the tummy. This option is known as the TRAM flap.
- Upper back: Involves taking skin, fat, blood vessels, and muscle from the upper back region to reconstruct the breast. The technique is known to be a very reliable one.
- Gluteal region: Involves using muscle and other tissue from the buttocks for reconstruction.
- Inner thigh: Involves using muscle and other tissue from the area below the buttocks or from the upper inner side of the thigh.
Flaps are sometimes used along with breast implants for better results. However, many times, the flap itself can be a good alternative to breast implants.
Contact Our Office for a Breast Reconstruction Consultation
To find out which option is the best for your case, contact the office of Dr. David Dellinger and schedule an informative consultation. Dr. Dellinger, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon serving the Austin area, brings years of experience and knowledge to the table. He can answer any questions that you may have regarding your options and will be happy to help you restore the appearance of your breasts.
