Restoring the breast or breasts after a mastectomy can be accomplished by several procedures, with spectacular results that restore the natural shape of the breasts and also self-confidence of the patient.
Breast reconstruction can be achieved with the help of implants or flaps which implies the adipose tissue or grafts from other areas of the body to restore breasts.
Breast reconstruction technique with flaps is especially recommended when the patient has excess skin and adipose tissue. In the short term, the procedure, – TRAM, DIEP or Latimuss Dorsi- is more complicated and requires a longer period of time for recovery. On the other hand, there is a lower risk of rejection and in the long-term decreases the risk of complications.
Reconstruction using the breast implants is a more simple procedure for the patient, but the pacient must realise that a breast implant is not lifetime guaranteed.
Obviously, depending on the patients clinical state, I choose the procedure with the lowest risk that can provide expected results , in terms of aesthetics.
Breast reconstruction can be performed togheter with mastectomy- procedure performed by generalist surgeon – or later, when the body is restored after mastectomy and after any radiotherapy sessions for cancer removal. Breast reconstruction is recommended to be performed at the same time with mastectomy, obtaining a psychological comfort for the patient, reducing the impact of this major impairement on the woman.
If breast reconstruction is done on one breast, to achieve symmetry for the other breast it can be considered breast augmentation, breast reduction of mastopexy for the contralateral breast.
