Most women who have had breast cancer and a mastectomy performed as part of their treatment become candidates for breast reconstruction. The procedure is performed by experienced and qualified medical personnel to ensure the whole process is a success. Mathew J. Lynch MD, is among the specialists who provide reconstruction services that enable such women to have their confidence restored by perfectly reconstructing their breasts. Services are also provided based on individual needs to give a natural appearance.
What is breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a special type of surgery that rebuilds your breast. The procedure often follows a partial mastectomy (removal of part of your breast) or when treatment for breast cancer requires all of one’s breast to be removed.
What to expect during a breast reconstruction surgery?
During the procedure, the experts utilize advanced technology to reconstruct your breasts so as to make them appear natural-looking. The surgery may also involve improving the symmetry of your breasts to ensure they complement one another. Some of the common techniques used include:
Breast Implants
In most cases, prior to performing breast reconstruction, a tissue expander is often used before breast implants are installed, though a breast implant can be placed directly during a mastectomy procedure. Depending on available treatment options, you are allowed to make any of the above decisions with the help of your surgeon. In case your nipple does not spread at the mastectomy procedure, the doctor will also reconstruct your nipple and areola using various tattoo and surgical techniques.
Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction is a type of surgery that involves the use of your body tissues to rebuild your breast. Various types of surgeries are available during flap reconstruction depending on the body tissue used during the procedure. For example:
- Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap uses abdominal tissue without the rectus.
- Transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap uses the abdominal tissue
- Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap involves moving the large, flat muscle from your back to the front of your chest.
The experts in this field often choose the method of breast reconstruction most appropriate to your medical history. Additionally, your expectations for the surgical results, as well as your individual body shape, are determining factors for the surgical method that suits you best.
How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction surgery?
The kind of procedure that is being used during breast reconstruction determines your recovery time. Generally, recovery time for an implant-based surgery is faster than a flap reconstruction surgery. It often takes approximately four to six weeks of recovery time before you can resume your daily chores. A comprehensive guide is also provided for you to ensure that you heal faster from breast reconstruction. Follow-up visits are also scheduled for you to enable the doctor to continuously monitor the healing process.
If you have undergone a mastectomy or are needing one, you may be interested in learning more about breast reconstruction. To do so, please contact Mathew J. Lynch, MD today. You can also book an appointment online for a breast reconstruction to rebuild your self-confidence by having your breasts look and feel natural. You do not have to live with your low self-esteem after having a mastectomy during breast cancer treatment since breast reconstruction is a procedure that provides you with the best solution. Try it today.