Breast Reconstruction
Who would consider Breast Reconstructive Surgery?
Women who seek a breast reconstruction, are those who have had breast cancer surgery and have had part or all of their breast removed as part of the treatment. Some women who have a high family risk of breast cancer may choose to have both breasts removed to reduce the risk of breast cancer in the future. These women may choose to have their breast(s) reconstructed at the same time as the mastectomy procedure, or at a later stage.
Why women choose breast reconstruction
- Helps regain confidence, sense of feminine body image
- Eliminates need for external breast prosthesis
- Allows ability to wear different types of clothing.
What does Breast Reconstructive surgery involve?
There are many different surgical techniques that may be used to reconstruct a breast.
There are 3 main Breast Reconstructive options:
- Silicone Implants
- A person’s own tissue (skin, fat and muscle) from the: Abdomen (TRAM / DIEP flap) or Back (Latissimus dorsi flap)
- Combination of a person’s own tissue with a silicone breast implant.
The technique most suitable for a person depends on the type of breast cancer treatment they have received as well as the person’s body type. These options will be discussed in great detail with you at your consultation with Dr Pyragius. There are often multiple operations undertaken during the reconstructive process. These allow breast matching for size and shape. Nipple reconstruction is also a choice given to the patient once she is satisfied with the breast size and shape. Fat grafting may help improve the shape, volume and symmetry of the breast reconstruction. This is a safe technique which involves transferring fat from the abdomen or thighs to the breast region. Multiple fat transfer procedures may be required to achieve the desired result.
All of the potential complications and risks of Breast Reconstructive Surgery will be discussed in detail with you at your consultation with Dr Pyragius.