Breast reconstruction has become an integral part of breast cancer treatment. After a mastectomy, the breast is recreated using implants and/or tissue grafts. These procedures can be done immediately after the mastectomy or at a later time.
Check with your health insurance provider for information on coverage, which should pay for most or all of the cost of breast reconstruction surgery.
| What is it? | Surgery to restore breast after mastectomy. Can be done at time of mastectomy or delayed. Uses implants or “self” tissue methods |
| In/Outpatient | Inpatient or Outpatient |
| Anesthesia: | General and local |
| Time: | 1 to 5 hours |
| Recovery: | 3 to 6 weeks |
Who is a good candidate for breast reconstruction?
- Those who have or are expected to have significant asymmetry after a mastectomy
- Patients whose cancer has been eliminated with mastectomy
- Breast cancer patients who are mentally prepared for reconstruction
When Should Breast Reconstruction Be Performed?
In some cases, such as when the patient is not mentally prepared to consider breast reconstruction, the procedures can be delayed. However, surgeons generally agree that immediate reconstruction is preferred because it may reduce the trauma associated with loss of breast contour, shape and volume.
Breast Reconstruction Procedures and Options
Procedures in breast reconstruction can be divided into two basic categories: techniques that use breast implants and autologous techniques that use tissue flaps.
Breast Implants
A tissue expander is often used to surgically place saline or silicone implants during breast reconstruction. A special prosthetic (often referred to as a Becker implant) is placed under the tissue. The expander is gradually filled with saline to create space for the implant. Another technique combines latissimus dorsi tissue grafts and a breast implant, tunneling under the skin toward the chest, creating a pocket for the implant.
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Skin flaps can be taken from the back, abdomen or buttocks during autologous breast reconstruction. These grafts can include a blood supply or they can be used as “free flaps.”
After Breast Reconstruction: Recovery and Adjustment
Because these procedures vary widely and may be done in stages, recovery time will be different for each patient. Expect to be tired and sore for a week or two. You will be prescribed a pain medication to help manage discomfort. It will take some time to mentally adjust to your new breast shape and size.
In many cases, there are extra steps needed after breast reconstruction. This may include addition of the nipple/areola, altering the size or shape of the reconstructed breast, or operations that improve overall breast symmetry.
Breast Reconstruction Complications
Breast reconstruction has no known effect on cancer recurrence. As a surgical procedure, it carries a risk of complications that include but are not limited to scarring, infection, bleeding, fluid collection, reactions to anesthesia, capsular contracture (with implants) and abdominal hernia (with TRAM flap).
If you are seeking a breast reconstruction surgeon in Pennsylvania or West Virginia, contact the office of Dr. Michael Kluska at the Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery located in Greensburg. Email us with questions or call 724-836-0400 to schedule a consultation.
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