About Breast Reconstruction: An Overview For Potential Patients

Breast reconstruction is considered by many to be an important part of the recovery process after breast cancer. Some women, who have lost a breast or sometimes both, may need mastectomy breast reconstruction. This gives them back close to the original appearance of their breasts. For many, it represents the final victory over the disease.

Breast reconstruction surgery may be done immediately following a mastectomy, it may be done after chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been completed, or it may be done any time in the future. The woman must decide, although she should take her plastic surgeon's recommendations into consideration.

During mastectomy, several parts of the breast may be removed. The areolar complex is removed, plus varying amounts of breast tissue and skin. This leaves part of the breast missing. Reconstructive plastic surgery for breast cancer is used to correct this situation. The most important goal of mastectomy breast reconstruction is to make sure the breasts are symmetrical.

There are two main choices for mastectomy breast reconstruction. In one, flaps of tissue from elsewhere on the body are used to fill in the breast. In another, breast implants are used to make the breast fuller. In either case, the result is a reasonably natural looking breast.

Since the areolar complex is removed due to cancer risk, breast reconstruction surgery may be done to remake the nipple and areola. To get the coloring for the areola, medical tattooing is done on the reconstructed breast. A prosthetic nipple may be used.

Reconstructive plastic surgery for breast cancer is not considered simply a cosmetic procedure. It is used to put the body back to rights after the trauma of a disease. A breast reconstruction operation is considered a necessity by insurance companies. Therefore, it is covered by most health plans.

Breast reconstruction is a wonderful thing for many women. Breast reconstruction surgery is very helpful in bringing normalcy back into the lives of women who have had to deal with devastating losses. It helps women feel whole again, and well again.