Breast Augmentation After Mastectomy

One of the things that many women have to face when they have breast cancer is having a mastectomy, and some turn to breast augmentation after this type of surgery. Though treating the cancer is always the main concern, losing one or both breasts because of the treatment can have a debilitating effect on some women, and restoration surgery can help them feel better mentally and emotionally. This in turn can help with how their bodies deal with things physically as well. It's a very personal decision, and you need to take a lot of things into consideration.

Making Your Decision

Breast augmentation after a mastectomy involves a lot more questions and issues than having the operation simply for cosmetic enhancement of healthy bosoms. First of all, if you have undergone a mastectomy, one of your first concerns about having reconstructive surgery is how it will affect any future diagnoses. Will any inserts affect imaging devices that are looking for signs of cancer? Will enhancement affect any future treatments that might be needed? Most often, reconstruction procedure isn't done while there is still need for treatment of the cancer, but there is always a risk of the cancer returning even if treatment has been successful in eradicating all signs of it. The decision to have reconstructive surgery is therefore a decision that needs to be made only after serious discussion with your doctor.

Procedure Choices

If the treatment has involved the complete removal of one or both breasts, then augmentation basically has to be reconstructive, usually working under the chest muscle. This is a more involved and difficult procedure than just putting an implant in normally. The implant that is usually used for reconstruction is one filled with a saline solution, although sometimes they are filled with silicone. Often, when there has been complete removal, the reconstruction is done in stages. First, a balloon-like apparatus is inserted under the skin and muscle of the chest, and inflated slowly over time to stretch the skin. When the skin has been stretched enough, an implant will be inserted. The type of procedure that you have will depend on your particular situation.

Aftercare

By the time you've have had breast augmentation after mastectomy, you are most likely familiar with how to take care of yourself after surgery in this area. Follow your doctor's instructions, keep all post-surgical appointments, don't lift anything too heavy for at least a few days afterward, and get plenty of rest.

If you and your doctor have decided that breast augmentation after mastectomy would be okay for you, then you should feel confident about the procedure. Many women have reported being happy with the results.