Breast Reconstruction Surgery - Frequently Asked Questions (faq) To Ask

By:


What is breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction may be performed at the time of or after a mastectomy to restore the appearance, shape, and size of the patients normal breast. Performing a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction on the unaffected breast may be necessary in order to create proportionality.

What procedures are used in breast reconstruction?

Surgeons will usually use either a flap or tissue expansion technique during breast reconstruction, and a series of procedures may be needed in order to achieve the best results. Tissue expansion involves using a temporary implant where the breast used to be located, and it is gradually filled over a period of four to six months. This allows the skin to gradually stretch to accommodate the fluid, which is eventually switched with a permanent implant option.

Flap techniques include TRAM, DIEP, SGAP, or latissimus dorsi versions. The TRAM flap uses muscle, fat and skin from the abdomen to create the skin which will become the breast. DIEP or SGAP techniques do not use any muscle, but take tissue from the abdomen or buttocks to create the same breast tissue.

Latissimus dorsi flaps use tissue from the back and reroute it to the chest, keeping the blood vessels intact. Flap techniques may or may not eventually use an implant to complete the reconstruction.

Finally, tissue is grafted from other parts of the body to construct the nipple and areola.
How long will it take to recover?

Recovery from breast reconstruction takes several weeks. After surgery, a tube is usually used to drain excess fluid from the site. A pain pump may also be necessary to medicate the patient, and a support band or bra is used to protect the breasts during recovery.
What type of results can I expect?

Results from breast reconstruction vary greatly. Scars will fade over time, but will be present due to the extensive work and grafting involved. Most patients also experience reduced or changed sensation in the reconstructed breast.


About the Author:
Learn about breast augmentation, bariatric surgery, and hair loss surgery.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Health Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.