When you have to undergo breast cancer surgery, your doctors also advise you a breast reconstruction surgery to rebuild your breasts.
They can perform breast reconstruction surgery simultaneously as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). This decision is often based on several factors, including your overall health and well-being, the type of mastectomy you have, and your personal preferences.
There are many types of breast reconstruction surgeries. The right option for you will depend on your body type, the extent of your cancer surgery, and your personal preferences. Your cancer surgeon will work with you to help you choose the best option for your individual needs.
The most preferred type of breast reconstruction surgery is breast implants. Breast implants can be placed under the chest muscle (submuscular) or over the chest (sub-glandular). Your cancer surgeon will help you decide which placement is best for you based on your body structure, age, and goals.
Autologous flap surgery: This type of reconstruction uses tissue from another area of your body, such as your back, abdomen, or buttock, to reconstruct the shape of breast. The most common types of autologous flap surgery are:
Latissimus dorsi myocutaneous (LDM) flap surgery: Here, a section of skin, fat, and muscle is taken from the back and moved to the front to reconstruct the breast. This is done along with an implant or without one.
Pedicled tram flap surgery: A section of skin, fat, and sometimes muscle is taken from the belly or thigh area and moved to the chest to reconstruct the breast. This may be done with an implant or without one.
Allogeneic (donor) tissue: In this type of reconstruction, healthy tissue is taken from a donor (usually a family member) and used to create a new breast. Allogeneic reconstruction is not as common as autologous flap (flap taken from the patient’s body) surgery.
Women choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery because of various reasons. Some women feel that reconstructing their breasts will help them regain their sense of femininity and self-confidence after cancer surgery.
Others believe that reconstruction surgery will help them feel “whole” again. Still, others may want to avoid using a prosthesis (false breast). Before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, it is essential to discuss your motivations and expectations with your Cancer surgeon.
Then, they will be able to tell you if breast reconstruction is right for you and help you choose the best type of reconstruction for your individual needs.
