Breast reconstruction

Cosmedica Breast reconstruction

This procedure is designated for women after undergoing breast amputation due to breast cancer or other conditions. Newer techniques allow the surgeon create a breast which is very similar to the natural one.

The reconstruction can be performed during the amputation procedure, or rather several months, even a year, afterwards.

There are a number of implants: the most widely used are silicon implants which have silicon surface and filling. They come in different sizes and shapes.

Becker implants are made of a thick silicon surface (35%-50%) and a solution filling. The advantage of this implant is the ability to adjust its shape to the woman`s body. It can also serve as a skin stretcher. There are also implants with a thin silicon surface and a solution filling, which are used less frequently.

The operation can be divided into 2 main categories: (a) a stretcher is inserted, then replaced with an implant; (b) reconstruction is made from another body tissue.

The most common reconstruction is performed with a stretcher and an implant.

After amputation, a balloon (stretcher) is inserted under the skin and the chest muscles. It has a special valve which can be filled from the outside. The implant is being filled gradually with a special solution, until the skin has sufficiently stretched, for the insertion of the implant.

It takes another 3-6 months until the breast has acquired its final shape, then the nipple can be reconstructed as well.

Becker implants: sometimes during amputation the skin can be preserved. That would eliminate the need for a stretcher, and a permanent implant (Becker) can be inserted right away.

The breast can also be reconstructed with body tissue from areas with extra skin and fat, such as tummy, buttocks or back. The tissue being removed is called “a flap”.

Common sites to acquire the flap are the lower tummy and the lotissimus dorsi muscle from the back.

This procedure may involve complications, due to implant infection; contraction of a surface of an implant; silicon leaks; and anesthetic complications.

You will need to stay in hospital 2-7 days after the surgery. During such time you may feel pain and weakness for a week or two. Complete recovery may take up to 6 weeks, depending on the surgery. You may have an unusual sensation in the breast. That would usually disappear over time. In most cases there could be a slight asymmetry between the breasts, however, most women report a significant improvement in their social life and self esteem.

Breast reconstruction autologous is a surgical procedure usually designed to reconstruct the breast of patients who have had a mastectomy due to breast cancer. Depending upon the patient, there may be several different options for breast reconstruction involving breast implants as well as using the patient`s own tissues. Not every patient will be a candidate for every reconstructive technique.

Autologous tissue is tissue taken from another part of your body. Sometimes a breast reconstruction may take place during the mastectomy.
An incision is made along the previous scar and dissection is carried down through the tissues to the chest wall.

Tissue from the abdomen or the back is dissected from its normal location and rotated into the mastectomy site to re-create the new breast. Important blood vessels are left attached and intact to provide blood to the tissue. Other tissues such as muscles and fat from the buttocks or even the legs can be used to recreate a breast in select patients, although these procedures are far less common.

The nipple and areola are reconstructed with either local tissue and tattooing or a skin graft from the inner thigh.

Autologous reconstruction may be a good option in certain candidates; however, this can only be determined after consultation with your surgeon. Depending on the reconstructive technique utilized, the healing time can be from four to eight weeks or longer. If the abdominal tissue is utilized, the healing process will be longer. If the muscle from the back is used, the healing time is usually shorter. Breast reconstruction is a complex procedure and results vary.

The patient is placed in a compression garment or bra. Compression garments are an important part of the recovery process. The garment provides support, comfort and helps to minimize swelling. The patient is usually wearing a bra or some type of supportive garment at all times, except when showering. Healing time is approximately three months. Scarring is variable and often depends on the patient`s ability to heal.

Breast reconstruction autologous with implant

Autologous tissue is tissue taken from another part of your body. An incision is made along the previous scar and dissection is carried down through the tissues to the chest wall.

Tissue from the abdomen or the back is dissected from its normal location and rotated into the mastectomy site to re-create the new breast. Major blood vessels are left attached and intact to provide blood to the tissue.

An implant is placed underneath the autologous tissue to increase the size of the reconstructed breast.

The nipple and areola are reconstructed, with either local tissue and tattooing, or a skin graft taken from the inner thigh.

Autologous reconstruction with an implant may serve as good option for certain candidates; however, this can only be determined after consultation with your surgeon.

Depending on the reconstructive technique utilized, the healing time can be from four to eight weeks, even longer. Where the abdominal tissue is utilized, the healing process would be longer. If a muscle from the back is used, the healing time is usually shorter. Breast reconstruction is a complex procedure and results vary.

The patient is placed in a compression garment or bra. Compression garments are an important part of the recovery process. The garment provides support, comfort and helps minimize the swelling. The patient is usually wearing a bra or some type of supportive garment at all times, except for taking a shower.

Healing time is approximately three months. Scarring is variable and often depends on the patient`s ability to heal.

Breast reconstruction with implant only

An incision is made along the previous scar and dissection is carried down through the tissues to the chest wall.

A tissue expander is placed in the mastectomy site. A tissue expander is similar to a balloon which is deflated at the time of placing. The balloon has a magnetic port that can be accessed through the skin for future filling.

The expander is filled slowly with saline solution. The process takes several months. This is usually performed on a once a week to once in two weeks basis. It involves placing a needle through the breast and into the magnetic port. Each treatment the expander is usually filled with 50cc of saline, until the site matches the other breast.

The nipple and areola are reconstructed with either local tissue and tattooing or a skin graft from the patient`s inner thigh.

Breast reconstruction with an implant would be an option in certain candidates. Patients who have had, or are going to have, radiation therapy are usually considered not the best candidates. Although such procedure is less invasive than autologous reconstruction, it requires more time and visits to achieve the final results.

Breast reconstruction is a complex procedure and results vary.

After the expander has reached the proper size, another operation is performed to place a permanent breast implant. Your surgeon may place you in a special bra, or wrap you with a compression wrap. Compression garments are an important part of the recovery process. The garment provides support and comfort, it minimizes swelling, and helps maintain the position of the implants.