If you are starting to regret the results of your former breast surgery, you might feel like there is no hope left. Similarly, anyone who has gone through breastfeeding or another body-changing event might be missing the breasts they once had. Whether you did not like the results of your first surgery or you are in need of another change, breast reconstruction surgery is an available option for you. So, should I have a breast reconstruction procedure?
Should I Have a Breast Reconstruction Procedure?
There are a number of different breast reconstruction options for patients of varying needs and wants. When it comes to your plastic surgery needs, you should be informed in the safe and correct way. If you are someone who wants to know, “Should I have a breast reconstruction procedure?” then you have come to the right place.
Step 1: Schedule a Breast Reconstruction Consultation
You have the power to choose when, where, and what type of breast reconstruction procedure to be performed. Our job is to inform you about the possibilities you have when it comes to choosing a breast reconstruction process. Depending on what surgery you have had before, you may be a candidate for one of our specific breast reconstruction techniques.
Immediate reconstruction is an option for those who are looking to pair their mastectomy with an augmentation in the same surgery. Others may want to schedule separate surgery dates for separate procedures. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.
Step 2: Learn About the Types of Breast Reconstruction Available
Below, we have listed some of the options that are possible with us. There are different methods and techniques that we utilize based on what works best for each individual case. Read up on what type of procedure and surgery plan best suits your needs. Whether you want a simple augmentation, or you are looking for your reconstructive options after surgery, you are sure to find the answers to your questions here.
Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Some patients choose to have their reconstruction done at the very same time as their mastectomy. Suppose you are a cancer patient seeking a single or double mastectomy through your breast cancer surgeon. In that case, you can have your breasts reconstructed from natural tissue or an implant while you’re still on the operating table.
With this method of procedure, your breast cancer surgeon will need to work closely with your plastic surgeon to make sure that the surgeries are being coordinated as planned. That way, you can feel safe and confident knowing that you will get the results you want.
Delayed Reconstruction
As briefly mentioned above, delayed reconstruction involves breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is performed. This is because popular cancer treatments like radiation therapy can sometimes alter the look of your newly reconstructed breasts. Over time they may change in appearance, color, texture, and even size.
In order to prevent any sort of risk of ruining the procedure, delayed reconstruction may be recommended over immediate reconstruction. A typical waiting period is between 6 and 12 months from the initial mastectomy or lumpectomy procedure. However, you can choose to have your surgery done whenever you wish.
Delayed-Immediate Reconstruction
This is also known as a “staged” approach to reconstruction, where the surgeon will perform some enhancements immediately, while the rest of the reconstruction will wait until after cancer treatments and breast cancer surgeries are complete.
With delayed-immediate reconstruction, the surgeon will likely place a tissue expander under your chest muscle. This will save a lot of your breast skin after the breasts are removed. That way, you can retain the shape of your sought-after reconstruction look. But you still can go through radiation therapy successfully.
Step 3: Call Us for More Information About Your Options!
Depending on your cancer status, your surgeon may suggest that you have partial immediate construction and partial delayed construction. This might be the case for you if you are still attending chemotherapy sessions or need to wait on other cancer treatments. Again, the choice of how and when to perform your breast reconstruction surgery is completely up to you. If you are in certain stages of cancer, and you are undergoing chemotherapy and other treatment options, it may be best to wait to have your reconstructive surgery done.
Otherwise, you can consult with your surgeons about how to implement reconstructive procedures during your mastectomy surgery. You may also want to reconstruct your breasts that have been altered due to a previous botched surgery. Your options are endless. Get in touch with our experienced, understanding, and board-certified female plastic surgeon and schedule your trustworthy consultation today.
