Often, effectively treating breast cancer requires the removal of cancerous tissue from the breast (lumpectomy), or in some cases removal of the breast in its entirety (mastectomy). Though these procedures can be lifesaving, they may also leave women without their natural, curvy figure. Thrive Reconstructive Surgery provides breast reconstruction surgeries, allowing women who have undergone cancer treatments to restore their breasts and regain their confidence.
Who Is Eligible for Partial Breast Reconstruction?
Anyone who has undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy may be a good candidate for breast reconstruction surgery.
For women who have undergone a lumpectomy, partial breast reconstruction may be an option. Partial breast reconstruction can help restore the breasts to a natural, symmetrical shape. Some options for partial breast reconstruction include:
Oncoplastic Reconstruction
This method combines cancer removal surgery and plastic surgery, enabling us to restore the breast immediately after the lumpectomy. In this procedure, breast tissue is repositioned to restore the natural shape of the breast in areas where the lumpectomy may otherwise create depressions.
Fat Transfer
With the fat transfer method, liposuction is used to harvest fat from an area of the body that has ample fat tissue, such as the abdomen. This harvested tissue is used to restore the breast following the lumpectomy. Note that the fat transfer method may also be used in conjunction with implant-based reconstruction and living tissue transfers to deliver the final touch-ups of breast reconstruction following a full mastectomy. One reason for the efficacy of this method is that because the fatty tissue comes from the patient’s own body, there is no risk of it being rejected.
Who Is Eligible for Complete Breast Reconstruction?
For some women, complete breast reconstruction is required. Complete breast reconstruction can rebuild the breasts after a mastectomy to look like the original breasts. There are multiple approaches that we can offer:
Implant-Based Reconstruction
This option involves the expansion of any remaining breast tissue, after which a gel breast implant can be inserted into the tissue. A fat transfer may also be used to help the restored breast attain a more natural shape. Finally, the nipple is reconstructed to ensure a natural and aesthetic look.
For eligible patients, the implant may also be placed at the time of the mastectomy, speeding up the reconstruction process.
Tissue Transfer
Another option is transferring living tissue from the abdomen to the breast. This is a more time-intensive process, as both the breast and abdomen will need to heal. However, the outcome tends to be very natural-looking and long-lasting.
What Is the Recovery Like Following Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction recovery varies from patient to patient, depending on the type of reconstructive method as well as the patient’s personal health history. Soreness, tightness, bruising, and swelling can all be anticipated.
The Thrive Reconstructive Surgery team provides you with all aftercare instructions before you are discharged.
What Breast Reconstruction Options Are You a Good Candidate for?
For patients who have undergone radiation therapy as part of their cancer treatment, implant-based breast reconstruction is recommended on a case-by-case basis. Fat transfer or living tissue transfer may be recommended instead.
Breast reconstruction does not always have to occur immediately after a lumpectomy or mastectomy. Your plastic surgeon at Thrive Reconstructive Surgery will help you develop a reconstruction plan that works for you if you have waited months or years to reconstruct the breast tissue.
Learn More about Breast Reconstruction
Planning your breast reconstruction surgery should be planned in advance as part of your overall breast cancer treatment plan. The reconstructive surgeons at Thrive Reconstructive Surgery are ready to help you find the right breast reconstruction option for you. Call our offices to learn more, or fill out an appointment request online to schedule your consultation.