What is breast reconstruction?
A reconstruction is the rebuilding of a breast after a mastectomy has been performed. Thus, breast reconstructive surgery is performed after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, although in some cases it may take months or years for the reconstruction to be performed by a plastic surgeon.
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia with intravenous induction and inhalation maintenance and lasts approximately eight hours.
Why is breast reconstruction performed?
Breast reconstruction mainly provides an aesthetic improvement and a significant improvement in the patient’s self-image. The option of reconstructing a breast is as valid as the option of not doing it, always being a personal decision.
What does breast reconstruction consist of?
Breast reconstruction can be done through two techniques, implant reconstruction and autogenous or flap reconstruction.
- Breast reconstruction with implant: requires a smaller number of interventions than the reconstruction with flap, since it will consist only of a single surgery in the chest. The implant is usually filled with a saline solution, silicone gel or a combination of both, with vegetable oil or silicone on the outside and saline solution based on water and salt on the inside. This implant is placed under the thoracic pectoral muscle. It lasts approximately ten to twenty years.
- Autogenous reconstruction or reconstruction with flap: in this reconstruction tissues such as skin, fat and even muscle are used to create the shape of the breast. This tissue, called a flap, is taken from the abdomen, back, thighs or breast. The tissue can be attached to the blood vessels of the chest, being the so-called free flap or move it to the chest under the skin, this technique is known as pedicled flap. It is an operation whose results are lifelong, this technique is ahead of implants in its duration. There are different types of flap, although the choice varies depending on body type, breast size and whether or not there is a future desire to be a mother.
Preparation for breast reconstruction
It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions, such as to stop taking medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. The patient may not smoke, should dress as comfortably as possible and should plan how to return home and face the first days of recovery.
Necessary care after breast reconstruction
After the procedure the patient will feel tired for a few days, and it is recommended that she have someone to help her during the first few days, although after the first week the patient will be able to take care of herself.