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Breast reconstruction for women often requires multiple procedures. It can begin at time of mastectomy or lumpectomy, or may be delayed until a later date. Our surgeons work with the patient and entire care team to create a reconstruction plan based on the patient’s body type and treatment protocol.
There are three major categories of breast reconstruction that our surgeons perform: implant reconstruction, flap reconstruction and breast conservation.
Video: Click the image below to watch a video from Understand.com that describes and animates various breast reconstruction options for breast cancer patients, including flap and implant reconstruction procedures.
Note: Because the video has content restricted to 18 years and older, the video must be viewed on YouTube.
Implants are available as a surgical option when patients have sufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover an implant.
Implants may be placed immediately after mastectomy, with placement above or under the pectoral muscle.
Recovery is often faster when the implant is placed above the muscle. Secondary procedures may be needed to reduce any resulting wrinkling or rippling.
For procedures under the muscle, it is common for the surgeon to place drains at the surgical site. They are typically removed 48 hours to two weeks following the surgery.
For delayed reconstruction, the surgeon will implant a tissue expander at the time of mastectomy. This allows for the tissue to be expanded, or stretched, over a period of time before the prosthesis is placed. The length of time from expansion to placement varies by patient.
When there isn’t sufficient tissue on the chest wall, or when the patient does not desire to have an implant, the physician will recommend a flap, or autologous, reconstruction. Abdominal skin and fat from the patient’s own body are most commonly used to reconstruct the breast shape, but tissue can be used from nearly any part of the body.
Autologous reconstruction is more involved, and therefore generally requires a 2-3 day hospital stay.
The plastic and reconstructive surgical team performs oncoplastic techniques of tissue rearrangement for patients undergoing a lumpectomy. The focus is on preserving the breast tissue and reconfiguring the shape and position—which may include reduction, lifting and/or tightening for a symmetrical result.
