What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Navigating the journey of a breast cancer diagnosis is an emotional rollercoaster for the majority of women. The decision of whether to proceed with post-surgical breast reconstruction is a personal one. While some women choose not to undergo breast reconstruction following mastectomies or lumpectomy, many women feel that this is an important part of their journey.
Breast reconstruction is a transformative surgical procedure designed to rebuild one or both breasts after mastectomy or significant breast tissue loss due to a lumpectomy.
In addition, individuals with congenital deformities or severe injuries to the breast can also benefit from breast reconstruction. This procedure plays a crucial role in regaining a sense of wholeness and confidence, regardless of the reason.
If you’re currently weighing your options, learn more here about what to know before you get a breast reconstruction.
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What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Athens, GA?
Breast tissue loss can impact self-confidence and body image. Breast reconstruction offers emotional benefits like renewed confidence and a positive self-image, helping women feel more comfortable in their bodies.
- Enhanced body contour: Breast reconstruction balances the upper body and restores smooth, feminine contours.
- Fashion choices: Breast reconstruction patients often find they can resume wearing their favorite clothes without special padding or prosthetic devices.
- Improved body image: Breast reconstruction can profoundly affect self-esteem and help individuals regain confidence in their bodies.
Are You a Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Ideal candidates for breast reconstruction are those who have experienced:
- Mastectomy: Individuals who have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer or other medical reasons.
- Lumpectomy: Those who have undergone partial breast removal may also be candidates for reconstruction to restore symmetry.
- Breast injuries: Patients with breast skin and tissue loss due to trauma.
- Congenital breast anomalies: Patients born with a genetic breast abnormality, profound asymmetry, tuberous breast deformity, amazia (absent nipple), amastia (absent breast), accessory nipple, inverted nipple, and non-cancerous cysts, tumors, lumps, and bumps.
Emotional readiness, a clear understanding of the procedure, and realistic expectations for results are crucial for successful outcomes. The best way to determine your candidacy for breast reconstruction is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Venditto.
When you choose Dr. Venditto, she works closely with you during consultation to understand your concerns and goals and create a personalized surgical plan that respects your individual journey.
Dr. Venditto does not offer breast reconstruction to patients who use nicotine products due to the profound impact on the skin’s blood supply that can occur.
Dr. Venditto is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Learn more about what board certification actually means for your care here.
How Is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
Breast reconstruction is individually tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs but involves the following basic steps:
- Anesthesia: Most breast reconstruction techniques are performed under general anesthesia.
- Tissue expander placement: A temporary device known as a tissue expander may be placed. This device is filled with sterile saline solution over the course of several weeks post-operatively to reach desired breast volume gradually. This may be necessary due to concerns for skin blood supply at the time of surgery.
- Direct-to-implant breast reconstruction: Certain patients are candidates for placement of an implant immediately at the time of mastectomy. Dr. Venditto will discuss with you at your consultation whether you may be a candidate for this approach.
- Nipple and areola reconstruction: For a more natural appearance, nipple and areola reconstruction may be performed as the final stage of the reconstructive journey.
Reconstruction Techniques
- Implant-based breast reconstruction: Involves placing a tissue expander or silicone implant to create the breast mound. You can learn more about the differences between silicone and saline implants here.
- Autologous tissue reconstruction: Utilizes the patient’s own tissue (flap reconstruction) to reconstruct the breast, providing a more natural feel.
The most common flap technique is DIEP flap reconstruction (deep inferior epigastric perforator), which uses abdominal tissue without removing any muscle. Older techniques like the TRAM flap use the same donor area but do remove muscle, and tissue can occasionally be taken from the back, thighs, or buttocks when needed.
Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
- Immediate breast reconstruction: Dr. Venditto works with your mastectomy surgeon for immediate reconstruction the majority of the time. This option offers the advantage of waking up with a reconstructed breast. If your mastectomy must remove the nipple areolar complex, nipple and areolar reconstruction is usually performed later.
- Delayed breast reconstruction: This option is performed at a later date after the completion of cancer treatment to allow time for healing and determine the appropriate reconstruction technique. There are specific circumstances where this is more favorable than immediate breast reconstruction and if this is recommended, likely results from concern for blood supply to skin after mastectomy.
What Is Recovery From Breast Reconstruction Surgery Like?
Depending on the complexity of the surgery, breast reconstruction may be performed as an outpatient procedure, or a hospital stay may be required.
- Postoperative monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing, adjust tissue expanders if used, and address any concerns.
- Supportive garments: Compression garments may be recommended to support the reconstructed breast and aid healing.
Depending on the extent of your surgery and if you had immediate reconstruction, you can expect your downtime to range from a few weeks to a few months.
The specific nuances of recovery and activity restrictions depend on whether you underwent post-mastectomy reconstruction or post-lumpectomy reconstruction.
Follow Dr. Venditto’s post-surgical instructions and avoid all strenuous activities until cleared to resume your routine.
Possible Risks and Complications of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Routine follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the health of the reconstructed breast.
Infections are more common in the reconstructive setting, particularly with implant-based breast reconstruction, when compared to cosmetic breast procedures. This is due to the severe alteration in vascular anatomy following mastectomy. Following Dr. Venditto’s post-operative protocol and prioritizing follow-up visits is critical to avoid complications.
Implant-related complications, such as rupture or leakage, may occur and require attention. Those who have silicone breast implants placed will need visits with Dr. Venditto every 1-2 years, as well as periodic ultrasound or MRI imaging to check for these complications.
What to Expect From Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery Results
Breast reconstruction often involves 2-4 procedures over a year. Dr. Venditto works with each reconstructive patient to create a customized surgical plan based on their goals.
Breast reconstruction is often more than a physical restoration; it considerably impacts a person’s mental and emotional well-being while helping to restore self-confidence.
For many individuals who have undergone mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction represents a significant step towards completing their journey and embracing life after cancer. This procedure allows individuals to lead an active lifestyle without substantial limitations.
View our gallery to learn more about what a breast reconstruction could look like for you.
View Before & After PhotosYour Athens, GA, Breast Reconstruction Expert
Breast reconstruction is a deeply personal and empowering journey, offering physical and emotional restoration to those who have faced breast cancer, traumatic breast injuries, or congenital breast deformities.
This transformative experience supports individuals in embracing life beyond breast cancer and navigating the path to acceptance and wholeness.
Dr. Venditto understands the complexities of breast reconstruction surgery and its impact on the overall well-being of her patients. Call 706-363-0256 or schedule a consultation online to find a convenient time to meet with our highly skilled and experienced surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to get breast reconstruction after a mastectomy? No. Reconstruction is a personal choice, not a requirement. Some patients choose to reconstruct, some choose external prosthetics, and some choose neither.
Will my insurance cover breast reconstruction? If your insurance plan covers mastectomy, federal law (WHCRA) requires it also to cover reconstruction, surgery on the other breast for symmetry, and treatment for complications. Each insurance plan is different, so please reach out to our office to confirm what is covered by your plan at our practice.
Will my reconstructed breast match my natural breast? That’s the goal, and it’s often achievable, especially with a procedure on the opposite breast to improve symmetry. A reconstructed breast won’t feel or move exactly like natural tissue, and results vary based on your anatomy and the technique used.
How many surgeries will I need for a complete breast reconstruction? Breast reconstruction often involves two to four procedures over a year, depending on the technique and your goals.
When can I go back to work after breast surgery? Downtime ranges from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the extent of your surgery and whether you had immediate or delayed reconstruction.
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