Breast Reconstruction
Breast
reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that
attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following
mastectomy. There are several methods used to reconstruct the breast. Many
involve the use of breast implants. Muscle flaps are also
used as procedures whereby skin, fat and muscle are transferred or
moved on a pedicle from an area of close proximity. These muscle flaps may also
be performed as free flaps where tissue is removed from an area, which may be
local or distant, and transferred to the recipient bed.
Pedicle
flaps do not require that the blood supply from the donor site be freed from
their natural connection. Free flaps conversely allow for the transfer of donor
tissue from an area in which the blood supply is surgically
disrupted. It is then restored micro surgically once the tissue has filled
the deficient area. Some microsurgical techniques use only the skin and
underlying adipose tissue of the abdomen while sparing the muscle (Deep
Inferior Epigastric Perforator DIEP and Superficial inferior epigastric artery SIEA).
Implants and muscle flaps may be used individually or as combined methods of
reconstruction depending on specific needs.
As the
ultimate goal of any breast reconstruction is to attempt to provide the closest
representation of the breast when fully clothed, the techniques from which this
is accomplished are numerous. One's candidacy for these techniques is dependant
on several factors. Overall medical condition and body morphology may greatly
influence which procedure may provide this reconstructive goal. There are
certainly advantages and disadvantages related to each procedure that require
thorough discussion with your physician in order to yield the proper
expectation.
Breast
reconstruction can be performed utilizing a variety of reconstructive
techniques. Each technique has a distinct advantage and is associated with
several disadvantages. In the simplest of terms, breast reconstruction can
be completed by the use of breast implants OR tissues from your own body known
as “autologous breast reconstruction”.
Most
patients are interested in the number of operations a technique requires, the
duration of the operations, the need and duration of a hospital stay, recovery
time, associated life-long disabilities, common wound care complications,
potential systemic complications and the level of the anticipated sensation
achievable.
It is
important to remember that most breast reconstructions require several
operations or “stages” to complete. “Stage 1” of an implant-based
operation is distinctly different than “Stage 1” of an autologous flap
operation. However, nipple and areolar reconstructions are common to all 16 of
the techniques described and may, in fact, not be necessary if you are a candidate
for a total nipple and areolar skin-sparing mastectomy.
Breast
reconstruction is a very personal decision and process for each individual. We
are dedicated not only to performing safe and efficient breast reconstruction
procedures, but also to incorporating the latest aesthetic techniques to
maximize the final appearance of the reconstructive work.
The results
after breast reconstruction can vary dramatically. The proper choice of breast
reconstruction and the surgeon’s attention to detail will make a significant
impact on the overall look and feel of a new breast.
