Breast reconstruction is an empowering option for women who elected to have a portion or the entire breast removed due to cancer. It enables them to regain self-esteem and confidence in their appearance. Aesthera Plastic Surgery dedicates itself to providing personalized reconstructive solutions tailored to each patient’s goals and desires.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is commonly performed as part of breast cancer treatment, helping women regain their self-confidence, body image, and overall well-being. Through breast reconstruction surgery, women can restore their breasts’ size, contour, symmetry, and appearance. Our experienced plastic surgeon works closely with patients to understand their goals and develop customized treatment plans that address their needs. At Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we believe in empowering our patients through compassionate care and comprehensive support.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
One of the most significant advantages is restoring a woman’s self-esteem and body confidence. Breast cancer can take a toll on a woman’s emotional well-being, often causing feelings of insecurity and loss of femininity. Women can reclaim their bodies and regain their self-identity by undergoing this procedure, improving their psychological well-being.
The procedure allows women to resume normal daily activities with increased comfort and confidence in their appearance. It helps restore balance in body proportions, making it easier for clothes to fit correctly and improving posture. The physical benefits also extend beyond aesthetics. Reconstructive surgery can address discomfort caused by prosthetics or clothing restrictions necessary after mastectomy.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction presents a multifaceted process with various options for women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy. There are three primary types of breast reconstruction: implant-based, autologous tissue-based, and oncoplastic breast reduction.
The implant-based approach employs silicone or saline implants to create a new breast mound. Its benefits include shorter surgery time, quicker recovery, and achieving symmetry by adjusting the implant’s size and shape. Often, direct to implant based reconstruction can be performed the same day as the mastectomy. This offers quicker recovery from surgery and may potentially help expedite post-mastectomy radiation or chemotherapy treatments. Sometimes implant-based reconstructions require two stage surgery, where a tissue expander is placed after the mastectomy. After a few months, the tissue expander is removed and replaced with a permanent implant.
Autologous tissue-based reconstruction involves using the patient’s tissue from other body areas like the abdomen, back, or thighs to reconstruct the breast. This technique yields a more natural appearance without the maintenance of an implant. Modern surgical techniques using a microscope transfer abdominal tissue to the chest to create breasts. This procedure is often referred to as deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap technique. The recovery process is slightly longer with this procedure and requires patients to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after surgery for close monitoring.
Oncoplastic breast reduction is a hybrid reconstructive technique that is performed after lumpectomy (partial breast tissue removal). After the breast surgeon removes the breast tissue that is concerning, the plastic surgeon will rearrange the breast tissue to create a more perky, smaller, and naturally shaped breast.
Recovery from Breast Reconstruction
Recovery and healing are integral parts of the breast reconstruction process. After undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy, women often face physical and emotional challenges. The recovery period will look different for every patient. Expect pain management and allow time for the incisions to heal.
Patients need access to support services during the healing process. Aesthera Plastic Surgery strives to create a supportive environment where patients can feel safe as they navigate their new reality and gain confidence.
Breast reconstruction surgery allows women who have undergone breast cancer treatment to feel capable and in control. Through our dedication to reconstructive solutions tailored to each patient’s circumstances, we aim to help them achieve long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional healing after breast cancer treatment.
Breast Surgery Unveiled Guide
Download the exclusive The Complete Guide to Transformative Breast Surgery to learn more about our aesthetic treatments.
Long-Term Results and Satisfaction with Breast Reconstruction
Long-term results and satisfaction are crucial aspects of breast reconstruction surgery. This procedure’s goal is to restore the physical appearance of the breasts and improve a woman’s emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
For many breast cancer survivors, having breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or lumpectomy significantly affects their long-term satisfaction. They can feel whole again by undergoing breast reconstruction, helping them overcome the psychological impact of losing one or both breasts. This boost in self-confidence often leads to improved mental health and enables women to embrace their bodies again.
Breast reconstruction offers long-lasting results that can impact a woman’s life for years. Once the reconstructive process is completed, patients can enjoy an improved silhouette under clothing and during intimate moments. These lasting physical changes contribute significantly to overall patient satisfaction by allowing women to move forward confidently after cancer treatment.
At Aesthera Plastic Surgery, we understand that each patient’s journey is unique, so our skilled surgeons work closely with individuals throughout the reconstructive process. Our commitment goes beyond just restoring physical appearance; it extends into providing emotional support and personalized solutions tailored to each woman’s needs. We strive to achieve exceptional long-term results while ensuring our patients’ utmost satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Reconstruction
When should I get a breast reconstruction done?
Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or delayed until later, depending on each patient’s preferences.This is often a team discussion involving the patient, oncologist, breast surgeon and the plastic surgeon to figure out the optimal timing for breast reconstruction.
How will reconstructed breasts feel different than my natural breasts?
People who undergo breast reconstruction report differences in how reconstructed breasts move with your body. Other reported changes include sensitivity levels, texture, and weight. Every person’s experience will be different. Talk to an Aesthera surgeon before undergoing breast reconstruction to get a clear idea of what to expect after the operation.
Will I have sensation in my breasts after reconstruction?
During mastectomy, the sensory nerves are cut to remove all the breast tissue. In the past, women did not have an option to have breast sensation after mastectomy. Recent innovations in plastic surgery have led to novel surgical techniques where the sensory nerves are reconnected using a nerve graft. This can be performed with implant-based or autologous tissue-based reconstruction. The return of sensation is not immediate and often it takes up to a year for patients to start experiencing sensation.
Does radiation have an impact on my breast reconstruction?
Radiation is often required as part of breast cancer treatment. By working closely with the radiation oncologist, the plastic surgeon can help manage some of the detrimental effects of radiation. The complication rates after radiation are much higher and during your consultation with Dr. CV Chegireddy, he will review the risks and tailor an individualized surgical plan to minimize complications.
Experience Aesthera
Our team understands breast cancer survivors’ physical and emotional journey, and we are dedicated to providing personalized reconstructive solutions that meet your unique aesthetic needs. Schedule an appointment today to discuss how breast reconstruction can positively impact your physical appearance and emotional well-being. Let us be a part of this transformative journey.
Experience Aesthera
Our team understands breast cancer survivors’ physical and emotional journey, and we are dedicated to providing personalized reconstructive solutions that meet your unique aesthetic needs. Schedule an appointment today to discuss how breast reconstruction can positively impact your physical appearance and emotional well-being. Let us be a part of this transformative journey.