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Medical Video: Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Options Following Mastectomy | UCLA Plastic Surgery
Definition
What is breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction is an operation to form the breast after you have done a mastectomy, surgical removal of the breast. The surgeon will use a breast implant or tissue extension, and flexible implants to shape your breasts.
When do I need to undergo breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction is an individual medical procedure. You must do it on your own, not the wishes of others or because you want to look ideal.
Breast reconstruction is the right choice for you, if:
- You are well treated according to the doctor's diagnosis
- You are not suffering from other diseases that can interfere with the healing process
- You have a positive outlook and expect realistic results
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery?
The main disadvantage of using implants is that your breasts will not look natural or feel natural, especially after aging or changes in body weight.
Depending on the type of breast reconstruction you choose, there will be scars on the breast and other parts of your body. The method for implementing actual breast reconstruction will depend on your breast problem. There is no one method that can suit all women.
The risk of using implants can cause capsular contracture and implant rupture.
Are there alternatives to breast reconstruction surgery?
Using a push-up bra can make your breast shape beautiful when wearing clothes.
In addition, using other tissues from the body is also possible to shape your breasts.
Process
What should I do before breast reconstruction surgery?
This operation is carried out under general anesthesia or general anesthesia. Before performing breast reconstruction surgery, you will be asked to:
- do laboratory tests or medical evaluations
- taking certain drugs or adjusting drugs
- quit smoking for further surgery
- do not take drugs containing aspirin, anti-inflammatory, and herbal supplements, because it can increase the occurrence of bleeding
What is the process of breast reconstruction surgery?
Tissue expander is inserted under your skin and chest muscles, and gradually saline will be injected (the process of injecting saline can be done gradually, in a few weeks or several months) to form a bag on your skin. After the bag is felt large enough, the tissue expander is released, then silicone or saline implant is inserted.
These saline implants are more susceptible to compression than silicon. Implant replacement surgery may be needed later.
What should I do after breast reconstruction surgery?
You can go home two or three days after the surgery and can resume normal activities after six weeks.
You should use a bra that is soft and fit so you can feel comfortable.
Regular exercise can also help you to be able to do normal activities as soon as possible. Before starting exercise, you should consult a doctor first.
If your surgeon uses a tissue expander during surgery, you are advised to go out on a routine basis to the clinic. It took several weeks to get a beautiful breast shape after breast reconstruction. It may take up to a year until you can feel that the reconstructed breast is part of your body.
Complications
What complications can occur?
The following side effects occur in the first few months after surgery:
- pain in the chest (like a needle stick)
- armpit and arm numbness - surgery can damage nerve tissue, causing numbness. Numbness can be overcome, but not completely gone. Exercising arms can help with recovery
- seroma - accumulation of fluid around the scar for up to six weeks after surgery, the doctor or nurse will take action to remove the liquid.
- stiff shoulders - proper exercise can prevent stiffness of this shoulder. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist will help you
- lymphoedema - swelling of the arm, if the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed
- breast pain
- changes in balance, because the weight of one breast decreases
- tired, depressed and anxious - talk to your medical team about how to deal with these symptoms if they occur
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