Contents:
- Medical Video: Breast Reconstruction Using Implants
- What are the types of breast reconstruction?
- Regarding implants
- Type of breast reconstruction surgery using implants
- One-stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction
- Two-Stage Delayed Reconstruction
- Improvement
- Risk of breast reconstruction surgery
Medical Video: Breast Reconstruction Using Implants
Mastectomy is the operation of removing all or part of the breast. This is done to cure, or prevent breast cancer. After a mastectomy, many women carry out breast reconstruction surgery, also called reconstruction. This plastic surgery procedure aims to restore the breast to its previous shape, size and appearance.
Lumpectomy is another type of cancer removal surgery. This operation leaves more parts of the breast. This operation is usually also followed by surgery for breast reconstruction.
What are the types of breast reconstruction?
There are two types of breast reconstruction.
- Reconstruction uses implants instead of breast tissue, with implants filled with saline or silicon
- Surgical breast reconstruction flap use tissue from the stomach, back, or buttocks to restore breast shape
There are many pros and cons to each procedure. Reconstruction using implants looks easier than building breasts with living tissue. Using your own network for reconstruction is also a high risk for certain types of complications. Unlike implants, the cover tissue stays alive and takes nutrients from your body. There is no risk of dead tissue. However, there is an added risk of permanent damage to the area where the tissue is removed. For example, it can cause a hernia on the abdominal wall. Hernias occur when muscles are damaged and organs protrude from where they should be. You will feel the sensation of loss of tissue in the donor's part.
Regarding implants
a breast implant is a silicone shell shaped like a disc. They are usually filled with sterile brine (saline) or silicone gel. Usually they are inserted into the body or chest muscles. Once inserted, they will give a shape similar to your normal breast. However, the sensation you feel in your breast will feel different. They may not move in the same way as other breasts.
Many people worry about the possible side effects of leaking silicone gel. Some implants containing silicone have leaked before. Now, implants containing saline are more popular. Some implants from the gel are still used. However, the outer part of the implant is still used from a silicon polymer.
Type of breast reconstruction surgery using implants
One-stage Immediate Breast Reconstruction
With this option, reconstruction surgery begins immediately after the damaged breast tissue is removed, generally with a mastectomy. The surgeon then inserts the implant when the patient is still under the influence of anesthesia. This technique will save you time because you don't need to come to the hospital again for the reconstruction procedure.
Two-Stage Delayed Reconstruction
Generally, the implant is placed through a reconstruction procedure two-stage delayed. During this operation, a plastic surgeon will insert a balloon-like device called a tissue expander. After surgery, the doctor will inject saline fluid in the expander. The injection will take several weeks to enter. This will make the patient's skin stretch slowly. In time, the expanders will be replaced with permanent breast implants. This will require a second operation.
In certain cases, the expanders remain in place until the last implant.
Improvement
Reconstruction must be tailored to the needs of each patient There is no exact breast reconstruction. The goal is to make "new" breasts as similar as possible to normal breasts.
Sometimes, the nipples and areola will remain safe during breast cancer surgery. Aerola is a dark skin that surrounds the nipple. If this has to be removed, artificial and aerola nipples can be made new. There are differences in this matter. Some operations use tattoos to make nipples and aerola more natural.
Risk of breast reconstruction surgery
Every operating procedure has risks. The risk of infection may last up to 6 months after implant surgery. Patients are usually instructed to use antibiotics to prevent infection after surgery.
Other potential complications include:
- Scar tissue is formed around the implant area
- Implant leaks
- Implants do not settle in place
- Swelling of the upper chest or arms (lymphedema)
Chemotherapy and / or radiation treatment can affect the healing of breast reconstruction surgery, especially when chemotherapy is started after surgery. Women who need radiation healing may be better off undergoing flap reconstruction than implants.
