Have you had a mastectomy or experienced a loss of volume and firmness in your breasts? If so, you know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. Breast reconstruction is an option that can help you regain not only your physical appearance, but also your confidence and self-esteem. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about breast reconstruction so you can make an informed decision and take the first step toward a new version of yourself.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to restore the shape, size and appearance of the breasts after a mastectomy or as a result of other factors such as aging, weight loss or pregnancy. This treatment not only focuses on the aesthetic part, but also seeks to improve the quality of life of patients, restoring their self-image and self-confidence.
Women who have had surgery to treat breast cancer can choose from several types of breast reconstruction. When deciding which type is best, you and your doctors should consider factors such as your health and personal preferences. Before making a decision, take the time to learn what options are available to you and consider talking to others who have had this procedure.
Breast reconstruction offers a number of significant benefits:
Restoration of trust: Getting your figure back and feeling whole again can increase your self-confidence and emotional well-being.
Restoration of symmetry: Reconstruction can help restore symmetry between the breasts, improving appearance and comfort.
Improvement of the quality of life: Many women report that breast reconstruction improves their overall quality of life, allowing them to regain a sense of normality and comfort.
custom options: There are different techniques and approaches available, meaning that reconstruction is tailored to each patient's individual needs and preferences.
Most women who have breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy or partial mastectomy) do not need breast reconstruction. However, some women may develop breast deformity as a result of cancer surgery; for example, dimpling caused by removing a large tumor from a small breast. Some doctors solve this problem by combining cancer surgery and plastic surgery techniques, known as oncoplastic surgery. This involves reshaping the breast during the initial surgery. For example, partial breast reconstruction may be done after breast-conserving surgery or total breast reconstruction may be done after mastectomy.
These women may be candidates for different types of breast reconstruction to reshape the breast, including:
One or more of these techniques can be used for best results. In addition, with this type of surgery similar results are obtained to lumpectomy or partial mastectomy without reconstruction.
There are several approaches to breast reconstruction, and the one that is best for you will depend on your unique situation. Some of the most common options include:
Breast implants: This method uses silicone or saline implants to recreate breast volume.
Own tissue flap: In this technique, the patient's own tissue, usually from the lower abdomen, back, or buttocks, is used to reconstruct the breast.
Tissue expander: An expander is placed under the skin and pectoral muscle, which is gradually filled with saline to stretch the tissue and create space for a later implant.
Perforator flap: This technique uses your own tissue but is taken from areas where the blood vessels are smaller, allowing for faster recovery.
Breast reconstruction may be an appropriate option for you if:
It is important to discuss your goals and expectations with a plastic surgeon specialized in breast reconstruction. They will be able to evaluate your individual situation and recommend the best treatment option.
Below, we will guide you through the general process of breast reconstruction:
initial consultation: At this stage, you will meet with one of our plastic surgeons, specialized in breast reconstruction. You will discuss your goals, your options, and the recommended treatment plan.
Surgical procedure: The breast reconstruction procedure is performed in the clinic under general anesthesia. The duration and complexity will vary depending on the approach chosen.
Recovery: After surgery, you will have a recovery period that may include the use of temporary bandages and drains. Your personal surgeon will provide you with detailed instructions on post-operative care.
Follow-up: Our surgeon will schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery and discuss any concerns you may have.
Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon specialized in breast reconstruction is crucial to ensure safe and satisfactory results. Do your research and consult with several professionals before making a decision. Ask to see before and after breast reconstruction and make sure you feel comfortable and confident in your surgeon's skill.
If you are considering breast reconstruction or simply want more information, we invite you to book a consultation with our plastic surgery specialists. We are here to answer all your questions, discuss your options, and design a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs.
To book your consultation or find out more about the prices of our breast reconstruction treatments, you can contact us:
Don't wait any longer to take the step towards a new version of yourself. Breast reconstruction may be the path to greater confidence and self-esteem. We're here to help you every step of the way!
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape of your breasts after a mastectomy (a surgery that removes your breasts to treat or prevent breast cancer).
One type of breast reconstruction uses breast implants — silicone devices filled with silicone gel or salt water (saline) — to reshape your breasts. Breast reconstruction with breast implants is a complex procedure performed by a plastic surgeon.
The breast reconstruction process can begin at the time of your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or it can be done later (delayed reconstruction). The breast reconstruction process generally requires two or more operations. You can also expect different appointments for two to three months after the initial surgery to expand and tighten the skin on your chest in preparation for the implant.
Breast reconstruction will not recreate the exact look and feel of your natural breasts. However, the shape of your new breasts can return to a silhouette similar to the one you had before the mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction with a breast implant has risks of complications, including:
Correction of any of these complications may require additional surgery.
If you require adjuvant radiation therapy to the skin and chest wall after a mastectomy (post-mastectomy radiation), you may not be an ideal candidate for breast implant reconstruction. Having a breast implant can make it more difficult to deliver radiation therapy effectively, and the implant may need to be deflated. There could also be an increased risk of complications. The skin and the tissue under it can become firmer, discolored, and swollen due to radiation therapy.
Before having a mastectomy, your doctor may recommend that you meet with a plastic surgeon. Consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified and experienced in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Ideally, your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon should work together to develop the best surgical treatment and breast reconstruction strategy for your situation.
Your plastic surgeon will describe your surgical options and discuss the pros and cons of implant-based reconstruction, and may show you photos of women who have had different types of breast reconstruction. Your constitutional type, your state of health and cancer treatment are taken into account to choose the most suitable type of reconstruction for you. The plastic surgeon provides information about the anesthesia, the location of the surgery, and what types of follow-up procedures may be necessary.
The plastic surgeon can discuss the pros and cons of surgery on the opposite breast, even a healthy one, to better match the shape and size of the reconstructed breast. Surgery to remove the healthy breast (contralateral prophylactic mastectomy) can double the risk of surgical complications, such as bleeding and infection. Also, there may be less satisfaction with the cosmetic results after surgery.
Before surgery, follow your doctor's specific instructions to prepare for the procedure. This may include guidelines about eating and drinking, adjusting current medications, and quitting smoking.
Breast reconstruction begins with the placement of a breast implant or tissue expander, either at the time of the mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or during a later procedure (delayed reconstruction). Breast reconstruction often requires multiple operations, even if you choose immediate reconstruction.
A breast implant is a round or tear-shaped silicone structure filled with salt water (saline solution) or silicone gel. Silicone gel implants were once restricted for safety reasons, but are now considered safe.
A plastic surgeon places the implant behind or in front of the chest muscle (pectoralis muscle). Implants that are placed in front of the muscle are held in place using a special tissue called acellular dermal matrix. Over time, your body replaces this tissue with collagen.
For some women, the permanent breast implant can be placed at the same time as the mastectomy (direct-to-implant reconstruction) is performed. However, many women require a two-stage process and must use a tissue expander before having the permanent implant placed.
Tissue expansion is a process that stretches the remaining breast skin and soft tissues to create a space for the breast implant. During mastectomy, the surgeon places a balloon-like tissue expander under or over the pectoralis muscle. Over the next few months, through a small valve under the skin, the doctor or nurse uses a needle to inject saline into the valve and fill the balloon in stages.
This gradual process allows the skin to stretch over time. You will need to see your doctor every week or two for the saline injection. As the implant expands, you may feel some pressure or discomfort.
A newer type of tissue expander uses carbon dioxide. This remote controlled expander releases gas from an internal reservoir. Compared to expansion with saline, gradual expansion with carbon dioxide can lessen the amount of discomfort you feel.
Once the tissue has expanded enough, the surgeon will perform a second surgery to remove the tissue expander and replace it with a permanent implant, which is placed in the same place as the tissue expander.
For a few weeks after surgery, you may feel tired and swollen. Your doctor will prescribe medication to help control the pain.
Returning to normal activities can take six weeks or more. During this period, take things slowly.
Your doctor will tell you if you should restrict your activities, such as avoiding lifting objects above head level or engaging in strenuous physical activity. Don't be surprised if it seems to take a long time to recover from surgery: it can take up to a year or two for you to feel completely healed.
Generally, you'll need to follow up with your plastic surgeon annually to check on the reconstructed breast after the reconstruction is complete. However, ask for a medical appointment before that time is up if you have questions about the reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction can also involve nipple reconstruction, if you so choose. This procedure may involve a tattoo to define the dark area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola).
Armengual de la Mota, 1
Malaga, Spain
Hours (Monday to Friday):
10.00 - 14.00 / 16.30 - 20.30
Hundreds of patients rate us and with their positive opinions they place us as one of the best aesthetic clinics in Malaga, with the best plastic surgeons and specialized and highly qualified aesthetic doctors to provide you with the best treatments and results in surgery and aesthetic medicine.
Bysebi2024-03-20The care is extraordinary in this clinic Aesophy Excellence 10/10Angel Stephen2024-03-20I will return without hesitation. I saw the results, I recommendsebastian vidican2024-03-20My intervention lasted several hours, very happy with the result.Juan Gomez2024-03-20Magnificent service, the attention is of first-class satisfactory quality.sebipro192 sebi2024-03-20Doctors with good professionalism in hair transplant, everything went perfectsebastian vidican2024-03-20Excellent service, the nurses are very professional in their work.Elvira Fájula2024-03-19Excellent treatment, good professionals.Rosario Muñoz Torres2024-03-15The best team of professionals who have given me confidence and security for more than 15 years.monique crystal2024-03-13I love everything…
Phone: 952 33 34 44
Hours (Monday to Friday):
10.00 - 14.00 / 16.30 - 20.30
