This article aims to demystify the breast reconstruction journey, by providing you with some useful information and insights. If you’re reading this article, there’s a high probability that you’ve been affected by breast cancer — either personally or someone close to you has, and you’re considering post-mastectomy reconstruction. As experts with Associates in Plastic Surgery in Virginia Beach, we’ve been on this journey with many women, and we understand how overwhelming it can feel.
Breast Reconstruction: The Beginning
The first step to any journey is understanding where we stand, and the perfect start to this is speaking about a few facts:
- Breast cancer is survivable: According to the American Cancer Society, the outlook for women with breast cancer has continuously been improving over the past decades.
- Mastectomy is not the end: Advances in plastic surgery techniques have made breast reconstruction highly successful, with outcomes that evoke a natural-looking physique.
Deciding on Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a personal choice. Some women might immediately decide to have it after a mastectomy, while others may prefer to wait or not to have it altogether. Factors often mediating this decision are:
- Personal feelings about the loss of a breast
- How breast reconstruction might affect your physical appearance
- Your overall health and well-being
Timing of Breast Reconstruction
There are typically two options on when to have breast reconstruction:
- Immediate reconstruction: This happens during the same surgery as the mastectomy.
- Delayed reconstruction: This happens in the weeks, months, or perhaps even years following the mastectomy.
Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, and your choice will depend on your personal circumstances, desires, and medical advisement.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
There are two main types of breast reconstruction procedures:
- Implant-based reconstruction: This is typically a two-step process where a temporary saline-filled implant (tissue expander) is first placed, to be later replaced by a permanent silicone or saline implant.
- Autologous or flap reconstruction: This procedure uses tissue from other parts of your body to rebuild the breast.
The type of breast reconstruction chosen is a crucial decision to make on your breast reconstruction journey. Your surgeon at Associates in Plastic Surgery can guide you, explaining which option fits your body type, overall health, and desired outcome.
Recovery and Expectations
The recovery period usually differs based on the type of reconstruction, the timing of the reconstruction, and the patient’s overall health. Generally, hospitalization can range from 1 to 6 days, and full recovery can range from 2 weeks up to several months.
Expectations for the look and feel of reconstructed breasts vary greatly. Advances in technology have greatly improved results over the years, but bear in mind reconstructed breasts will likely neither look nor feel exactly like your natural breasts.
Emotional Aspects of the Breast Reconstruction Journey
The emotional aspects of breast reconstruction are just as important as the physical aspects. Not uncommonly, feelings of anxiety and depression arise during this journey. It’s important to:
- Discuss your feelings with your healthcare team or counselor
- Connect with other individuals who’ve been through or are going through a similar situation
Finally, the journey towards breast reconstruction is often marked with decision-making and feelings of apprehension — but it is a journey towards recovery and reclaiming yourself. As experienced professionals in the field, we’re here to guide you through all the steps, ensuring you get the most suitable care that’s tailored to you. At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we believe that the end of your breast reconstruction journey can be the beginning of your renewed confidence and wellbeing.
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