Breast reconstruction is achieved through several reconstructive plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy and may include:

• Flap techniques that reposition a woman's own muscle, fat and skin to create or cover the breast mound.
• Tissue expansion that stretches healthy skin to provide coverage for a breast implant.
• Surgical placement of a breast implant to create a breast mound.
• Grafting and other specialized techniques to create a nipple and areola.

While breast reconstruction can effectively rebuild a woman's breast, the results are highly variable. A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces. Visible incision lines will always be present on the breast, whether from reconstruction or mastectomy. In addition, flap techniques will leave incision lines at the donor site, commonly located in less exposed areas of the body such as the back, abdomen, or buttocks.

Good Candidates For Breast Reconstruction Are Women Who Are:

• Able to cope well with their diagnosis and treatment
• Do not have medical conditions or other illnesses that may impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring their breast and body image

General Procedure

Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized procedure. Techniques offer varying advantages and choosing the appropriate course of treatment requires careful consideration.

Flap techniques may result in a more natural feeling breast and are necessary when little tissue or muscle remains following mastectomy. Incision lines appear at both the donor and reconstruction sites and a lengthy recovery follows. There is also a remote chance of partial of full loss of the flap due to poor healing.

The use of a breast implant for reconstruction almost always requires either a flap technique or tissue expansion. Reconstruction with tissue expansion allows an easier recovery than flap procedures, but it is a more lengthy reconstruction process. Many office visits over 4-6 months after placement of the expander are necessary to slowly fill the device through an internal valve to expand the skin and create adequate healthy tissue. A second surgical procedure will be needed to replace the expander if it is not designed to serve as a permanent implant.

Recovery Process

Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the donor site for flap techniques. Medication may be prescribed to control the discomfort. A support bra will be recommended around the clock during the initial healing. Follow all instructions carefully; this is essential to the success of your outcome. A return to light activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery. Be sure to attend follow-up visits as scheduled to monitor your results.