Post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that in 2004, nearly 200,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer. It is one of the top ten causes of death for women in the U.S. Younger women seem to be more aware of their family history of breast cancer and are making a very difficult, and often emotionally painful decision, by deciding to have mastectomies. Some even choose this procedure before cancer is present if they know the odds are against them. And last week, actress Christina Applegate announced she underwent a double mastectomy due to the presence of cancer, as well as her family history. Although this is a tragic experience to go through, women are able to regain some sense of what it means to look like a woman, in the traditional sense, with breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is a comprehensive way to recreate breasts after a mastectomy and is becoming more common among breast cancer patients. And because cosmetic surgical procedures have advanced, these women are discovering that this is a step toward restoring their figure, their lifestyles, and their self-esteem.

One of the decisions a woman desiring breast reconstruction needs to make is when to have the procedure performed. While timing is ultimately up to you, discussing this with your oncologist, surgeon, and cosmetic surgeon as a team will help to better coordinate the procedure. Information and education with breast reconstruction is important toward regaining emotional and physical stability.

Two Stages of Breast Reconstruction

Dr. David Bray at Bray Plastic Surgery Medical Center in Los Angeles offers breast reconstruction that consists of two major stages. The first one is breast mound reconstruction. There are several techniques that can be performed in this first stage. After tissue expansion, done after encouraging new skin growth in the area with an expandable implant, a permanent implant can be placed. This can be done in combination with breast flap reconstruction, which involves the transfer of skin from another area of the body to the breast mound. Though the flap reconstruction technique can be more difficult, many women and their doctors believe this produces a more natural looking appearance.

After the breast mound has been reconstructed, the nipple can be reconstructed. This is done through either sculpting or tattooing techniques. If only one breast was removed during the mastectomy, the remaining breast can be reduced to create symmetry, or a breast implant can match the remaining breast’s size. A breast lift is also an option to make the breasts symmetrical.

The loss of one or both breasts because of cancer and a subsequent mastectomy is a devastating situation for the woman, her family, and her loved ones. However, because breast reconstruction procedures have advanced so much, many people may never know that the patient has undergone a mastectomy in the first place.