Breast Reconstruction Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or you have a high chance of developing it in the future, you may need to undergo a Mastectomy. Losing one or both of your breasts can be a traumatic and upsetting experience. However, there are options to help rebuild the breasts and help you regain your confidence.

Breast reconstruction surgery is an effective procedure that has helped thousands of women live a better quality of life. Here, you’ll discover your breast reconstruction options to help you decide which is right for you.

The different types of breast reconstruction surgery

There are two main types of breast reconstruction you can undergo. These include implant-only reconstruction and flap reconstruction. The type that is right for you will depend upon multiple factors. Here’s a brief rundown of both techniques.

Implant only reconstruction surgery

If you have smaller breasts or you are looking to undergo a simple procedure, implant-only reconstruction surgery is ideal. It involves inserting an implant under the pectoral muscles, taking a total of two to three hours to complete.
This procedure can be carried out in one or two steps. If you opt for the one-step procedure, a permanent saline implant will typically be inserted. With a two-step procedure, a temporary implant is used to stretch the chest over time. It will then be replaced by a permanent silicone implant once it has reached its ideal size.
An implant-only reconstruction offers a shorter recovery process than the Dorsi flap method. However, it is mostly suitable for patients who have had tissue removed, rather than the entire breast.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap surgery

The Latissimus Dorsi Flap procedure is used when the breast has been removed completely. The surgeon reconstructs the breast using the Latissimus Dorsi muscle as a donor site.

An incision will be made near your shoulder blade on the back. A piece of oval-shaped skin will be removed, alongside blood vessels, fat, and muscles. Using a tunnel underneath the skin, they will be slid around to the chest. Once in place, the surgeon will reshape them into a breast.

It takes between three to four hours to perform, and it will require a longer recovery process. It is recommended you take around a month off work, giving the body plenty of chance to heal

What type of results can you expect?

Both breast reconstruction options are known to provide excellent results. Most patients report being satisfied with their new breasts. You can also undergo a nipple reconstruction to enhance your results, as well as a breast lift to ensure maximum symmetry.

To discover more about the type of results you can expect, book a consultation with Mr Tulley today.