Breast Reconstruction

Reconstructive surgery of the breasts seeks to create a soft, natural appearing breast following full or partial mastectomy. This procedure may employ a saline-filled tissue expander to stretch the skin so it can accept a saline or silicone implant beneath the chest muscle. The breast mound is then restored and nipple and areolas are usually constructed at a later date. Flap reconstruction is used if the patient prefers her breasts to be reconstructed with natural tissues. Options include the use of a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (TRAM flap) or a latissimus dorsi muscle flap originating from the back for reconstruction.

If you're considering breast reconstruction, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.

Procedure:	Create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast.
Length:	Two to four hours, but may take longer in some cases.
Anesthesia:	General anesthesia. Follow-up procedures may require only a local anesthesia.
In/Outpatient:	Breast reconstruction usually involves more than one operation. The first stage, whether done at the same time as the mastectomy or later on, is usually performed in a hospital.
Side Effects:	Temporary soreness, swelling, bruising.
Risks:	Usual risks of surgery, such as bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia, can occur although they're relatively uncommon. And, as with any surgery, smokers should be advised that nicotine can delay healing, resulting in conspicuous scars and prolonged recovery.
Recovery:	Back to work: up to six weeks to recover from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction or from a flap reconstruction alone. If implants are used without flaps and reconstruction is done apart from the mastectomy, your recovery time may be less. Most scars will fade substantially over time, though it may take as long as one to two years, but they'll never disappear entirely.