If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may consider breast reconstruction surgery. Breast reconstruction can restore appearance after mastectomy or correct cancer-related deformities.
Breast reconstruction surgery is a complex and personal decision. Here we will discuss the surgery and what to expect during and after.
What’s Breast Reconstruction Surgery After Cancer?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a surgery that aims to help a woman restore her breast after she has undergone a mastectomy. This type of surgery can take place using different techniques, and the choice of technique will depend on the case.
Breast reconstruction surgery can be a very important part of the healing process for many women who have undergone a mastectomy. It can help them regain their confidence and feel whole again. In some cases, the surgery can involve implants, while in other cases, the surgery may involve using tissue from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast.
The Breast Reconstruction Process
Breast reconstruction usually takes place in two stages. The first stage is called the mastectomy, during which your surgeon will remove your breast tissue. The second stage is reconstruction, during which your surgeon creates a new breast.
The reconstruction process can take several hours, and you will usually be under general anesthesia. If you’re having implant-based reconstruction, your surgeon will create a pocket for the implant and then insert the implant. If you’re having autologous reconstruction, your surgeon will use your own tissue to create the new breast.
After the reconstruction, you will usually stay in the hospital for a few days. You may have drains in place to help reduce swelling. You will also get a compression garment to wear.
The Recovery Process
The recovery process after breast reconstruction can vary depending on your reconstruction. If you had implant-based reconstruction, you could expect to feel tired and sore for a few weeks. You may also have some bruising and swelling. If you had autologous reconstruction, you could expect to feel tired and sore for a few weeks to a few months. You may also have some bruising and swelling.
Most women can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. However, you should avoid strenuous activity and lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least six weeks.
Learn more about breast reconstruction or find out if it is right for you by contacting one of our best plastic surgeons. We can help set up an appointment by calling 616-459-4131. Let’s meet soon!
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