What are the benefits of breast reconstruction?
In general the benefits of breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy are to recreate the breast mound so that a woman can feel and look normal and whole without a permanent deformity that can impact everything from her self esteem and sexuality to her ability to exercise and participate in sports as well as …
Can mastectomy reconstruction look good?
Final look of the breast A reconstructed breast will never look or feel (to the touch) the same as a natural breast. Most of the scarring will fade and improve over time, but it doesn’t go away completely. As you age and the opposite breast changes shape, the reconstructed breast may look and feel less natural.
What happens after a mastectomy and reconstruction?
Most women return to regular activities within 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. It may be several weeks before you can do strenuous exercise. The mastectomy and breast reconstruction will leave areas of numbness where the surgery was done. Instead of pain where the tissue was taken, you may feel numbness and tightness.
Who is most likely to undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy?
In 2014, 35.1 women per 100,000 women had reconstruction after mastectomy. Women in all age groups generally had more breast reconstruction, but the increase was the largest for women age 65 and older, women covered by Medicare, and women who had no insurance.
Which type of breast reconstruction is best?
The pre-pectoral procedure is the most minimally invasive breast reconstruction option. Your doctor can perform a mastectomy by removing breast tissue through a small incision underneath the breast. Through this incision, a tissue expander can be placed on top of the muscle to create a breast mound.
Do reconstructed breasts ever feel normal?
Certain types of reconstruction surgery do not restore normal feeling to your breast, but in other types some feeling might return over time. It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.
What is the most common complication after implant reconstruction?
The most common problem with breast implants is capsular contracture. A scar (or capsule) can form around the soft implant. As it tightens, it can start to squeeze the implant, making the breast feel hard and look distorted. Capsular contracture can be treated.
Should you wait for reconstruction after mastectomy?
Some surgeons advise patients to wait until after radiation and chemotherapy are finished before having reconstruction. This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired.
What is the safest breast reconstruction?
Implants are a safe choice for breast reconstruction, but they may have to be replaced at certain points in life. Breast implants are a safe and popular choice for breast reconstruction.
Which breast reconstruction procedure is the most common?
In these cases, breast reconstruction usually requires a flap technique (also known as autologous reconstruction). This is the most common method of tissue reconstruction, using lower abdominal skin and fat to create a breast shape.
Do implants feel better than expanders?
After the permanent implant has been placed you will immediately feel more comfortable than when the expander was in place. The tightness will decrease quickly as the implant settles into the pocket.