Breast reconstruction is achieved through various plastic surgery techniques that aim to restore the breast’s shape, appearance, and size after a mastectomy.

• The reconstructed breast will not have the same sensitivity as the breast it replaces.

• Scars are visible and will always be present on the breast, whether after reconstruction or mastectomy.

• Some surgical techniques will leave scars at the donor site, typically located in less exposed areas of the body, such as the back, abdomen, or buttocks.

If only one breast is affected, only it can be reconstructed. Additionally, breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to improve the symmetry of both breasts.

Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost her breast due to cancer or another situation. A new breast can significantly improve your self-esteem, self-confidence, and quality of life. Although surgery can give you a relatively natural-looking breast, the reconstructed breast will never be the same as the one that was removed. Breast reconstruction is an individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit a specific ideal image.

Breast reconstruction will be a good option for you if:

• You cope well with your diagnosis and treatment.

• You do not have medical conditions or diseases that could impair healing.

• You have a positive outlook and realistic expectations regarding the outcome of breast reconstruction and your body image.

Reconstruction typically involves multiple procedures performed in multiple stages and can:

• Be done at the same time as the mastectomy or

• Be delayed until you have recovered from the mastectomy and any additional cancer treatments.

It’s essential that you feel emotionally prepared for the breast reconstruction process. It may take some time to come to terms with the results of the reconstruction.

Source: SBCP