Breast Reconstruction: Your Questions Answered

Overlake Plastic Surgeons

Frequently Asked Questions: Breast Reconstruction 1. What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a complex procedure to recreate the breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It sometimes involves more than one surgery and can be done using a variety of methods.

2. Who has Breast Reconstruction?

If you have had a mastectomy or are scheduled to have a mastectomy, you are probably a candidate for breast reconstruction. In some cases, the reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy. Other patients may need to wait until their cancer care is complete prior to reconstruction. If you have had a lumpectomy (partial mastectomy) or are scheduled for a lumpectomy, you might also be a candidate for a partial breast reconstruction to restore the breast to a normal, symmetrical appearance.

3. Is it possible to have Breast Reconstruction after a lumpectomy and radiation?

Yes. Generally, radiated tissue is more difficult to perform breast reconstruction on, but it is well established that there are several techniques that are safe and give good outcomes.

4. What's the average recovery time for Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy?

Recovery from breast reconstruction is highly variable. For those who are receiving a partial breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy, recovery can be quite easy and fast.

Implant based breast reconstruction usually has a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery time than living tissue breast reconstruction.

5. After a bilateral mastectomy has been performed, what breast reconstruction options will provide the most natural look?

This will depend on the patient’s preoperative breast size, her body habitus and her desired outcome. Both implant and living tissue reconstruction can give very natural results.

6. Do Breast Reconstruction tissue expanders cause pain as they expand?

There can be pain during the tissue expansion process. This can be secondary to tissue expansion that is being done a bit too often and may need to be slowed down. Since tissue expanders are usually placed under the muscle, muscle cramps can cause discomfort as well.

7. What are the types of risks associated with Breast Reconstruction with implants after radiation therapy?

Radiation and implants can be a tough combination. Implant based breast reconstruction may have a higher rate of infection, capsular contracture (painful scar around the breast), or other issues when radiation is involved.

8. Is it possible to increase breast size with reconstruction following a mastectomy? Will it increase both breasts, even though only one will be removed?

After mastectomy, breasts can often be reconstructed larger or smaller than before surgery. When only one breast is involved, pursuing symmetry is paramount. Often after breast reconstruction involving one side, one or more procedures are required on the unaffected breast to help it match the reconstructed one.

9. Is symmetry difficult to achieve with Breast Reconstruction?

It can be. That is why surgery on the unaffected breast is often required. Often, the unaffected breast has drooping or ptosis. This is often a natural appearance, however, ptosis is difficult to recreate in breast reconstruction. The best solution is often to lift or reduce the unaffected breast to match the reconstructed one.

10. Can a mastectomy be combined with Breast Reconstruction during the same surgery session?

Yes, immediate breast reconstruction is standard of care at many centers, and is performed when all parties agree that it is safe. In some cases, “direct to implant� reconstruction can be accomplished. This newer technique involves placing the

permanent implant at the time of mastectomy. In other words, if adequate tissue is available, tissue expansion may not be necessary.