Free Reconstruction Manual
It’s a resource for anyone interested in reconstruction because it anticipates and answers your questions, addresses your concerns, and shares a variety of options for women of all ages.
Options for Breast Reconstruction
There are several breast reconstruction options, and your age, body type, and treatment plan will determine your choice.
- Breast implants are filled with saline or silicone gel sacs or a combination.
- Skin Grafts and Transplant (TRAM Flap, Latissimus Flap, Gluteal Flap, or TUG): Another option is to use tissue removed from another part of your body. Patients may face lifting restrictions if they use the TRAM flap, which uses tissue and muscle from the abdomen. The Lat Dorsi flap pulls muscles from beneath the shoulder blade. The Gluteal flap uses tissue from the buttocks rather than muscles. TUG removes the inner thigh fat but not the muscle. Procedures that do not require muscle use necessitate the expertise of a plastic surgeon specializing in microvascular surgery.
- DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap): This solution sculpts the tissue into the shape of your breast using abdominal fat (no muscle). It results in a full tummy tuck and no lifting restrictions later.
- In addition to reconstructing the breast, the surgeon can add a nipple, change the shape or size of the reconstructed breast, and operate on the opposite breast for a better match. The plastic surgeon will be able to discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure with you and assist you in deciding which will make you feel the most natural.
Are there Breast Reconstruction Surgery Alternatives?
A removable prosthetic breast worn in a bra is one option for breast reconstruction. This will keep the shape and appearance of the breast without requiring surgical procedures. Some women choose a prosthesis to help them balance their weight and posture. Health insurance frequently covers full or partial breast prosthetic forms and mastectomy bras.
There are also clinical situations where you may not be a candidate for reconstruction at the time of mastectomy due to the size of the tumour or other medical diseases and disorders.
A removable prosthetic breast worn in a bra is one option for breast reconstruction.
If you do not want to or cannot have a breast reconstruction procedure, there are still options to improve the appearance of your chest wall.
Aesthetic flat closure is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess breast skin and fat following a mastectomy to create a smooth, flat chest wall contour. If necessary, revision procedures such as fat grafting can aid in achieving the best possible result.
You can choose to have other types of reconstruction later if you have an aesthetic flat closure (as long as you are medically cleared).
Managing Change and Making a Plan
Following a mastectomy, you have several options to help you adjust to the changes in your body. They are all viable options, with advantages to each. What works best for you and your body may not work for another woman.
Even if you plan to have your breast reconstruction later, consult your medical team before having a lumpectomy or mastectomy if you believe you will need one.
You should feel free to make whatever decision is right for you, whether you undergo breast reconstruction, wear a prosthetic breast, or accept the changes that you have endured by allowing the breast removal to be visible. The goal is to alleviate the discomfort of unwelcome change while allowing you to accept what has happened and move on with your life.
