How does reconstruction treat breast cancer?
Reshaping the breast The surgeon removes the tumour and an area of surrounding healthy tissue. They then reshape the remaining breast tissue to create a smaller breast. You will need radiotherapy to this remaining breast tissue to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
What is considered breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery to recreate breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Sometimes reconstruction takes several surgeries. There are many breast reconstruction techniques. Some use silicone or saline breast implants.
Is breast reconstruction a major surgery?
Breast reconstruction is major surgery. A person can expect to spend several days in the hospital after both implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction. People may need more than one surgery to fully reconstruct the breast(s). Skin flap surgery has a longer recovery time than reconstruction using implants.
Is breast reconstruction a good idea?
For many women, the answer is yes. Talk to your plastic surgeon about what needs to be done, both immediately and later, as you consider your options. For example, if you have very large breasts, the reconstruction might create a smaller breast.
How long is a breast reconstruction surgery?
How Long Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Take? Preparation for the procedure, including anesthesia, may take 2 hours. The reconstruction will take 1 to 6 hours. After the surgery, you’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours in recovery before being transferred to a hospital room.
What are the type of reconstruction?
Autologous breast reconstruction. Tissue matrix and implant reconstruction. Implant reconstruction. Tissue expander-to-implant reconstruction.
Why is breast reconstruction important?
Breast reconstruction helps to restore both physical and emotional balance after the surgical treatment of breast cancer. It is important for each woman diagnosed with breast cancer to have a consultation with a reconstructive plastic surgeon early after her diagnosis.
How long does breast reconstruction operation take?
The operation takes about 90 minutes, and most people go home the following day. It can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a mastectomy.
How long is reconstructive breast surgery?
How long is recovery from breast reconstruction?
Most women can start to get back to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Certain types of reconstruction surgery do not restore normal feeling to your breast, but in other types some feeling might return over time.
What are the options for breast cancer reconstruction?
By far, the most popular breast reconstruction option is the implant and tissue expander, says Gartside. Other options include using tissue flaps or an implant alone. In the flap technique, the surgeon repositions a woman’s own muscle, fat, and skin, creating or covering the breast mound.
What are the stages of breast reconstruction?
Anesthesia. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure.
What to expect after breast reconstruction?
Possible risks during and after reconstruction surgery. Any type of surgery has risks,and breast reconstruction may pose certain unique problems for some women.
What is the recovery time for breast cancer surgery?
The initial recovery from autologous reconstruction (DIEP) is 3 weeks of surgical recovery and 3 weeks of felling tired. Most patients feel like they are getting back to normal by 6 weeks. Generally it will take 4-6 weeks to recovery after mastectomy and breast reconstruction.