Reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy is reconstruction of the breast using plastic and reconstructive surgery after it has been completely or partially removed (mastectomy).
The breast is one of the main symbols of femininity, that is why women are really sensitive about mammary gland removal during mastectomy. Reconstructive plastic surgery makes it possible to recreate one or both mammary glands after their removal, helping the patient to return to a full life after a previous illness and to feel again like an attractive and confident woman.
Breast reconstruction after breast removal can be delayed (performed after mastectomy), or one-step, when the procedure is performed simultaneously with the main surgical operation on the breast.
Visually and palpably, the breast after reconstruction will look absolutely natural, so that you can again wear a neckline and beautiful lingerie, sunbathe on the beach in a swimsuit, and feel free when wearing tight-fitting clothes.
BREAST RESTORATION METHODS
The breast reconstruction method depends on:
- the type of mastectomy performed (with or without preserving the skin and the nipple-areola complex);
- the presence / absence of own tissues for reconstruction;
- the state of the second breast (to eliminate asymmetry and improve the aesthetic result of correction during reconstruction, the shape and size of the second breast can be adjusted);
- the plan for further treatment;
- the constitution and somatic state of the patient.
The following methods are used for breast reconstruction:
- breast reconstruction using a silicone endoprosthesis (used most often in case of a skin-preserving mastectomy);
- breast reconstruction using skin and muscle flaps (taken from the back and abdomen);
- combined or hybrid technology for breast reconstruction (using an implant and the patient's own tissues);
- restoration of the volume by stretching the skin (using an expander), followed by replacing the expander with an implant with the help of lipofilling.
The main aim of the surgeon during reconstruction is to restore the shape and volume of the removed breast, having achieved the maximum symmetry of the mammary glands. Depending on individual features, the surgeon selects the most suitable recovery plan.
For example, in case of severe breast ptosis, breast reconstruction with correction of the second breast is recommended. To make the breasts look better a corrective operation is performed - mammoplasty and / or a breast lift.
Reconstruction of the mammary glands after removal can take place in several stages, for example, after a radical mastectomy with the removal of all tissues of the gland and axillary lymph nodes, the surgeon first restores the shape and volume of the breast, and in the next step is the correction of the nipple and areola.
Breast reconstruction after removal of a malignant tumor is always confirmed with the patient's further treatment plan, since the type of treatment (for example, radiation therapy) can affect the final aesthetic result.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE SURGERY
General preparation for breast reconstructive surgery includes preoperative examination, which covers:
- blood testingurine analysis
- ECG
- chest x-ray
- conclusion of a mammologist-oncologist with the necessary tests
The patient can perform the entire list of the tests at EMC. Additional studies and recommendations regarding lifestyle and medication are prescribed individually.
OPERATION PROCEDURE
When drawing up a strategy, a plastic surgeon will propose a recovery method that is most suitable for the patient’s age, anatomy, health status and the desired result, having built a strategy for surgical intervention.
Breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy is a major surgical operation and is therefore performed only under general anesthesia. The operation time depends on the type of reconstruction.
REHABILITATION
After the operation, the patient remains in the hospital, where her condition is carefully monitored by a doctor and medical staff. On average, discharge after surgery takes place from 3 to 6 days, and the patient goes home with recommendations from the doctor.
It is recommended to stay in bed during the first days after discharge, it will be necessary to wear special underwear during a month, apply special antimicrobial ointments and visit the surgeon for dressings and breast assessment for complications. The doctor removes the sutures after 7-11 days.
During rehabilitation, the patient is prohibited from any physical activity. To eliminate pain, the doctor prescribes medicines, promptly advises on all emerging issues.
During the recovery period, it is very important to adhere to the doctor's recommendations, so that the rehabilitation after breast reconstruction surgery will be successful and faster. The risk of complications after surgery is minimized.
Studies have shown that reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy does not affect the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
THE EMC CLINIC ADVANTAGES
Reconstructive breast surgery is another powerful field, which is being developed in the Aesthetic Clinic of the European Medical Center. With the participation of a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Professor Kirill Pshenisnov, complex reconstructive interventions are performed, allowing women to restore their breasts after mastectomy, thereby providing better rehabilitation after the illness and self-confidence regain.
Breast reconstruction is performed not only to restore the aesthetic shape of the breast, but also to prevent deformity of the body due to weight imbalance after mastectomy.
Undergoing an operation at the EMC clinic means relying on the manual skills of recognized specialists and being confident in the result of the operation.
PRICES FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
The cost of breast reconstruction after removal of a malignant tumor is formed based on the reconstruction technique chosen by the specialists and the patient.
