BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY

Breast Reconstruction Surgery is performed following a mastectomy, in order to help restore the breast to a similar shape and size as before. A nipple and areola (the darker area around the nipple) may also be added at a later stage.

Most women opt for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. If you want to have this surgery, you need to have a fair idea about all of your options first. It is highly recommended to start planning for reconstructive surgery as soon as a mastectomy has been scheduled, as this will allow your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon to work together and come up with the best possible mode of reconstruction.

Women opt for breast reconstruction for various reasons: To regain a normal body contour. To boost self-esteem and body image. To avoid wearing a prosthesis bra.

Breast reconstruction involves a series of surgical procedures. Immediate breast reconstruction starts alongside a mastectomy. You may require follow up surgeries so ensure that your doctor discusses all possible treatments with you. Delayed breast reconstruction is performed at a later date after completion of the cancer treatment.

COMMON PROCEDURES FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

BREAST IMPLANTS

The most widely performed reconstruction, breast implants can be saline-filled,, silicon-gel filled, or part silicone gel and part saline filled called expander implants. This process can take up to 4 months for the surgeon to inject the saline solution into the breast prosthesis required to reconstruct the breast. Based on whether you need radiation therapy or not, the surgeon may opt for immediate or delayed reconstruction.

There are certain things to consider before having implants. This can be one stage or two staged process. Mr Javaid will guide you about the suitability of technique once he has conducted a detailed consultation with you. The implants may have to be modified or replaced later as breast implants can rupture or leak. Breast shape may become distorted due to excessive capsule or scar contracture around the implant in addition to the changes in the remaining normal breast due to ageing process or change in body weight which may create breast asymmetry a few years after reconstruction which may require change of implant.

NATURAL TISSUE FLAP PROCEDURES

Breast reconstruction using patient’s own body tissue is also known as autologous breast reconstruction. Tissues from tummy, back, buttocks, or thigh are used in these procedures. The most common of these is the TRAM flap - where tissue from the abdomen are used, and the latissimus dorsi flap - in which tissue from the upper back area are used.

Tissue flaps leave two scars – one on the reconstructed breast and the other on the region from where the tissue was removed. The blood supply might be retained from the original site such as in TRAM flap, or a new blood supply may be reconnected using microsurgical techniques such as in DIEP flap when using abdomen tissue. Mr Javaid prefers to use TRAM flap leaving blood supply connected as it is a safer technique with a higher success rate in his hand. Flap procedures are not recommended for women with vascular or connective tissue disease, smokers, or patients with diabetes. due to higher risk of failure.

Mr Javaid also uses fat injections sometimes in conjunction with these techniques to correct asymmetry and improve breast volume. Subsequently he completes the reconstruction process by performing nipple reconstruction & tattooing of the nipple to colour the nipple create areola around the nipple.

Scars from breast reconstruction will fade over time, but will never go away completely.

As mentioned above, it is important to have detailed discussion with your surgeon before the surgery. The surgeon should talk to you about the following: Quitting smoking at least two months prior to surgery. Certain medications which must be avoided. Guidelines on eating and drinking before the procedure especially before delayed reconstruction.

POTENTIAL RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

Haematoma, seroma, infection, partial or complete flap loss, donor site related problems, scar related problems and asymmetry,in addition to bruising and swelling, and persistent dissatisfaction with the appearance.

AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

You should be able to resume your normal life within 6-8 weeks especially after flap based procedures or sooner if you had implant based reconstruction. It will take about 8 weeks for the pain and swelling to go away however Mr Javaid will prescribe certain medicines if necessary to reduce your discomfort.

It takes time to recover emotionally, so try to talk to breast care nurses, friends and family. It also helps to talk to women who have had this procedure as well.

SUMMARY

Operation duration: 1-5 hours depending upon implant or flap technique. Anaesthesia: General. Hospital Stay: 2-7 nights depending upon implant or flap technique. time off work: 2-6 weeks depending upon implant or flap technique. Overall result: Visible from 2-6 months.

BREAST UPLIFT, BREAST LIFT OR MASTOPEXY ENQUIRIES

If you require any further information about Breast Uplift, Breast Lift or Mastopexy or the range of surgical and non surgical treatments provided by Mr Javaid or wish to book a consultation please contact us by completing our enquiry form or by using the following contact details:

Enquiries in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire:
Please speak to Mrs Pauline Titley (private secretary) on 077 8069 8989

Enquiries in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire:
Please speak to Mrs Pauline Titley (private secretary) on 077 8069 8989

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