Breast Reconstruction Surgery - What it is, Benefits, Procedure, Risks and Much More

What is Breast Reconstruction?
What is Breast Reconstruction

Also referred as reconstructive mammaplasty or post mastectomy surgery.
Breast reconstruction involves a number of procedures to be performed following mastectomy or lumpectomy surgery to correct the form and reshape the breast.
Important factors need to be considered such as individual anatomy, aesthetic goals, need for radiation or post surgical chemotherapy to determine the best options.
It is important to discuss the cancer surgery prior undergoing mastectomy with the plastic surgeon as the suggested cancer removal surgery may significantly affect the result and the choice of the type of breast reconstruction.

WHO NEEDS IT?/ CANDIDATURE FOR BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Who is the best candidate for BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY?

If you think this surgery will help you to feel better about your appearance and restore your confidence in your sexuality.
If you think this surgery will make your appearance confident
If you think this surgery will give you feeling of “wholeness”
If your breasts are asymmetrical and surgery will improve symmetry
To allow you to wear certain clothes which you like
If you think this surgery will give you feeling of femininity
If you have gone through a surgical operation to remove a breast (mastectomy) and cancer experience.

Eligibility to undergo a BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY:

Any of the above mentioned reasons makes you a suitable candidate to undergo BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY, But to be an eligible candidate for surgery you should also fulfill the following criteria:
Every surgical procedure including plastic or cosmetic surgery involves certain risks. You should undergo a BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY only if you have a medical requirement or you feel that the particular surgery will enhance your quality of life.
You shall be a good candidate for the BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY if you are healthy, you have realistic expectations from the outcome of the surgery and you are aware of all the risks associated with the procedure.
You cannot consider undergoing a cosmetic surgery if you have serious health issues like diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders like haemophilia or depression.
You shall not be a good candidate for the BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY if you smoke or drink too much alcohol.
You should have positive attitude!
You expectations from the outcome of the surgery should be realistic.
You should be ready to miss at least a few weeks of normal activity.

Benefits Of Breast Reconstruction

You will not have to live with external breast pads or breasts.
You can start living new life without reminding mastectomy and cancer experience.
It can help you feel better about how you look and restore confidence in your sexuality.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Youthfulness

Ageing is a natural process which everyone goes through. Visible wrinkles, fine lines, blemishes are signs of ageing. Such skin flaws makes you look tired or aged. But with BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY like suitable treatment one feels younger, healthier and rejuvenated.

Natural

Nowadays BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY is gaining immense popularity because it produces results that blend extremely well with a patient's body aesthetics. Soon after the surgery, one gets back to the desired or normal shape of a treated body part. One does not have to wait long to see the result, which is the beauty of cosmetic surgery.

IMPROVED PHYSICAL HEALTH:

Some cosmetic surgery procedures have double advantage; it will improve physical health as well as your looks.
For example, a rhinoplasty or nose job enhances the aesthetics of the nose and at the same time helps improve breathing and can potentially reduce sinus infections.
Breast reconstruction surgery, which is commonly requested by many women has benefits for not only improving aesthetic appearance and but also eliminates any physical and emotional discomfort which come along with it.
Some researchers also believe that removal of breast tissue in men can lower the risk of cancer in that tissue.

INCREASED CONFIDENCE AND ENHANCED MENTAL HEALTH:

Self Confidence is a tool that helps us face challenges and tackle problems in life, with great certainty. When you look good, you feel good which in turn increases your self confidence. It leads to greater willingness to try new things or open up in social situations. You become more willing and open to wearing certain clothes or participating in activities which you avoided prior to surgery, due to discomfort in your appearance.
Certain clinicians and psychologists feel, few corrections in your body parts, by cosmetic surgery can not only lead to emotional wellness but also enhanced mental health.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

Studies do suggest that people that are more attractive benefit in their personal as well as professional lives.
Studies have also found, good looking people have a higher probability of getting promotions and making more salary.
A 2012 study published in Applied Financial Economics revealed that good looking real estate agents were able to sell properties at a higher price than agents that were average looking.

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY PROCEDURE

Breast Reconstruction Procedure

How is a breast reconstruction procedure performed?
There are three ways for breast reconstruction :
1) Breast implants (saline or silicon).
2) Reconstruction of breast using your own skin, muscle and fat.
3) A combination of 1 and 2
4) Tissue expanders
Breast reconstruction methods involves multiple steps. Breast reconstruction procedure
can be either done as outpatient surgery also known as ambulatory/ day care surgery or with hospital stay for early reconstruction (if the surgery is done exclusively in conjunction with initial mastectomy). If implant or expander is performed at the time of mastectomy it will not require extra hospital time.
The surgeon will guide you to select a suitable method along with helping you understand the pros and cons related to it.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Alternatives

Women who don’t want breast reconstruction surgery have three main options:
Using a breast form/ Prosthesis
Choosing the right bra for your breast form
Going Flat

Associated Risks

Complications:

The potential for complications while performing surgery persist, just as for any other operation.
Pain is probably the most significant drawback of plastic surgery, and recovery times can be as long as six months in a few cases.
Some individuals may be at risk of severe reactions to anaesthesia or may develop health problems such as bleeding as a result of their surgery.
You need to discuss with Doctor regarding risks involved in the procedure.

Severe side effects:

Any surgical procedures carries a certain amount of risk, which may include excessive swelling, bruising or bleeding , wound becomes infected, delayed healing of wounds, numbness, breathing difficulties, unfavourable scarring, extrusion of implants or sutures, pain, and the need for revision of the surgery.

Worsened Self Image:

Cosmetic surgery is not necessarily a purely aesthetic choice few choose it out of low self esteem and depression. If this is the true intention behind the surgery, than you will most probably never feel better after surgery because the underlying problems will still be unresolved.
All in all, however, if complications are few and the benefits far outweigh the risks then Cosmetic Surgery is a procedure that can change your life for the better.

Preparing For Breast Reconstruction Surgery

If you are considering BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY, it is important to take the time to determine why you want the surgery in the first place. If you have a medical need, or if you truly feel that this treatment will improve your quality of life, then you are a good candidate if you meet the aforementioned criteria.
Although having a BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY is common for celebrities and those who work in the limelight, certain life circumstances can force you to go under the knife. Here are some medically-necessary reasons that require you to have BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY.
Appropriate Consultation
The most appropriate way to consider your competency for any kind of cosmetic treatment is to schedule an appointment with a proficient doctor.
During the first encounter the doctor will try to understand why you feel the need to have a treatment and also what are your expectations from the outcome of the same
The physician will evaluate your medical history; inquire about your current medication and medical condition. Physician should also be aware of everything you take, including vitamin supplements or herbal products since they might interfere with other medicines used during treatment. The surgeon might ask you to perform blood tests and a few general lab tests to monitor your current health status.
The doctor will perform a physical exam, to have a close look at the skin, associated muscles and bones, their quality and the kind of changes that can be made. doctor might also suggest an additional surgery which will enhance or compliment your look,
and last but not the least; the physician will assess your mental fitness to check whether you are ready to undergo the treatment.

RECOVERY TIME

Recovery is basically the time required to get back to a relatively normal routine.
Patients who wish to undergo BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY must plan for time off to heal and to be comfortable being seen in public.
The healing time can vary from person to person and will also depend on the type of surgery to be performed.
It can take up to two three weeks to return to work and perform everyday activities. After consulting with the doctor, People can utilise this time to go on a vacation or nurture themselves.

THE OUTCOME:

Sometimes the BREAST RECONSTRUCTION SURGERY doesn't produce the results the patient imagines. This gap between imagination and reality may frustrate patient.
Expecting unrealistic results, like the surgery will make you look like a Hollywood or Bollywood star and automatically solve all of your problems, can be a significant drawback to having cosmetic procedures.
To have a better experience, it is extremely important to consult a qualified doctor before planning the surgery and develop a rational idea of what the end result will look like.

After Effects Of Surgery

Pain

There are chances of having mild to moderate pain and discomfort post surgery. The pain can be easily regulated with oral medications.
The distress and pain should reduce within 72 hours after surgery. A reasonable increase in pain post 72 hours should prompt you to contact the doctor.

Swelling

Swelling can differ from patient to patient. It might increase during first three to four days before subsiding.
Things that can be done to reduce swelling include keeping the head elevated as much as possible; avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects.
Prolonged sun exposure should also be avoided for the initial two to three months.

Discoloration

Most bruising and discoloration resolve within the first two to three weeks. Make up can be applied to cover up the discolouration when been seen in public.
Numbness
The body part that undergoes the surgery can be numb for few days. The feeling of numbness is normal and shall reduce over upcoming weeks. Unusual sensations and moderate discomfort can persist while the nerves are regenerating over time.

Bleeding

Sometimes bleeding can occur, post surgery. You can lie down with your head elevated but if the bleeding still persists at this point, it would be advisable to consult your doctor.

Depression

It is perfectly alright for patients to go through a period of mild depression after the cosmetic surgery as after some days or weeks which depends on surgery, patients generally becomes anxious and expects the results when swelling and bruising still persists. But the patient should realize that it is a temporary condition and things are bound to improve over a period of time.

Post Surgery Do's And Don'ts

Ask your doctor. for better and suitable guidelines. Following are the general instructions which should help you get the best results from your surgery.
Post Surgery do’s and don’ts:
No vigorous exercise, contact sports and running for minimum of two weeks.
No lifting heavy objects for at least 3 weeks.
Avoid pullover clothing for two weeks especially if you have undergone a face surgery.
Bypass hard chewing foods for a few days.
Avoid driving a vehicle for a few days after surgery.
No swimming for at least two weeks after surgery.
Prefer using a mild soap and shampoo while taking a shower.
It is essential to maintain the tape and cover on the surgery to keep it dry. Once the doctor advises to remove the tape you can to gently wash your surgery area twice a day to help reduce oiliness.
You should be prompt enough to contact the doctor immediately, for any signs of bleeding that persist for more than ten minutes, infections, redness, swelling, fever, pain etc.

Exercising After Breast Reconstruction

After cosmetic surgery many patients asks about post surgery exercise or when can they resume their gym activity. Patients needs to understand that, its extremely crucial to give enough time for proper healing of your body, for eg strain on muscles, excessive sweating, stretching of the skin etc. can delay the recovery.
You need to consult your doctor about
How soon you can start exercising?
What type of exercise?
How much time?
Don't start exercise without asking your doctor and follow guidelines given by your doctor as for complete healing, body needs time, and you need enough energy level for your routine and gym.

Seek Medical Help

IF YOU NOTICE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

Development of a temperature elevation exceeding 100 degrees.
An unusual amount of bleeding from the surgery area
Significant reinjury of the surgery area
A significant increase in pain even after taking your prescribed medication