Breast cancer can be considered one of the most important challenges many women face in their lives. Beating cancer requires overcoming many physical and emotional challenges, even after treatment. However, having information about breast reconstruction, which is now an effective option to support the healing process after breast cancer, can make this difficult period more manageable.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to reconstruct a breast lost or surgically removed after breast cancer treatment (mastectomy) in an aesthetic and functional way. This procedure helps women regain their self-confidence and has a positive impact on their body image. Breast reconstruction can be performed using different methods, depending on the patient’s medical history, personal preferences, and surgical options.
What is the Purpose of Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction aims to treat breast loss that occurs after breast cancer and surgical treatment. It is common to lose breast tissue as a result of procedures such as mastectomy (removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (partial breast removal). Breast reconstruction aims to replace lost breast tissue, recreate the breast shape, and restore patients’ body image.
What are Breast Repair Methods?
There are several different methods for breast reconstruction. These methods may vary depending on the patient’s needs, the degree of breast cancer, whether radiotherapy will be received, the patient’s body structure and the preferences of the surgical team. Here are the most commonly used breast reconstruction methods:
1. Breast Reconstruction with Implant (Prosthesis)
In this method, a new breast is created using breast implants. Implants are inserted into the breast area during surgery and replace breast tissue. Saline (salty water) or silicone implants can be used. This method may offer faster recovery times. Inflatable implants called tissue expanders are especially preferred in patients who will receive or are likely to receive radiotherapy. In the second session of this gradual treatment, the inflatable tissue expander balloon is removed and a permanent implant is placed in its place. In these breast reconstructions performed with staged implants, the hardened skin tissue due to radiotherapy is expanded with a balloon so that the implant can be placed comfortably in the second session. Cosmetic results may be better in these two-stage treatments with implants.
2. Breast Reconstruction with Patient’s Own Tissue (Tissue Transfer)
In this method, a new breast is created using tissue or muscles taken from the patient’s own body. Tissue transfer methods commonly used for this treatment, also called autologous breast reconstruction, are as follows:
TRAM Flap: In this method, called Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap, tissue taken from the abdominal area is used.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap: The breast is reconstructed with tissue taken from the back muscles.
DIEP Flap: Breast reconstruction is performed with skin and fat tissue taken from the abdominal area.
3. Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders
In this method, tissue expanders are used to slowly expand the breast area. The expander is placed in the breast area and the tissue is expanded over time. The expander is then removed and a breast implant is inserted.
4. Combined Breast Reconstruction
In this approach, a combined reconstruction method is applied using implants and the patient’s own tissue. This method may be an option for patients who require more tissue and volume.
In Which Situations Can Breast Reconstruction Be Performed?
- Breast Loss After Breast Cancer Treatment: Patients who have lost one or both breasts may consider breast reconstruction surgery. This may be necessary after procedures such as mastectomy or lumpectomy.
- Breast Asymmetry: Patients who have experienced the loss of only one breast may consider breast reconstruction surgery to restore breast symmetry or improve body image.
- Those with High-Risk Breast Cancer: Those with high-risk breast cancer may also consider breast reconstruction surgery if they are undergoing mastectomy to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Prophylactic Mastectomy is the removal of breast tissue in people with a high probability of breast cancer before breast cancer occurs. For example, it is applied to those who are BRCA gene positive and those who have breast disease that will turn into breast cancer. During the breast tissue removal phase, breast tissue is removed by the plastic surgeon in the same session. This breast reconstruction performed with implants is called “Breast Repair after Prophylactic Mastectomy”. It has become a more well-known practice in the world after the famous Hollywood star Angelina Jolie had this surgery.
How is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?
The breast reconstruction procedure is tailored to the individual needs and condition of the patient. Therefore, the first step of the surgery is a detailed evaluation of the patient. The surgeon decides which reconstruction method is most appropriate by examining the patient’s general health condition, breast cancer treatment history and breast structure. This evaluation ensures that the patient gets the best results of the surgery.
After the Plastic Surgeon evaluates the patient, it is important to determine the appropriate method for breast reconstruction and the planning of the surgery. When choosing the method to be used for repair, the patient’s preferences and physical condition are taken into account. If implants will be used, the type and size of the implants are planned. If own tissue transfer is required, it is decided where this tissue will be taken and how it will be transferred.
Breast reconstruction surgery has varying details depending on the patient’s condition and the method chosen. If implants are to be used, the implants are placed in the breast area during surgery. If self-tissue transfer is to be performed, this tissue is removed as part of the surgery and transferred to the breast area. The duration of the surgery may vary depending on the method chosen.
Can Symmetry with the Other Breast Be Achieved After Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
The breast obtained after breast reconstruction may not be exactly the same as the size, shape and position of the other breast. Therefore, it is important that patients do not expect absolute symmetry between both breasts. If there is a significant difference between the breasts after breast reconstruction, surgeons may then try to reduce this difference with additional surgical interventions.
Ensuring Symmetry Between Two Breasts with Additional Surgical Interventions
When there is a significant difference between the two breasts after breast reconstruction, surgeons often recommend additional surgical interventions. These interventions may include:
- Breast Augmentation (Implant or Fat Transfer): Ensuring symmetry by making the intouched breast closer to the size of the repaired breast.
- Breast Reduction: Reducing the size of the breast after repair to adapt to the other breast.
- Scar Correction: Achieving better symmetry by correcting repair scars or other scars.
The Importance of Psychological Support in Breast Reconstruction
Breast cancer and breast loss can have a huge emotional impact on patients. Breast reconstruction can support emotional healing as well as physical recovery. But psychological support is also important. Patients can participate in support groups and benefit from resources such as psychotherapy. Breast reconstruction can help patients regain their self-confidence.
You can contact us to learn more about breast reconstruction.
