Breast Reconstruction
What is Breast Reconstruction
The breast reconstruction is the reconstruction of the breast tissue lost after the breast cancer treatment.
Breast Cancer
The breast cancer is the most common type of the cancer in women in the world and in our country. One in eight women is faced with the breast cancer. The complete treatment can be achieved, especially when diagnosed early. The main treatment approach is the removal of the cancerous breast tissue surgically. This surgery is called mastectomy. The breast tissue lost after the mastectomy can be reconstructed as a result of the modern plastic and reconstructive surgery approaches.
Breast Reconstruction
The breast reconstruction is called as the “breast reconstruction” after the removal of the cancerous breast tissue. This procedure can be done with the patient’s own tissues or by using the modern prostheses (implants). The reconstruction surgery can be done in the same session as the surgery to remove the cancerous breast tissue (mastectomy) or it can be done at a later time.
Breast Reconstruction Methods
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
The breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissues is called as the “Breast Reconstruction with the Autologous Tissue”. Usually “Abdominal” or “Back” tissue (wing muscle and skin) is used for this. The operation in which the abdominal tissue is used is medically called TRAM Flap (Transversus Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous Flap). Another alternative method is the use of the Latissimus Dorsi muscle, known as the Wing muscle, and / or the skin island on it. It is also known medically as the LD Flap (Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Skin Flap).
Breast Reconstruction with the Implant
The breast reconstruction, in which the modern prostheses (Silicone Breast Prostheses) are used to reconstruct the breast tissue, is called Breast Reconstruction with the Implants. Today, depending on the developing technology, the modern and safe breast prostheses (implants) are used for the reconstruction. It is basically made of silicone. The outer parts, called the shell, are produced in a rough structure to assort with the surrounding tissue and reduce the development of the capsule contraction. The inner silicone has a consistency similar to and compatible with the density of the normal breast tissue. The breast prostheses are divided into 2 types: Drop (anatomical) and Round. The “Drop” (anatomical) shaped prostheses are frequently used in the breast reconstructions.
Timing of the Breast Reconstruction
The reconstruction surgery can be performed simultaneously with the removal of the cancerous breast tissue (mastectomy) (Immediate Breast Reconstruction) or at a later stage (Late Reconstruction). The patient and physician decide together on the timing of the reconstruction, by taking into account the general condition of the patient and the stage of breast cancer.
