by J. Lang Wood

Created on: July 28, 2009   Last Updated: August 12, 2009

Breast reconstruction is a procedure in which lost breast tissue is rebuilt to create a more natural appearance after mastectomy. Many women choose breast reconstruction for psychological reasons: To feel normal again, to resume their social activities without self-consciousness, to wear clothes they like and feel comfortable in. Research shows that breast reconstruction has a number of psychosocial benefits to women who have had a mastectomy. It is a very serious and personal decision for every woman who has battled cancer.

How is breast reconstruction different than breast augmentation?

Though both breast reconstruction and breast augmentation use implants, breast reconstruction involves reconstructing tissue that may have been lost during surgery. This may create a need for additional skin for reconstruction from other areas of the body or for expanding the remaining skin to accommodate an implant. Previous radiation to the breast may cause additional risks with breast reconstruction surgery.

How breast reconstruction is done

The procedure involves using prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast, including the areola and nipple. Implants are used to replace lost breast tissue, and any additional flaps of skin that are needed are taken from other parts of the body (back, abdomen, thigh, or buttocks) and relocated to the breast area. The breast reconstruction procedure is done over a number of weeks and months, though the primary part of breast reconstruction can be done immediately after the mastectomy. There are two major types of breast reconstruction surgery, the tissue expansion with breast implant method, and the flap reconstruction method, which may also involve an implant. Reconstruction of the areola and nipple are done in a separation operation.

Tissue expansion/breast Implant

In the tissue expansion procedure, a saline solution is injected under the skin to expand tissues to a sufficient size to accept an implant. This stretching is done gradually over a period of time. The implant is inserted into the expanded area and is allowed to heal. An areola and nipple is reconstructed in a separate procedure after the skin has been expanded sufficiently.

Flap reconstruction

Flap reconstruction is a more complicated procedure in which tissue from another part of the body, such as the back or abdomen, is relocated to the breast reconstruction area. The latissimus dorsi muscle in the back is often used for this purpose. It is relocated

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>