Breast Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction, which results from breast removal due to a tumor or a different disease, is one of the most successful surgeries in plastic surgery. Thanks to the development of technology in medical science, surgeons can create natural-looking breasts. It is possible to have a breast directly after surgery.
But this surgery should never be thought of as a simple surgery.
Who is the best candidate for breast reconstruction?
The best candidates are patients who survived cancer thanks to mastectomy. While it is a directly applicable surgery for some patients, some may need to wait. Breast reconstruction can be performed on almost all women who have lost their breasts due to cancer. However, as with any surgical operation, some problems may occur after this surgery. Bleeding, fluid collection or anesthesia problems are the main postoperative problems. The recovery phase may be longer for people who smoke and drink alcohol. In some cases, a second surgery may be required.
The most common problem arises due to the prosthesis investigation of the scar tissue around the prosthesis. Therefore, a feeling of hardening occurs in the breast. Prosthetic replacement is required. The logical decision is to make the appropriateness decision together with the general surgeon and the plastic surgeon, and implement it within the framework of the plan, rather than by the decision of an individual or a single surgeon. In the preoperative evaluation, tissue structure, weight, and anatomical structure are taken into consideration along with age and health status. In terms of appearance, magnificent results can be achieved with this surgery. However, it is not possible to achieve structural results like a natural breast. It is very low. One should be aware of this.
Preparation for surgery
Your oncologist and plastic surgeon will give some warnings before the surgery; eating and drinking status, medication use, mobility, etc.
Note: It is important not to forget to find a relative to take you home after the surgery.
The surgery is usually performed in a hospital environment. is the type. Breast formation is achieved with general anesthesia. This means that the patient will be asleep during the surgery. It can also be performed with local anesthesia; the person must be awake during this procedure.
Prosthesis types
There is silicone in the outer sheath. There is silicone gel or saline in the inner part. Saline is a mixture of salt water. Prostheses filled with gel are FDA approved.
Expansion of the skin
It is possible to place a prosthesis by expanding the skin. After the surgery, a tissue expander port is placed under the skin. Inflation is provided by the surgeon by injecting salt water into the relevant area for weeks. When sufficient swelling is achieved, a permanent prosthesis is placed with the second surgery. The nipple and brown area are done later.
Flap reconstruction
In addition to the prosthesis, breast construction is also possible with tissue taken from the back, abdomen or hip. Both surgical methods are complex and difficult surgeries. The healing process is longer than the prosthesis placement method.
After the surgery
There will be pain after the procedure. However, it is possible to relieve it with the help of medication. Depending on the intervention, you can be discharged within 2 - 5 days. Fluid-removing drains may be placed. The stitches will be removed within 7 to 10 days.
Returning to normal
It may take 6 weeks to gain a normal structure and fully return to daily life. The scars fade in a short time, but it may take 1 to 2 years for them to disappear completely. Sexual intercourse should not be attempted for 3 to 6 weeks.
Result
A harder, rounder and flatter looking breast is obtained compared to the normal breast.
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