Reconstruction (repair) operations, in which the breast is reconstructed after removal of the breast due to breast cancer or another disease, is one of the operations we frequently perform in our Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Studies and our own experience show that breast reconstruction surgeries provide psychological support to women.
We can perform breast reconstruction surgeries simultaneously with breast removal (mastectomy) surgery. In this way, our patients have a new breast when they come out of surgery and do not have to experience the psychological distress of a breast-free period. Who is Eligible for Reconstruction (Repair)?
Almost all mastectomy patients can be suitable candidates for breast reconstruction. In these patients, breast reconstruction (repair) can be performed at the same time as mastectomy (breast removal).
However, some patients may be advised by their surgeons to wait for reconstruction surgery (for example, if the breast will be repaired with the patient's own tissue (flap transfer), obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, etc.).
What Are the Risks in Breast Reconstruction?
It can be observed after all surgical operations; The risks of bleeding, edema/fluid collection or anesthesia problems can also be observed after breast reconstruction surgeries.
In smokers, wound healing may be delayed or scarring may occur more frequently. If a prosthesis is to be used, there may be a rare risk of developing an infection. In such cases, it may be necessary to remove the prosthesis and put it back in months later.
The most common problem observed in prosthesis use is capsular contracture. In capsule quantatura; The scar tissue around the prosthesis compresses the prosthesis, which creates the feeling of breast hardness. Capsule contracture can be treated.
Breast reconstruction (repair) has no effect on cancer recurrence (recurrence). In addition, it does not create a situation that prevents radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Breast Reconstruction What Are the Types of Prosthesis in Breastfeeding?
The outer part of all breast prostheses is made of silicone. Inside, there is silicone gel or saline (saline mixture).
How is Breast Reconstruction (Repair) Surgery Performed?
Different techniques can be used in breast reconstruction. The method specific to each patient's condition and physiology is decided by mutual discussion with the patients under the guidance of the surgeon. A tissue expander is placed under the chest wall muscle. In the weeks or months after the surgery, the surgeon injects saline to inflate the tissue expander through the port placed under the skin.
After the skin reaches sufficient width, the tissue expander is removed with a second operation and a permanent prosthesis is placed in its place. The areola (brown ring around the nipple) and the nipple are made later. The method of making the breast by taking tissue from the region (abdomen, back or hip) is called flap reconstruction.
There are different types of flap reconstruction.
Flap reconstruction is a more complicated procedure than the use of prosthesis. After the operation, scars remain in the places where the tissue is taken and the breast is made. In addition, the healing process may be longer than the prosthesis method. On the other hand, the result can be more natural in breast reconstruction made with your own tissue. Sometimes, getting rid of excess skin and fat in areas such as the abdomen and hips where the tissue is taken can be a separate benefit for you.
What can you expect after breast reconstruction surgery? After breast reconstruction surgery, your pain can be controlled with painkillers. and you will be discharged from the hospital in 2 to 5 days. Usually, a drain is inserted to remove the fluid accumulated between the tissues from the body. Drains are removed 1-2 weeks after surgery is present. Stitches are removed in about a week and 10 days.
It may take 4-6 weeks for you to return to your normal life.
Normal sensation is not regained with reconstruction; however, some sense may come over time. Most of the post-operative scars become obscure over time.
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