Breast cancer can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a woman. A mastectomy is often the only option for removing the cancerous tissue and preventing further spread.

While this surgery can save lives, it can leave women feeling disfigured and self-conscious about their appearance. But there is hope – rebuilding breasts after mastectomy can help women regain a sense of confidence and normalcy.

What is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which one or both breasts are removed to treat breast cancer. There are several types of mastectomy, including:.

Simple or Total Mastectomy – breast tissue including nipple and areola are removed
Modified Radical Mastectomy – breast tissue including lymph nodes and part of muscle underlying the breast are removed
Radical Mastectomy – breast tissue, chest wall muscles, and lymph nodes under the arm are removed

The Emotional Toll of Mastectomy

While surgery is essential for preventing the spread of cancer, it can also take a considerable emotional toll on a woman.

Feelings of loss, despair and worry about the future can kick in
Esthetic concerns are also a consideration as a woman after mastectomy may look quite different than she did before.

This might lead to depression, anxiety, and even withdrawal from social situations. Women may even feel less feminine, considering their body changes caused by the surgery.

Rebuilding Breasts After Mastectomy

Rebuilding the breasts after a mastectomy can help restore some of the physical and emotional aspects of femininity.

Advances in medicine have made it possible for women to choose the reconstruction method that’s right for them – for example, using their own tissues, implants, or a combination of both.

Doctors would often be able to provide a lot of support to women trying to overcome the psychological and emotional impact of a mastectomy.

They can discuss with their patients the various options, advantages and disadvantages, risks associated with breast reconstruction. This way, patients would be able to make an informed decision about what works best for them.

What are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction has many benefits:.

Restores self-confidence and self-esteem
Improves body symmetry and contours
Helps women to overcome depression and anxiety
Eliminates the need for breast prostheses
Covers unsightly scarring and deformation from the mastectomy surgery

How is Breast Reconstruction Performed?

There are several ways to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy:.

Breast implants (saline or silicone)
Flap reconstruction using living tissue (abdominal, buttocks tissue)
Combination of implants and flap reconstruction

The best technique for breast reconstruction and the type of surgical procedure to use would be largely dependent on the patient’s needs and objectives, their anatomy and overall health status.

The extent of the surgery that precedes breast reconstruction and what needs to be done to optimize the reconstructed breast form would be discussed with the surgeons.

When to Start?: Choosing Reconstruction

It is important to understand the timing of breast reconstruction and to be aware of the pros and cons of each timing option.

Immediate Reconstruction – This reconstruction procedure is carried out during the mastectomy surgery and it can help to minimize scarring and trauma, ultimately making it easier to complete further treatments.
Delayed Reconstruction – This breast reconstruction procedure is carried out several months or even years after the initial surgery. This would be done after the completion of cancer treatments.

Risks of Breast Reconstruction

Although breast reconstruction has many benefits, it is important to be aware of the risks and complications associated with the procedure. Some of the potential risks include:.

Breast Reconstruction Risks that are similar to Mastectomy Risks include bleeding, swelling and infection.
Sometimes the reconstructed breast may appear and feel different from the natural breast, creating asymmetry.
There may be scarring or even numbness in the reconstructed breast and surrounding tissues.

Conclusion

A mastectomy can be one of the hardest things that a woman can go through, and it is essential for preventing the spread of cancer.

However, reconstructive surgery can help women overcome some of the negative physical and emotional impact of this procedure. It is important for women to be informed of the various breast reconstruction options available and to work with their doctors to select the method that’s right for them.