Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that aims to rebuild the contour of the breast, including the nipple and areola. It is usually performed for patients who have undergone mastectomies or those who have gotten undesirable results such as a botched breast lift after going through cosmetic surgery. Several methods exist for breast reconstruction.
Skin Expansion with Breast Implants
Skin expansion is common method used in breast reconstruction. It is done by inserting a small tissue expander similar to a balloon, under the skin's surface. The process of inserting the tissue expander typically takes about 45 minutes. Periodically, in a span of weeks or even months, the surgeon injects saline (salt-water) solution to stretch and expand the skin.
Once the balloon expander has reached the desired size, it can then be removed and replaced with permanent breast implants. After the skin has finished stretching, reconstruction of the nipple and areola region can then be performed.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are one potential choice for implants in breast reconstruction. If saline implants are selected, the tissue or skin expander is replaced with a saline implant. One benefit of saline implants is that saline can be injected over time to adjust the size of the implant. Some people also believe that saline has a more natural feel to it.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are implants pre-filled with saline gel. If a silicone implant is used, it cannot be inserted until the skin has been stretched large enough for the implant to fit. Silicone implants are pre-filled and the size cannot be changed or adjusted once the implant has been inserted in the breast unless you have another procedure, remove the silicone implant, and put in a different sized implant.
Flap Reconstruction
Another common procedure is the Flap Construction. It uses tissues from other parts of the patient's body such as the thigh, back, abdomen, or buttocks. Usually, the donor tissue from the abdomen for example, is left connected to its source to maintain its blood supply. This is done by tunneling the veins underneath the skin's surface to its new site. Or, it may totally be cut off and will simply connect new blood supply to them. A downside of this kind of procedure is the scar tissue that is left in both the breast and donor area. Tissue rejection is never a concern though since the donor and the recipient are one.
However, since the flap constructions involves the handling of blood vessels, patients who have diabetes, vascular tissue disease, or those who smoke are typically unsuccessful candidates for this procedure.
Flap constructions take longer to perform as compared to breast implant surgery. Flap procedures typically take about 4 to 5 hours. Recovery period is also longer. Patients who undergo a flap construction stay in the hospital for three to seven days as opposed to the possible one-day stay of breast implant patients. However, results of a flap procedure are said to be more natural looking.
Recovery
Breast reconstruction patients will stay in the hospital either for just a day or up to 5 to 7 days following the surgery. Stitches will be removed after 7 to 10 days.
After surgery, patients will experience moderate pain, fatigue, and discomfort for several weeks. Patients should rest and avoid any strenuous physical activities. No heavy lifting, no sports, and no sexual activity for up to 6 weeks for speedier recovery.
Although full recovery can be expected in 6 weeks, surgeons usually perform nipple reconstruction after 8 weeks. This is also the time that surgeons refine the natural breasts for more symmetry. This improves the aesthetics of the breasts.
