Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Breast cancer is one of the most devastating diagnoses a woman can receive. It can have a significant impact on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
But there is hope. After breast cancer surgery, there are many options for restoring a woman's breasts. Dr. Cho understands that every woman's cancer biology, anatomy, and desires and priorities are different. She will listen to your story and guide you every step of the way, helping you choose the best breast cancer restoration treatment for you.
Types of Breast Reconstruction
There are two main types of breast reconstruction:
- Implant based reconstruction: This involves the use of an implant to replace the breast tissue that was removed. Implants are made of silicone gel or saline, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some patients are candidates for direct to implant (DTI) reconstruction, while others would benefit from tissue expander (TE) reconstruction. Tissue expanders are temporary implants that are filled with liquid or air over a period of time to make space for a permanent breast implant.
- Autologous reconstruction: This involves the use of tissue from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or back, to rebuild the breast. This is sometimes also referred to as tissue flap reconstruction. Free flaps are those that are transferred from a distant part of the body to the chest wall to recreate the breast. Pedicled flaps are those that are rotated to the chest wall to recreate the breast from a nearby part of the body.
Dr. Cho will work with your multidisciplinary team to determine the ideal timing for performing your breast reconstruction. This can sometimes be done at the same time as your breast surgery (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). There are also some cases where a combination of autologous and implant reconstruction is used.
Benefits
- Restoration of a patient’s body image and self-esteem
- Improving symmetry
- Restore form and function
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Cho will:
- Review your health history, including medical conditions, surgical history, current medications, allergies, and smoking history. She will evaluate your overall health to determine what risk factors you may have.
- Discuss your goals and expectations. She will assess your desired size (smaller, same, or larger).
- Discuss reconstructive options. She will review immediate versus delayed options and implant versus autologous options. She will review one stage (direct to implant) or whether you need staged reconstruction with a temporary tissue expander. She will also discuss whether preserving your native nipple and areolar complex is an option.
- Discuss risks and potential complications of surgery.
- Take measurements of your breast to order a range of implants that would fit your chest the best.
- Obtain photographs.
Pre-Op Preparation
You may require medical evaluation and/or labs based on your medical history and overall health before proceeding with surgery. You should refrain from smoking prior to surgery. You should stop any medications that can increase your bleeding risk. These instructions will be discussed with you in detail.
Post-Op Care
You will be provided with detailed post-operative instructions after your surgery. You will have bandages over your incisions that will stay in place until you are seen at your first post-operative clinic visit. You may have temporary drains to evacuate any fluid that accumulates. You will be taught how to care for these and record the output.
FAQs
- Am I an ideal candidate for breast reconstruction? Dr. Cho will assess your health comprehensively to determine if you have other health conditions or medical problems which may impair healing or cause increased risk for complications. Your goals and expectations will be discussed in detail to determine the best reconstructive option.
- What are some of the risks? Some of the risks include but are not limited to: bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, scarring, impaired sensation, cosmetic deformity, capsular contracture, implant rupture, partial or complete loss of tissue flap, need for additional surgery.
Surgery is a big decision.
We are here to answer any questions you have and help you determine the right choice for you. If you are considering surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cho today. She would be honored to discuss your goals and help you achieve the look you desire.