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Breast Surgery > Breast Reconstruction |
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Reconstruction of the breast following
removal (mastectomy) can frequently
result in enhanced physical appearance
for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Surgical restoration of a breast can
improve a woman's sense of femininity
and her self-image following mastectomy.
The breast which has been removed is
replaced by either a permanent implant
or a woman's own skin, fat, and muscle
--- most typically from the abdomen
(TRAM flap). More than one operation is
usually required to complete a breast
reconstruction, the first one performed
either on the day of the mastectomy or
at an appropriate later date. Frequently
the nipple can also be reconstructed.
The healthy opposite breast often
requires surgery in order to more
completely achieve an even balanced
physical appearance and symmetry.
Because the post-mastectomy breast
reconstruction options available to
women are frequently complex and
difficult to decipher, discussion with
your plastic surgeon is encouraged. Such
consultation can result in a better
understanding of these operations and
their beneficial influence and impact on
breast cancer patients' lives.
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Are You a Good
Candidate?
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- If you are going to have either
one or both breasts removed
(mastectomy) for cancer treatment.
- If you have already had one or
both breasts removed for cancer
treatment.
- If your general medical health
is good.
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Intended Results
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- Re-creation of a breast in order
to improve physical appearance while
dressed.
- Improved self-image and sense of
femininity.
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Procedure Description
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- Placement of temporary skin
expander followed by permanent
implant.
- Transfer of skin/fat/muscle from
another site on the body (i.e.,
abdomen) to the chest with shaping
of breast.
- Creation of nipple and areola.
- Reduction/enlargement of
opposite healthy breast to enhance
appearance and symmetry.
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Recuperation and
Healing
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- Varies depending on operation
--- several days to several months.
- May need to temporarily restrict
physical activities during the
healing period.
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Other Options
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- No breast reconstruction.
- Combined implant and
skin/fat/muscle reconstruction.
- Reduction of opposite healthy
breast.
- Enlargement of healthy opposite
breast.
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Insurance Guidelines
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- Most insurance companies provide
breast reconstruction benefits when
cancer has been diagnosed.
- In Washington state it is law
that insurance must provide coverage
for breast reconstruction following
mastectomy.
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Note
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- The specific risk and
suitability of the procedure for a
given woman can be determined only
at the time of consultation. All
surgical procedures have some degree
of risk. Minor complications that do
not affect the outcome occur
occasionally. Major complications
are unusual. Such possible
complications are best reviewed with
your plastic surgeon prior to
surgery.
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Photographs
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- No photographs are currently
available for this procedure.
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