Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of a breast, usually in women. It involves using autologous tissue or prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast. Often this includes the reformation of a natural-looking areola and nipple. This procedure involves the use of implants or relocated flaps of the patient’s own tissue.
Breast reconstruction is surgery to rebuild a breast’s shape after a mastectomy. It cannot give a woman back her breast – a reconstructed breast does not have natural sensations. However, the surgery offers a result that looks like a breast. Most women who had breast reconstruction are glad they did.
In breast reconstruction, a surgeon forms a breast mound by using an implant or tissues from the belly, back or buttocks. Implants are silicone sacs filled with salt water or silicone gel. The type of reconstruction you get depends on your body type, age and cancer treatment.
Breast reconstruction takes more than one surgery. Extra steps may include : -
- Adding a nipple
- Changing the shape or size of the reconstructed breast
- Operating on the opposite breast for a better match
Why Have Breast Reconstruction ?
What Are the Different Breast Reconstruction Options ?
One procedure to consider after breast reconstruction is nipple reconstruction. Usually, the nipple and areola (dark area around the nipple is removed during mastectomy operation because it is breast tissue and is at risk for cancer recurrence.
Some women who have breast reconstruction also choose to have the nipple and areola reconstructed. Nipple/areola reconstruction is usually done at a later date after reconstruction of the breast is complete. This allows new breast tissue to heal and settle into place so minor adjustments in size and position can be carried out when the nipple and areola are reconstructed.
Women choose breast reconstruction for many reasons : -
- To make their breasts look balanced when they are wearing a bra
- To permanently regain their breast shape
- So they don’t have to use a form that fits inside the bra (an external prosthesis)