The emotional strain and trauma can be severe for women who have lost one or both of their breasts to cancer or other diseases. It can take a long time to adjust. One of the options for women who have undergone a mastectomy is breast reconstruction. Women can get breast reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy, or they can wait and get the procedure done later. Either way, patients can get beautiful, natural-looking results with breast reconstruction.
We always want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision about breast reconstruction. Our doctors focus on listening to every single one of our patients. They are honest and transparent at every stage of the process, so you’ll never be left wondering what is happening next or what to expect with any procedure. Our offices are comfortable, modern, and welcoming because we want you to feel like you’re walking into a family home. Contact us today to get started.
Options for Breast Reconstruction
Women that have their consultation will have the chance to discuss in great detail what their options are. There are a couple of different procedures for breast reconstruction that we’ll look at here.
Tissue Expanders
One of the most common methods for breast reconstruction is the use of tissue expanders. As their name suggests, the doctor places a balloon-like implant underneath the chest muscle. Gradually, the expander is inflated with a saline solution. This allows the skin and muscles to expand and create a pocket for a breast implant. In some cases, this expander can be left in place and used as the breast implant itself.
Flap Breast Reconstruction
Women may also choose to get breast reconstruction using a flap technique. With these techniques, your doctor uses tissue, fat, and muscle from other parts of the body to recreate a new breast. There are two main techniques: the TRAM flap and the Latissimus Dorsi flap.
- TRAM Flap – With this option, your surgeon uses tissue and fat from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. The tissue is placed in the breast pocket and attached to the blood supply there. For patients that are getting reconstruction performed on just one breast, this option can sometimes provide better symmetry.
- Latissimus Dorsi Flap – This method has been the gold standard for breast reconstruction for decades. The technique uses muscle and skin from the back to form a breast pocket for an implant or to create the breast shape on its own.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Women that have had a mastectomy are almost always candidates for breast reconstruction. In fact, many women elect to get breast reconstruction performed at the same time as their mastectomy. This is usually only advised if the cancer is removed with the mastectomy. However, breast reconstruction will not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.
Now, we also want to mention the fact that many women decide to wait to get breast reconstruction. Our doctors spend a lot of time with all of our breast reconstruction patients talking about the timing of their procedure. Some women prefer to wait so that they can process the emotional turmoil of a cancer diagnosis. There may be other factors, too: smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes can all impact the doctor’s decision to recommend breast reconstruction.
Women that are ready to start moving forward with breast reconstruction should call today at(817) 529-9199. The next step after you call is to come in for a consultation. This meeting will allow you to learn more about our practice, ask any questions you might have, and talk with us about your goals for the procedure. Call us today to get started.