Many women who have had mastectomies for cancer may not know their breast reconstruction options during or following surgery.
According to Breast Reconstruction Awareness USA, studies about women show:
- 89% want to see their reconstruction surgery results before undergoing cancer treatment.
- 23% know the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
- 22% are familiar with the quality of outcomes they may expect.
- 19% understand that the timing of their treatment for breast cancer and the timing of their decision to undergo reconstruction greatly impacts their options and results.
Where surgery can rebuild your breast, my goal for patients following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other trauma is to create a natural-looking breast shape.
Breast Reconstruction —Types and Timing
So, what are the options, you’re thinking. The type of reconstruction you want and when you want the procedure are important decisions for you to make.
Types
There are three main types of breast reconstruction:
IMPLANTS: Use breast implants—either silicone or saline. The advantages include that there is only one surgical site, and you can choose the size and shape you want. This is the most common technique.
FLAPS: Known as a flap procedure, this reconstruction uses tissue from other parts of your body—such as your tummy, back, thighs, or buttocks—to rebuild the breast shape. Tissue flaps usually look more natural and behave more like natural breast tissue than implants.
COMBO: Surgical procedure involves combining a flap of your own tissue with implants.
Keep in mind that you may need a temporary tissue expander placed in the breast to create the soft pocket or flap. A second surgery involves replacing the expander with the permanent implant.
Timing
You can have your breast reconstruction surgery either immediately (at the same time as the mastectomy), or delayed and have surgery at a later time.
Immediate reconstruction involves my working in conjunction with your breast surgeon so that both procedures occur together. Please note that, for some patients, this may be the first of several procedures, but it is also my preferred method for achieving the best results.
Delayed reconstruction allows you to recover from your mastectomy and complete other cancer treatments. In this case, patients usually wait 6 – 9 months after completing radiation to allow time for the chest skin to heal.
Opioid-Free!
Yes. Whatever you choose for your breast reconstruction, my opioid-free approach to recovery is available for you. This means you’ll have a better surgical experience, easier recovery, won’t take addictive medications, and won’t have to worry about pain that doesn’t exist.
Is Breast Reconstruction Right for You?
Is having reconstruction the right choice for you? Surgery can’t make the scars go away, but I can restore shape, volume, and even have 3D tattoos done so that your breasts have natural looking nipples.
If and when you want to discuss your options, please reach out to my patient coordinators who will gladly help you schedule your confidential consultation. Call 312.757.4505 or send us an email at info@driteld.com.
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Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, our offices are a warm, friendly and comfortable place to share your wants, needs and concerns.