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reast reconstruction,
usually after mastectomy, is one of the more satisfying procedures in
plastic surgery, that has been evolving rapidly over the last twenty years.
The aim of the operation is to make a woman feel whole again with a new
breast shape that will be balanced with the remaining breast shape and
size.
The two primary reconstructive aims are to create an adequate volume size
and appropriate skin coverage to match the remaining breast. The two general
techniques are either stretching of the chest wall skin with a balloon-type
apparatus called a tissue expander with the ultimate positioning of a
permanent prosthesis. Most women who have undergone mastectomies are candidates
for reconstruction and this can be done either at the time of the mastectomy
or anytime months to years later, as a patient chooses. And lastly, breast
reconstruction does not increase the likelihood of recurrence of a breast
cancer nor create a delay in diagnosis of a recurrence later on in life
if that should occur.
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tissue expander is inserted following the mastectomy to prepare for
reconstruction. The expander is gradually filled with saline through
an integrated or separate tube to stretch the skin enough to accept
an implant beneath the chest muscle. After surgery, the breast mound
is restored. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time. The nipple
and areola are reconstructed at a later date. |
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The
other method entails moving tissue from the abdominal or back
regions into the chest area with a flap that maintains it's
own blood supply and gives shaping and volume. The operation
from the back usually requires a prosthesis for adequate volume
but both sides can bring in enough skin for the new breast
shape. These muscle flap procedures are more involved techniques
but the one from the abdomen can improve the abdominal contour,
not unlike an abdominoplasty.
The
transported tissue forms a flap for a breast implant, or it
may provide enough bulk to form the breast mound without an
implant.
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Tissue
may be taken from the abdomen and tunneled to the breast or surgically
transplanted to form a new breast mound |
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After
surgery, the breast mound, nipple, and areola are restored.
Scars
at the breast, nipple, and abdomen will fade substantially
with time, but will never disappear entirely.
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Again,
reconstruction helps a woman feel whole again
and helps her to move on in her life.
Dr.
Foley has extensive experience in performing this type of procedure.
Contact our office for an appointment.
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