Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy

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Many patients diagnosed with breast cancer undergo a breast removal procedure called a mastectomy. Women who have undergone mastectomy can choose to receive breast reconstruction combined with cosmetic surgery to restore the appearance of the missing breast. Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy can help to renew a woman’s sense of femininity and beauty by recreating both the size and shape of the natural breast.

Am I a Breast Reconstruction Candidate?

The best candidates for breast cancer reconstruction surgery are those patients whose breast cancer can be eliminated through mastectomy. Many women have the option of undergoing breast reconstruction immediately after the mastectomy. However, if a more complicated reconstruction procedure is needed after breast removal, the patient will be advised to wait. In addition, women who are obese, have high blood pressure, or smoke may be advised to wait before having breast reconstruction surgery. Learn more about breast reconstruction candidacy.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction Cost and Financing

Under the Women's Health Rights and Cancer Act of 1998, insurance companies, group health plans, and health maintenance organizations that offer mastectomy coverage must also provide comprehensive coverage for reconstruction of the breast that was treated. Patients facing a mastectomy should examine their policy carefully or speak with their insurance agent to determine if their insurance will cover the cost of breast reconstruction. Patients who do not have insurance coverage or are not covered for breast cancer reconstruction have the option of breast reconstruction financing. CareCredit® and Capital One® Healthcare Finance™ offer many convenient financing plans that can be tailored to suit nearly any budget.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast cancer reconstruction involves major surgery and often requires more than one procedure. Patients who understand the stages of their surgery typically have less stress and are better prepared for the emotional impact of breast reconstruction. Before breast cancer reconstruction surgery, a patient should discuss the various breast construction methods with her surgeon and do personal research to help ensure that she undergoes the procedure that is best for her. During breast reconstruction surgery, the patient will be under general (sleep) sedation, and the surgeon will place a breast implant and/or perform flap surgery, depending on the procedure selected. After breast reconstruction surgery, the patient can expect to be up and around within a few weeks, but complete healing may take one to two years.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction – Surgical Alternatives

Breast reconstruction procedures performed after mastectomy typically involve two options: breast implants or flap reconstructions. Breast reconstruction surgery with implants, the most common technique, involves placing silicone or saline breast implants beneath the chest muscle. Another breast reconstruction procedure after a mastectomy is flap reconstruction. Flap techniques (TRAM flap breast reconstruction, DIEP flap breast reconstruction, latissimus dorsi flap breast reconstruction, and gluteal flap breast reconstruction) use some combination of muscle, fat, or skin from another part of the body to reconstruct the breast. Flap methods of breast cancer reconstruction have a longer recovery time, but tend to produce breasts that feel and age more naturally than breasts reconstructed with implants.

Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Recovery after breast reconstruction surgery typically involves both physical and emotional healing. After breast reconstruction surgery, the patient's reconstructed breast is typically covered with dressings that must be changed regularly or with adhesive strips that remain in place until the wound has healed. After six to eight weeks, full arm movement without discomfort should be possible. Any woman undergoing breast cancer reconstruction surgery can also expect to go through a period of emotional adjustment as she becomes accustomed to the changes to her body. Learn more about breast reconstruction recovery.

Breast Cancer Reconstruction Risks, Complications, and Benefits

Surgical procedures for breast cancer reconstruction are intricate and require the skills of a knowledgeable and highly trained cosmetic surgeon. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks and a possibility of complications with breast cancer reconstruction surgery. However, most women who have a post-mastectomy reconstructive procedure are pleased with the results and feel that the benefits of breast cancer reconstruction outweigh their concerns about potential risks and complications.

Breast Reconstruction Results

The keys to achieving satisfaction with breast reconstruction results are knowledge and reasonable expectations. If you fully understand what your surgical procedure entails and the results you should expect, you are much more likely to be pleased with the final outcome. Women whose expectations are beyond what is possible in a breast cancer reconstruction procedure have a greater chance of being unhappy with their results.

Breast Reconstruction FAQs

DocShop provides an informative breast reconstruction surgery FAQs page that addresses the most common questions patients have about the many aspects of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Our FAQs page provides a good starting point for those seeking a concise overview of breast cancer reconstruction.

Selecting a Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgeon

Selecting a breast cancer reconstruction surgeon is a personal decision as important as the decision to have breast reconstruction surgery. The choice you make will have a great impact on your overall satisfaction with the results of your procedure. Choosing a surgeon who has extensive training and experience in breast reconstruction surgery is crucial. However, you should also look for a surgeon who listens to your concerns and fully discusses with you the benefits, risks, and possible complications of your procedure. Learn more about choosing a breast reconstruction surgeon.

Contact a Plastic Surgeon near You for More Information

Women who have had a mastectomy can restore the contour of their figure with breast cancer reconstruction. Some procedures are similar to breast augmentation techniques, using saline breast implants or silicone breast implants to restore a breast. Other breast reconstruction procedures involve transplanting tissue from another area of the body to create a breast mound. If you have undergone or are going to have a mastectomy, use DocShop's extensive listings to locate a cosmetic surgeon who is highly qualified in breast cancer reconstruction surgery. Your surgeon can explain your options and help you choose the procedure that is best suited to you.