Candidates for Post Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction

If you are considering breast reconstruction, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine your eligibility, as well as the technique that is best suited to you. The following guidelines can give you a basic overview of the qualities necessary for a successful post mastectomy breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction: General Candidacy Guidelines

Women who are considering post mastectomy breast reconstruction should be in good general health and be emotionally ready to undergo additional surgery. Typically, your doctor will want to be certain that your cancer has been entirely eliminated by the mastectomy and/or radiation therapy before proceeding with reconstruction.

It is also important that you thoroughly weigh your options in advance. You must be certain that you are willing to commit the time necessary to carrying out reconstructive surgery. Especially with breast reconstruction using a tissue expander, the procedure may require several weeks of repeated visits to the doctor’s office. Post mastectomy breast reconstruction does not have to be done immediately, and if you are unsure about surgery, you should give yourself time to think it over.

Candidates for Flap Reconstruction

Candidates for post mastectomy breast reconstruction using the TRAM, latissimus dorsi, gluteal, or DIEP flap techniques must be free of any health complications that might affect their surgery. Women who smoke or have diabetes are not usually advised to undergo flap reconstruction. Both diabetes and regular smoking constrict the blood vessels and can lead to complications and slow healing after surgery. Women who have had previous abdominoplasty procedures should not consider the TRAM technique, nor should women who are obese.

Flap reconstruction is often preferred for patients undergoing unilateral breast reconstruction (the reconstruction of one breast). Because the flap technique uses the body’s own tissue, it is easier to match the size, shape, and feel of the opposite breast.

Candidates for Implant Reconstruction

Because post mastectomy breast reconstruction with breast implants is a less complex surgery, it is recommended for older patients or very thin women who may not have enough tissue at the donor site to consider flap reconstruction.

Implant-based reconstruction is often preferred for bilateral patients (those having both breasts reconstructed) because it is much easier to achieve symmetrical results.

Find a Plastic Surgeon near You

The best way to find out which post mastectomy breast reconstruction technique is right for you is to speak with a qualified surgeon. Use DocShop’s directory to find an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon in your area.