Questions about Breast Reconstruction

    SEATTLE, WA, July 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure for women who have had one or both breasts removed. This surgery rebuilds the breast so that it is the same general shape and size as it was previously, and adds a nipple and areola. A majority of women who have had their breasts removed can undergo breast reconstruction surgery.

New and improved technology

Every year in the United States, more than 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. These days, much is known about the disease and its treatments and the emotional and physical results are greatly different than they were in past years. Innovative treatments, combined with new and improved techniques for reconstructive surgery mean that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer have more options.

Planning ahead

Many women who have had their breasts removed in a mastectomy procedure opt for having their breasts reconstructed. If you are considering having reconstructive surgery, you should speak to a plastic surgeon prior to your mastectomy procedure. In doing this, the surgical team is able to plan the treatment that will be best for you, even if you decide to hold off on the breast construction.

Reasons to have a breast reconstruction

Women may opt for breast reconstruction for various reasons. Some common ones include:

• To permanently regain the contour of your breast
• To make your breasts appear balanced and symmetrical when wearing a bra
• To avoid using an external prosthesis, a form that fits into your bra

You will be able to notice the difference between your reconstructed breast and the remaining breast when you are naked. However, when your breasts are cupped in a bra, they will look similar enough in shape and size that you will feel comfortable about how you look in your clothing.

After undergoing reconstructive surgery, your body image and self-esteem should improve after your reconstruction surgery; however, this is not always the case. This procedure will not correct anything you were unhappy with before your surgery. You must also have realistic expectations about what to expect from this breast reconstruction procedure.

Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction

Immediate breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as your mastectomy. One advantage to this option is that with this surgery, your chest tissues are undamaged by radiation therapy or scarring. This generally means that the final outcome will be better. Immediate reconstruction also means one less surgery.

Delayed reconstruction means that the rebuilding your breast will be started later. For some women, this option will be recommended if radiation to the chest area is needed after the mastectomy. Radiation therapy given after breast reconstruction surgery may cause complications.

The decisions about reconstructive surgery will depend on a number of factors. Some of these include your:
- Overall health
- Stage of your breast cancer
- Size of your natural breast
- Desire to match the look of the other breast
- Amount of tissue available
- Insurance coverage for the unaffected breast and related costs
- Desired type of procedure
- Desired size of implant or reconstructed breast

If you have been thinking about breast reconstruction, please visit the Web site for Pratt Plastic Surgery, which serves patients in the Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, and Bellevue, Washington areas.

Source: Pratt Plastic Surgery
Website: http://www.prattplasticsurgery.com

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