Common Questions About Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction takes place after the removal of a breast due to cancer or other disease. Cosmetic Surgeons at The Centre, P.C. can create a breast that will come close to the form and shape of natural breasts. In most cases, this surgery can occur after a removal of the breast or at the same time the breast is removed. Reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of disease in the breast, nor does it in any way interfere with the process of radiation or chemotherapy treatment should cancer recur.

If you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, your oncologist or general surgeon will call our plastic surgeons upon your request to set up an initial consultation. You will be able to see our surgeon within 48 hours. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will review your medical history and provide you with information regarding all possible avenues of breast reconstruction. Videos by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery will be available for you to view.

Because different types of breast reconstruction are available, our surgeon will help you decide on the best procedure. One type of breast reconstruction uses a tissue expander, which is placed under the muscle and gradually filled over a few weeks or months. After the area has been stretched enough, the expander is removed and a permanent implant is inserted.

There are several types of implants. One type that is currently available only to breast reconstruction patients is the silicone breast implant. To learn more about silicone breast implants and their use following breast reconstruction, visit www.breastimplantsafety.org.

A flap reconstruction is an alternative approach to implant reconstruction. This surgery includes the creation of a skin flap removed from another area of your body, such as the abdomen, buttocks or back. When the flap is taken from the abdomen, it is called a TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) procedure. The flap consists of skin, fat, tissue and muscle that are used to form the breast mound, without the need for a breast implant. There are two types of TRAM reconstruction. In a standard TRAM, the tissue remains attached to the abdomen via blood vessels. It is repositioned through a cut in the skin at the site of the removed breast. In a free TRAM, the tissue is completely cut and repositioned at the breast site, with blood vessels reattached to new blood vessels. There are pros and cons to both procedures. That your surgeon can discuss in detail with you.

A flap or TRAM reconstruction is a major procedure and requires several days of hospitalization. Complete recovery usually takes about six weeks, although moving about will begin the day after surgery and you should be reasonably comfortable within 10-14 days. The donor site causes the most discomfort during healing. Nipple/areola reconstruction is performed at a later date and is elective.

Depending on your type of breast reconstruction surgery, you will probably be released from the hospital within two to five days. A surgical drain may be used to remove excess blood and fluid. In most cases, the drain will be removed in a week or two. Most sutures are removed in a week to 10 days. Your surgeon will advise when you are able to return to normal activities.

After your breast reconstruction surgery is complete, your reconstructed breast will feel firmer and look rounder than your natural breast. Reconstructed breasts may not have the same shape before the mastectomy or one breast may not identically match the other breast. These differences will be noticed only by you.

Click here to schedule a consultation with one of our breast reconstruction surgeons. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest reconstructive surgery procedures, including breast reconstruction, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

 

Elkhart Office

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511

Chesterton Office

Duneland Health & Wellness Institute
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534

ASPS ASAPS AAAASF