There are three different types of breast reconstruction, and which option is best for you depends on your body and your preferences. Before choosing a procedure, you should sit down with your plastic surgeon to go over the three options in depth and discuss which one is best for you.
Remember: the goal of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy due to breast cancer is to complete the healing process by restoring the natural look and feel of your breasts, as well as a sense of emotional and psychological wholeness.
Here is a brief overview of the three types of breast reconstruction:
Implant-based reconstruction.
In implant-based reconstruction, the plastic surgeon restores the breast using an artificial breast implant. Breast implants are silicone bags that often contain saline (salt water) or silicone gel. The bags are specially shaped to look and feel like breasts. Implant-based reconstruction can be performed either during the mastectomy or afterward in a procedure called delayed reconstruction.
A combination of implant and autologous tissue reconstruction.
A combination of implant and autologous tissue reconstruction involves using both tissue from the patient’s back (i.e. the latissimus dorsi muscle) and an implant to reconstruct the breast. This type of surgery requires the patient to have enough fat along the back to recreate the breast. Patients who are exceptionally thin may not be eligible for this option. Combination reconstruction can be performed during the same surgery as the mastectomy, afterward, or in stages — during and after the mastectomy.
Autologous tissue reconstruction
In autologous tissue reconstruction (a.k.a. “flap” reconstruction), the entire breast is reconstructed using the patient’s body fat rather than an artificial implant. The tissue in this procedure can come from the abdomen, buttock or thighs, and consists only of fat and skin, no muscles. As with the combination option, there must be enough excess fat on the patient’s body for this option to work. Additionally, if the patient gains or loses weight after the procedure, the breasts will also grow or shrink accordingly. Flap reconstruction can similarly be undergone during the mastectomy, after the mastectomy, or in stages, during and after the mastectomy.
In autologous tissue reconstruction (a.k.a. “flap” reconstruction), the entire breast is reconstructed using the patient’s body fat rather than an artificial implant. The tissue in this procedure can come from the abdomen, buttock or thighs, and consists only of fat and skin, no muscles. As with the combination option, there must be enough excess fat on the patient’s body for this option to work. Additionally, if the patient gains or loses weight after the procedure, the breasts will also grow or shrink accordingly. Flap reconstruction can similarly be undergone during the mastectomy, after the mastectomy, or in stages, during and after the mastectomy.
The decision to undergo breast reconstruction should not be taken lightly. Ultimately, breast reconstruction is a personal decision. You will need to consider whether additional surgery is the right move for you and whether breast reconstruction is the best step toward feeling like yourself again. For many women it is. For others, it is not. It’s important to remember that both choices are valid if they serve you!
If you or a loved one decides to undergo breast reconstruction, but does not have sufficient funds to cover the procedure, please contact us! Breast reconstruction has a number of expensive costs involved, and we provide women who’ve had mastectomies due to breast cancer funding for reconstruction. It’s easy to apply. All you have to do is fill out this application !
