Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction Options
Many women who have had a mastectomy choose breast reconstruction surgery to help them regain their feminine figure and their self confidence. Just like patients who undergo traditional breast augmentation surgery, mastectomy patients also have different surgery options. Depending on your breast anatomy and your expectations, your surgeon can guide you toward the post mastectomy reconstruction surgery that’s right for you.
One option for your mastectomy breast reconstruction is an implant procedure, which can be performed using either silicone gel-filled breast implants or saline-filled implants. Some patients can have this procedure performed at the same time as their mastectomy. This is referred to as one-stage immediate breast reconstruction with implants. If your plastic surgeon determines that you are an ideal candidate for this type of mastectomy reconstruction surgery, he or she can place your implants right after your general surgeon removes your breast tissue.
If the tissues in your skin and your chest wall are flat and tight, your surgeon will mostly likely suggest a two-stage delayed reconstruction. After your mastectomy, a tissue expander will be inserted under your skin and chest muscle. The expander is similar to a balloon, and your breast surgeon will slowly fill the expander with a salt-water solution over a period of four to six months. Once the skin around your breast has stretched enough, the expander can be removed and an implant can be inserted.
Another option for your breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a tissue flap procedure. This involves taking tissue from your buttocks, thighs, back, or lower abdominal area and using it to reconstruct your breasts. The most commonly performed tissue flap procedures use tissue from either the abdomen or the back area, known as TRAM flap and latissimus dorsi flap procedures, respectively. A TRAM flap procedure involves using the skin, fat, and blood vessels from the abdominal area, as well as at least one abdominal muscle, to reform the breast. During a latissimus dorsi flap procedure, skin, muscle, fat, and blood vessels from the upper back are used to create a pocket for an implant, which gives the new breast more volume.
If you live in Tampa, Palm Harbor, Spring Hill, or anywhere else in Florida and are considering post mastectomy breast reconstruction or breast implant surgery, you can visit Dr. John Roach at the Bayside Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.