Breast Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

Published on: April 4, 2017

Many women who have had breast cancer undergo a lumpectomy or mastectomy where part or most of the breast tissue is removed. While this can be part of an effective treatment to stop the spread of cancer, it can leave physical and mental scars when the patient no longer has the breasts they once had. Breast reconstruction is an elective surgery that can give these women back their female form and help them regain their self-confidence after a mastectomy.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

In most cases, women who have undergone a mastectomy have two choices for breast reconstruction: implants or tissue flap. Which one is best for the patient’s needs is dependent on the extent of the mastectomy and the size and shape of the breast they desire. Here is a basic description of each type of breast reconstruction:

  • Like cosmetic breast enhancement, some women can choose implants to reconstruct their breasts. This is done using a silicone or saline implant that is placed under the skin and breast tissue. However, they must have enough lax tissue available to hold the implant in place.
  • Tissue flaps. When a woman does not have enough lax tissue available to support an implant, tissue flaps harvested from other areas of the body can be used to build the breast mound. This includes latissimus from the upper back or TRAM flap from the abdomen.

Both types of breast reconstruction can give woman naturally shaped breasts that help them regain their self-confidence in their appearance after surviving breast cancer. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon that specializes in these techniques for breast reconstruction.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter Moyer, MD
1400 Northside Forsyth Dr.  #390
Cumming, GA 30041
(404)  250-3393

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