What does breast reconstruction mean?
Mostly, women undergo breast reconstruction surgery. It is where rebuilding the shape and looks of the breasts are done. Breast cancer is one of the reasons why women undergo such procedure.
Additionally, women include these reasons to undergo this surgery: (1) To have a balanced chest for a perfect fit while wearing a bra or swimsuit, (2) To have a better fit of clothes, (3) For permanent regain of the breast shape, (4) No need to wear an external prosthesis, and lastly, to regain and boost self-confidence.
Although this may be true that this surgery leaves scars, they usually fade over time. Also, in this generation, several types of research show the discovery of options to lighten or remove scars.
How is breast reconstruction surgery done?
People, especially women, undergo breast reconstruction surgery because they have undergone a mastectomy. Surgeons do a mastectomy to a patient because of a diagnosis of breast cancer, or the patient has a high risk of acquiring it in the future. Mastectomy is the process of removing the whole breast and considered as major surgery.
However, you have to communicate with your surgeons and plastic surgeons before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery. They have to conduct examinations for your condition. They have to come up with the best treatment plan for you. The doctors have to ensure that it is the right treatment also.
There are two main types of breast reconstruction surgery that can be applied to you. The first one is the implant reconstruction wherein it is a process of inserting an implant filled with saline (saltwater) or filled with a silicone gel. The plastic surgeons will create those artificial implants. Another one is the flap reconstruction. In this process, the Bondi Junction plastic surgeons in Refine Clinic are using the tissue from another part of the body (such as the belly, thigh or back) and transplant it to the breast.
They can also apply a combination of the two options. Meanwhile, in some cases, they apply nipple-sparing mastectomy. They will use a process to preserve your own nipple, including its surrounding breast skin. The doctors will apply anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable as they proceed with the surgery.
Just like any other procedure, major or minor, you can observe advantages and disadvantages. It can be rewarding in the end, but let us see as we go along. Was it really fulfilling?
To what are you leading yourself into?
Getting into breast reconstruction surgery has its pros and cons. You will gain these advantages, initially, which include the following:
- You will gain a more normal appearance.
- It will help you restore your self-esteem and improved self-confidence.
- The clothes you wear will have a better fit for you.
- You will graduate from using prosthetic appliances.
Overall, these advantages show how breast reconstruction empowers women after they undergo breast removal due to cancer diagnosis. Regardless of this procedure being advantageous, we cannot set aside the fact that it also has disadvantages.
- Experience extended recovery time.
- You may not achieve your expectations in the end.
- Deterioration of implants and replacement is necessary.
- You may need to undergo several surgeries before breast reconstruction is completed.
- The health insurance may not cover all the surgery’s expenses.
You always have to balance the pros and cons. It would be best to have this discussed with doctors, your family, and most especially, your partner. It is surely one great battle for you.