Breast Reconstruction better option after mastectomy

What is breast reconstruction? 

Women undergoes with mastectomy when diagnosed with breast cancer. A reconstruction of the breast is done to restore the shape and appearance of the breast after mastectomy

  How procedure is done?

Breast reconstruction surgery is done by flap procedure. In Flap procedure the healthy tissue from different part of the body is used for reconstruction which can be done by the following two procedures.

1. Tunneling - The transplanted section of the tissue is tunneled under the skin and placed at the reconstruction site. In this way, the original blood supply of the tissue remains attached to it.

2.     
Free-flap - In this, the original blood supply is disconnected from the tissue and with microsurgical techniques, blood supply from chest area is connected to the tissue

From which part of the body the tissue is taken?

Most commonly tissue is taken from muscle and skin of abdomen. Sometimes, buttock region or back is also used for obtaining the tissue

Muscle, skin and fat are transplanted to chest area by using either free-flap technique or tunneling.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

When patient’s own muscle tissue is used, it looks more natural and the shape, feel of the tissue resembles closely to a natural breast.

Usually tissue is taken from abdominal area which helps in tightening of stomach tissue as well giving a tummy tuck.

Post surgery guidelines

• You can return to normal routine activities within 6 weeks post surgery.
•  Strenuous exercise should be avoided for many weeks and started only after advice of physician
• Some soreness, bruising and swelling is common for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Swelling, soreness, bruising can occur for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Numbness and tightness in the region of surgery is also common.
• Apply medicines to sutured area
• Dressing or changing bandages in home itself, might be required.
• Learn about wound care, and proper showering, bathing post surgery .
• Most surgery scars will fade over time.
• Shape of reconstructed breast will improve slowly over months after breast reconstruction surgery.
• Regular doctor check – ups are necessary for few weeks post surgery
• Continue examination of breasts monthly following breast reconstruction.
• Regular screening examinations i.e. yearly mammogram should be done
• Treatment of breast cancer recurrence after reconstruction surgery , if any, can be done  with chemotherapy, surgery or radiotherapy

Side effects of Breast Reconstruction surgery.

•  Infection
• Pain and discomfort.
• 
  
  Itching.
• Fluid collection under the wound.
• 
  
  Numbness or tingling sensations.
• Fever