Breast Reconstruction Advantages

Each year thousands of women undergo breast implant surgery for cosmetic reasons to improve on their physical and emotional being. But of those women, 20% are having the procedure for a different reason.

When a woman gets a diagnosis of breast cancer, her doctor will put together her treatment plan and for many women, a mastectomy is recommended to ensure that all of the cancer cells are removed. Breast cancer is an emotional challenge and a physical challenge, which can cut, to the heart of ones femininity and sexuality. But thanks to medical advancements, women can now have breast implants after mastectomy, at least dealing with the physical body after treatment.

Breast implants can be done immediately after the mastectomy or later. Having breast reconstruction right after your mastectomy does not interfere with postoperative recovery.

Most reconstruction will require more than a single operation. Your first treatment can begin right at the time of the mastectomy. Circumstances are different than with cosmetic surgery, so your surgeon will have to determine what the best plan of attack is for you.

This will include an assessment of the patient’s health, age, and what they want out of their breast reconstruction. Gradual expansion of the chest tissue is the most common method beginning at the time of the mastectomy. This can reduce the trauma from losing a breast.

The most common technique is the gradual expansion of the skin. A balloon expander is inserted under the skin, and then it is inflated with a salt-water solution over several weeks. Once the breast area has stretched enough, the temporary is removed and a permanent implant replaces it, followed by the nipple reconstruction.

Breast cancer is both emotionally and physically scarring. Breast implants can help you through the seemingly innocuous times such as buying bras and clothing. Implants can keep your body in its form to help you be more confident with your new body image.

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