If you have received a breast cancer diagnosis, you may be faced with the decision to reconstruct your breasts. The decision you choose is personal, but it’s an important one to consider for the sake of your personal aesthetic.
Breast reconstruction is performed in order to restore one or both breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy – two preventative surgeries that eliminate cancerous tumors from the breasts. Though fighting cancer involves much more heartache than the removal of your breasts, experiencing such rapid change to your body is hard to contend with.
Many women find their breasts an essential part of their physique that helps shape their femininity. If this sounds like you, then you should know that you have options after undergoing mastectomy or lumpectomy. Dr. Batra can create restorations that look completely natural and complement your body contour.
If you are considering breast reconstruction, there are a few things you should know before scheduling a consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgeons.
Breast reconstruction starts before mastectomy
When you decide to receive breast reconstruction, you can choose when you want the surgery to take place. Immediate reconstruction occurs right after the breast is removed and involves the work of your cancer surgeon and a plastic surgeon.
However, immediate reconstruction may only be possible if you are not receiving additional cancer treatment after mastectomy or lumpectomy. If your treatment plan still involves chemotherapy or radiation, it’s best to wait until you are finished with each regimen before undergoing breast reconstruction. Otherwise, additional treatment may adversely affect the reconstructed breast tissue.
No matter when you decide to receive breast reconstruction surgery, it’s important to let your doctor know what you plan to do, as it allows them to plan your treatment with better accuracy.
You have options
Your breast reconstruction surgery is specific to you alone and will depend on the condition of your breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy. During a consultation with Dr. Batra, you will decide the best approach for restoring your breasts, which could include a flap tissue procedure from a donor location on your body, a tissue expander, silicone or saline gel implants or your own breast tissue on its own.
Whichever method is chosen, your entire breast will be recreated, including your nipple and areola if desired. Dr. Batra will even perform revision reconstruction for poorly performed procedures in the past.
Benefits of breast reconstruction
Although many patients feel perfectly natural without breasts or wearing a prosthesis, breast reconstruction is able to recreate breasts that restore your natural feminine contour. After something as devastating as breast cancer, new breasts can help you feel like yourself again.
Oftentimes, patient feel more confident with breasts that are attached to their bodies without any additional maintenance. Your new breasts will last for years and serve as a reminder of your strength and courage while fighting cancer.
For more information about breast reconstruction or to discuss the options available to you, contact Coastal Plastic Surgeons at 858-847-0880 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Batra.