All About Breast Reconstruction Surgery

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Day yesterday, we’d like to tip our hats to cancer survivors everywhere, and shed some light on the breast reconstruction procedures that can benefit breast cancer survivors specifically.

Who is Eligible for Breast Reconstruction?
Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are candidates for a lumpectomy or a partial mastectomy surgery. As part of the procedure, the surgeon will remove the tumor and reshape the remaining breast to preserve its aesthetics. However, in some cases women are not eligible for a lumpectomy, and instead require a full mastectomy to be performed, which is the removal of the entire breast tissue. Although it is not necessary, many women opt to receive breast reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy to rebuild breast tissue.

Types of Breast Reconstruction
There are three methods that can be performed to achieve breast reconstruction: Breast implants, natural tissue flaps or a combination of the two. When choosing a method you’ll want to take into account that each procedure produces different results, some feeling more natural than others. Body type and size also have an impact on the recommended method of reconstruction. Your surgeon will recommend the best options for you during your consultation.

Breast Implants vs. Natural Tissue Flaps
According to the Susan G. Komen Organization, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to the two methods of procedure.

• Look and Feel: With breast implants you’ll have less of a natural outcome than you would with natural tissue flaps.
• Surgery and Hospital Stay: Breast implants require a less extensive surgery than natural tissue flaps, but both require a hospital stay for the initial procedure. However, after receiving breast implant surgery you’ll only need to stay 1-2 nights in the hospital, whereas with the natural tissue flap procedure, you’ll need to be hospitalized for 3-4 nights.
• Repeated Surgery: Breast implants will likely need to be redone over time, while tissue flaps will not.
• Recovery Time: Breast implant surgery requires a 3-4 week recovery time, while tissue flap surgery requires 4-6 weeks. The likelihood of scarring is also significantly lower in breast implant procedures.

At Great South Bay Surgical Associates, our doctors specialize in a variety of oncological and reconstructive procedures. If you need breast cancer surgery, or desire breast reconstruction, our highly skilled surgeons are here to help. To learn more about our practice and procedures or to schedule a consultation call 631-321-6801 today!