Breast Reconstruction

• Breast reconstruction: A personal decision
• Why should I consider breast reconstruction?
• When should breast reconstruction be performed?
• What are the different breast reconstruction options?
• How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?
• Recovery from breast reconstruction surgery?
• Follow-up care
• Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?

Reconstructive plastic surgery for breast cancer is performed to replace skin, breast tissue and the nipple-areolar complex removed during a mastectomy. The amount of missing tissue varies with each mastectomy. Factors contributing to the amount of tissue removed include the width, size and location of the original tumor and its proximity to the axilla, where the lymph glands are removed.

The ultimate goal of reconstruction is to restore symmetry between the two breasts.

Reconstruction: A Personal Decision

The choices that are right for one woman won't necessarily be right for another. That's because the long-term prospects of living without a breast or part of a breast affect every woman differently.

After your mastectomy, you may choose to wear external breast forms or pads or make no attempt to alter your appearance. Or you may choose breast reconstruction, using either breast implants or your own tissue.

Continual improvements in plastic surgery techniques offer better results today than ever before and make breast reconstruction an option for most women facing a mastectomy.

The decision, however, is a personal one and often not easy to make.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Breast Augmentation -
• Breast Cancer - Get the facts on breast cancer symptoms, stages, types, research, risk factors, diagnosis, reconstruction information and treatment options: mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
• Plastic Surgery (Cosmetic Surgery) - Plastic surgery is becoming more popular for people of all ages. Plastic or cosmetic surgery may give you a sense of well-being and self-confidence.

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