Breast Reconstruction (cont.)
Why Should I Consider Breast Reconstruction?
Restoring the breast is not considered cosmetic surgery. Operations performed to restore anatomy and symmetry, like breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, are considered reconstructive surgery. Since breast reconstruction after mastectomy is part of the treatment of a disease and not cosmetic surgery, health insurance companies usually pay the major portion of the cost of the procedure.
Breast reconstruction not only changes your physical appearance, but has psychological benefits as well. It can help promote a sense of wellness for you and your family.
When Should Breast Reconstruction Be Performed?
Timing of reconstructive surgery is based on the patient's desires, medical conditions and cancer treatment. Whenever possible, plastic surgeons encourage women to begin breast reconstruction at the same time they are having their mastectomy. For many women, immediate reconstruction reduces the trauma of having a breast removed as well as the expense and discomfort of two major operations.
It is also possible to do the reconstruction months or years after a mastectomy. If any chemotherapy or radiation treatments have already been started, reconstruction is usually postponed until those treatments are completed. Your surgical team can help you decide the appropriate timing for reconstruction.
What Are the Different Breast Reconstruction Options?
A variety of reconstructive techniques are available that offer cosmetically-appealing results. Multiple factors, such as the patient's goals, medical condition and previous surgery, are considered when choosing between reconstruction using breast implants or flaps of tissue moved from other parts of the body.
One procedure to consider after breast reconstruction is nipple reconstruction. Usually, the nipple and areola (dark area around the nipple is removed during mastectomy operation because it is breast tissue and is at risk for cancer recurrence.
Some women who have breast reconstruction also choose to have the nipple and areola reconstructed. Nipple/areola reconstruction is usually done at a later date after reconstruction of the breast is complete. This allows new breast tissue to heal and settle into place so minor adjustments in size and position can be carried out when the nipple and areola are reconstructed.
The nipple/areola reconstruction is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Tissue for the nipple/areola is taken from the newly constructed breast. To match the color of the nipple of the other breast and to create the areola, medical tattooing is done at a later time.
The prosthetic nipple is another option that may be temporary or permanent. The plastic surgeon makes a copy of your natural nipple and colors the areola. It can be adhered to the breast using prosthetic glue and re-glued every week or so.
Next: How long does breast reconstruction surgery take? »
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