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Definition
What is breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction is an operation to shape the breasts after you have had a mastectomy, a surgical removal of the breasts. The surgeon will use breast implants or tissue expanders, and flexible implants to shape your breasts.
When do I need to have breast reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction is an individual medical procedure. You have to do it on your own, not someone else's desire or because you want to appear ideal.
Breast reconstruction is the right choice for you if:
- You are undergoing treatment well according to the doctor's diagnosis
- You are not suffering from other diseases that can interfere with the healing process
- You have a positive outlook and expect realistic results
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before undergoing breast reconstruction surgery?
The main drawback to using implants is that your breasts won't look natural or feel natural, especially after aging or weight changes.
Depending on the type of breast reconstruction you choose, there will be scars on the breasts and other parts of your body. The actual method of performing breast reconstruction will depend on your breast problem. There is no one-size-fits-all method.
The risk of using implants can lead to breast tension (capsular contracture) and implant rupture.
Are there alternatives to breast reconstruction surgery?
Using a push-up bra can make your breasts beautiful when wearing clothes.
It is also possible to use other tissues from the body to shape your breasts.
Process
What should I do before breast reconstruction surgery?
This operation is performed under general anesthesia, aka general anesthesia. Before performing breast reconstruction surgery, you will be asked to:
- perform laboratory tests or medical evaluations
- taking certain medications or making medication adjustments
- quit smoking for further surgery
- do not take medications containing aspirin, anti-inflammatory, and herbal supplements, because they can increase the occurrence of bleeding
How is the breast reconstruction surgery process?
A tissue expander is inserted under the skin and muscles of your chest, and gradually the saline will be injected (the process of injecting this saline can be done gradually, over a period of weeks or months) to form a pocket on your skin. After the bag is large enough, the tissue expander is removed, then a silicone or saline implant is inserted.
These saline implants are more susceptible to abrasive than silicones. Implant replacement surgery may be needed later.
What should I do after breast reconstruction surgery?
You can go home two or three days after the operation and be able to resume normal activities after six weeks.
You should use a bra that is soft and snug so you can feel comfortable.
Regular exercise can also help you to be able to carry out normal activities as soon as possible. Before starting exercise, you should first consult with your doctor.
If your surgeon uses a tissue expander during surgery, it is recommended that you make regular outpatient visits to the clinic. It took several weeks to get a beautiful breast shape after breast reconstruction. It may take up to a year before you can feel that the reconstructed breast is a part of your body.
Complications
What complications can occur?
The following are the side effects that occur in the first few months after surgery:
- pain in the chest (like a needle prickling)
- numbness of the armpits and arms - surgery can damage nerve tissue, causing numbness. Numbness can be relieved, but not completely gone. Doing arm exercises can aid in his recovery
- seroma - fluid builds up around the scar for up to six weeks after surgery, the doctor or nurse will take steps to remove the fluid.
- stiff shoulders - proper exercise can prevent this shoulder stiffness. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist will help you
- lymphoedema - swelling of the arm, when the lymph nodes in the armpit are removed
- breast pain
- changes in balance, because the weight of one breast decreases
- fatigue, depression and anxiety - talk to your medical team about how to deal with these symptoms if they occur
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
