Breast reconstruction is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to recreate breasts removed due to cancer, correct congenital deformities, or compensate for changes made due to loss. Rebuilding breasts removed due to breast cancer can provide significant psychological and aesthetic improvement. This operation can help patients regain their self-confidence and make their body contours more symmetrical.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction encompasses surgical procedures performed to recreate breast tissue after the loss of one or both breasts. This operation is usually performed on patients who have lost their breasts due to procedures such as mastectomy after cancer treatment. It can also be performed as a result of congenital deficiencies or traumatic situations.Before undergoing breast reconstruction, patients can decide how they want their breasts to look. Details such as prosthesis type, size, shape, and placement method are determined in consultations with the surgeon.
Why is Breast Reconstruction Preferred?
Breast reconstruction surgery is generally preferred for the following reasons:- Post-Cancer Breast Loss: Individuals who have lost one or both breasts due to breast cancer may prefer to have their breasts reconstructed in a way that is closest to their natural appearance.
- Congenital Breast Deficiencies: If asymmetrical or deficient breasts are present due to congenital anomalies or developmental problems, this condition can be corrected with breast reconstruction.
- Traumatic Injuries: Breast tissue lost as a result of trauma can be replaced with an aesthetically compatible reconstruction.
- Psychological Healing: To achieve psychological healing after a mastectomy, women may choose breast reconstruction to regain their self-confidence and address aesthetic concerns.
How Does the Pre-Breast Reconstruction Selection Process Work?
Breast reconstruction surgery should be performed by an experienced aesthetic surgeon. The application method of each surgeon may differ, but the general process consists of the following steps:- Consultation and Evaluation: Before breast reconstruction, a consultation is held with the surgeon. At this stage, the patient's general health status, expectations, and existing breast structure are evaluated. The planning of the reconstruction is shaped according to the patient's body structure, the extent of breast loss, and the patient's demands.
- Anesthesia Application: Breast reconstruction is usually performed under general anesthesia. This way, the patient does not feel pain during the operation.
- Incisions and Stitches: The incisions made for breast reconstruction may vary depending on the silicone to be used or the tissue to be taken from the body. Incisions for the nipple and areola are carefully placed to achieve an aesthetic result.
- Recovery Process: The patient's recovery process after the operation may take several weeks. Symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and will pass over time. It is important to follow the surgeon's recommendations to speed up the recovery process.
What are the Types of Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction can be performed with different techniques. Depending on the need and the patient's condition, the surgeon may prefer various methods.- Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: In this method, a silicone prosthesis is placed under the breast tissue or under the muscle. Prostheses are selected according to the patient's wishes and body structure.
- Breast Reconstruction with Body Tissue (Flap Method): In this method, the breast is made using the patient's own body tissue (tissue taken from the abdomen, back, or thigh area). This can provide a more long-lasting result as natural tissue is used.
Can I Choose the Size Myself Before Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
In breast reconstruction, choices such as size, prosthesis type, or the use of tissue during breast reshaping can be determined in consultations with the surgeon. Your doctor will offer the best options suitable for your body structure.
How Long Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Take?
Breast reconstruction surgery usually takes between 3-6 hours. However, this duration may vary depending on the method used and the surgeon's technique.
Is There a Risk of Death in Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a safe procedure performed under general anesthesia. However, as with any surgical operation, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, or anesthesia-related complications. These risks are minimal when performed by experienced surgeons.
What is the Suitable Age Range for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction surgery is suitable for individuals aged 18 and over. However, it is important that the person has completed their physical development.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
If you are in good general health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations, you may be a suitable candidate for this operation.
When is Breast Reconstruction Not Recommended?
- In case of chronic health problems,
- If smoking and alcohol use are not intended to be stopped during the surgical process,
- If there is a risk of breast cancer or active infection.
Can Breast Reconstruction Be Performed After Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
Yes, but it is recommended to wait at least 6 months. This allows time for the breast tissue to recover naturally.
When Can I Return to Social Life After Breast Reconstruction?
After breast reconstruction surgery, patients can return to their normal lives within 2-4 weeks as the healing process progresses. However, it is necessary to avoid strenuous physical activities and follow the surgeon's instructions.
Can breastfeeding ability be affected after surgery?
The methods we apply do not include techniques that could harm breastfeeding ability.
Should I postpone the surgery if I am planning to get pregnant?
Since there may be changes in your breast tissue after childbirth, having this surgery during a period when you are not planning a pregnancy may allow you to maintain uplifted breasts for a longer time.
Can breast reconstruction correct asymmetrical breasts?
Yes, breast reconstruction surgery can make the size and shape of your breasts symmetrical.
What are the Advantages of Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction surgery offers many aesthetic and psychological advantages. Here are the prominent benefits of this operation:- More Proportional Breasts: Breast reconstruction reshapes the size of the breasts, providing an appearance harmonious with your body contours.
- Increased Self-Confidence: For women experiencing breast loss or asymmetry, an increase in self-confidence is observed after this procedure. You may feel more comfortable in your clothing choices, and a positive change in your body image occurs.
- Emotional Healing After Cancer: Breast reconstruction, especially after cancer treatment, provides aesthetic and psychological healing. Reshaping the breasts can help women feel more whole.
- Aesthetic and Natural Appearance: Surgeons strive to achieve a natural and aesthetic appearance with personalized techniques. As a result, the breasts gain a natural and harmonious look after reconstruction.
- Permanent Results: Breast reconstruction provides long-lasting and permanent results. Results obtained with implants or tissue transfer that adapt to the body can be aesthetically satisfactory for many years.
What does breast reconstruction surgery aim for?
Breast reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure performed for women who have lost breast tissue or want to correct their aesthetic appearance. The surgery aims to provide an aesthetic and natural appearance by adding reconstructed tissue to replace the lost breast tissue.- ✔ Reconstruction of Lost Breast Tissue: Reconstructed tissue is added to replace breast tissue lost due to breast cancer treatment or other reasons.
- ✔ More Proportional and Aesthetic Breasts: The size of the breasts is corrected symmetrically and proportionally.
- ✔ Physical and Psychological Healing: Especially after cancer treatment, this surgery can accelerate emotional healing and restore self-confidence.
- ✔ Natural Look and Feel: The surgeon selects appropriate techniques to achieve a natural look, thus providing a more natural feel and appearance after reconstruction.
Can fat injection also be performed during the operation?
During breast reconstruction, fat injection can be used if there is a tissue deficiency. However, the main focus is usually on using the body's own tissue, which provides more permanent and natural results.
Can the nipples also be reshaped during reconstruction?
Yes, during breast reconstruction, the nipple and areola (the dark-colored area around the nipple) can also be shaped. This procedure is performed for a symmetrical and aesthetic appearance.
Will Breast Reconstruction be placed under or over the muscle? What are the differences?
Breast prostheses can be placed under the muscle (under the pectoral muscle) or over the muscle (under the breast tissue, on top of the muscle). Both placement types offer different advantages, and the surgeon's recommendation is determined according to the patient's anatomy and the desired result.Under-Muscle Placement: Provides a more natural appearance, the edges of the prosthesis are less prominent. It is especially recommended for patients with weak or thin skin structure. The shape of the prosthesis may change slightly with muscle movements.
Over-Muscle Placement: Offers a shorter recovery time and is not affected by muscle movements. However, if the subcutaneous tissue is not thick enough, the prosthesis may be prominent, and the risk of sagging may be higher over time.
Which placement is appropriate is determined by the surgeon based on the patient's anatomy and the desired result.
Will I feel pain during and after the surgery?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery as general anesthesia will be applied. After the surgery, you may feel mild to moderate pain for the first few days. This pain can usually be controlled with painkillers and will decrease over time. Tenderness and a feeling of tightness, which are more pronounced in the first week, will largely subside within 2-3 weeks. If a prosthesis is placed under the muscle, you may feel slightly more pain due to muscle tension, but this is also temporary.
Will a drain be placed after the surgery? When will it be removed?
After surgery, a drain may be placed to remove excess fluid and blood accumulated in the body. However, the use of a drain depends on the surgeon's technique and the course of the surgery. If a drain is used, it is usually removed within 1-3 days when fluid drainage decreases. Removing the drains is usually a painless or slightly uncomfortable short procedure.
Will my breasts feel very hard after surgery?
Breasts may feel hard and tight for the first few weeks after surgery. This condition is due to edema, tissue healing, and the process of the prostheses adapting to the body. Usually, within 3-6 months, the breasts achieve a more natural softness. Massage and care methods recommended by the doctor can speed up this process.
