Breast Reconstruction

Description

Restores the appearance of breasts that have been surgically removed because of cancer or other diseases. Breast reconstruction can help a woman’s breasts look balanced while wearing a bra, permanently regain breast contour and to give the convenience of not needing an external prosthesis. Scroll down for before and after photos.

Length

Usually 1 to 2 hours. Due to microsurgery required to reconnect blood vessels, flap reconstruction surgeries will take longer.

Side Effects

Loss of normal sensation to the breast, though some feeling may return.

Recovery

May take about 6 weeks to recover from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction or from a flap reconstruction alone. Most scars fade over time, but may take a few years to lighten.

Risks

Bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, infection, and problems with anesthesia or the implant can shift or leak, requiring its removal. Using an implant carries a remote risk of infection or capsular contraction, a condition that makes the scar, implant and breast feel hard. Capsular contracture may be treated with additional surgery to remove the scar tissue. With any flap procedure, there is a risk that it may not reattach well to blood vessels, block blood flow and reject the flap.