Breast reconstruction, i.e. breast repair, is a surgical procedure performed to restore the shape of your breast. After a surgery that removes the breast to treat or prevent breast cancer, the breast tissues are reconstructed with similar tissues through the procedure called breast reconstruction. Most of breast reconstruction procedures performed using the tissues of your own body are performed during mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). However, a second operation can be performed to provide correct positioning of the breast, ensure it to look natural, and reconstruct the nipple. Breast reconstruction is an extremely difficult and complex procedure. If, in particular, the procedure will be performed after cancer, it would be appropriate to evaluate the situation together with a specialist team composed of breast surgeons and plastic surgeons, for ensuring the best decision and good result. The options for breast reconstruction treatment are divided into two. The first is the procedure that involves the use of the patient’s own tissue, and the second is the procedure that involves the use of implants. Which method will be used is performed is determined by the joint decision of the surgeon and patient.
What is the operation time and the appropriate age range of breast reconstruction surgery?
The operation time of breast reduction usually ranges from 1 to 5 hours. This varies depending on the technique used. There is no certain appropriate age range for surgery. In other words, this surgical procedure can be performed on anyone who needs it at any age. Your hospitalization time also varies depending on the scope of the surgery. If it will be a simple implant placement operation, is to be performed, it can be a day case surgery. However, it may last up to a week, if it will be a more complex operation.
Am I an eligible candidate for breast reduction?
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that can be performed on everyone who have undergone mastectomy. However, the cancer tissue needs to be completely eliminated during the removal of the breast (mastectomy) due to cancer. Breast reconstruction would be more appropriate for such patients. As with all surgeries, there are points to take into consideration before breast reconstruction surgery. The patient should take all necessary tests, be careful about her smoking, eating and drinking habits, and inform the doctor of the medications used regularly.
How is a breast reduction surgery performed?
There are two methods usually preferred for breast reconstruction operations. The first method involves the use of an implant that contains gel, saline, or the mixture of these. The other method involves the restoration of the shape of the breast by using soft tissues taken from the patient.
My breast has been surgically removed many years ago. Can I still have breast reconstruction surgery?
Yes, of course you can still have breast reconstruction surgery. This is a surgical procedure that can be performed in any period of a healthy adult’s life. Breast reconstruction can also be performed even during the surgical removal of the breast, as long as it is also appropriate in terms of general surgery.
Can I recover immediately after breast reconstruction surgery?
The recovery process will also vary, depending on the technique used in breast reconstruction surgery. The postoperative recovery process usually takes four to six weeks. Recovery process takes longer in breast reconstruction surgery involving the use of the patient’s own tissues, compared to surgeries involving the use of implants. You will feel postoperative pains for a few days, but this is extremely normal.
