Breast reconstruction is a type of plastic surgery that is usually performed in women who have had to have a mastectomy, which corresponds to breast removal, usually from breast cancer.
Thus, this type of surgical procedure has as its main objective the reconstruction of the breast of the mastectomized woman, taking into account the size, shape and appearance of the breast taken, in order to improve the self-esteem, confidence and quality of life of the woman, which usually decreases after a mastectomy.
To do this, there are two main types of breast reconstruction, which can be achieved with:
The type of reconstruction should be discussed with the doctor and varies depending on the goals of the woman, the type of mastectomy performed and the cancer treatments performed.
In many cases, if it has not been possible to preserve the nipples during the mastectomy, the woman may choose to try to rebuild them 2 or 3 months after breast reconstruction or leave only the breast volume, with smooth skin and no nipples. In fact, nipple reconstruction is a very complex process that must be performed by a highly experienced surgeon.
The value of breast reconstruction varies depending on the type of surgery, the surgeon and the clinic in which the procedure will be performed, and can cost between R$5,000 and R $10,000. However, breast reconstruction is a right of mastectomized women who are enrolled in the Single Health System (SUS), but the waiting time can be quite long, especially when reconstruction is not performed at the same time as mastectomy.
Ideally, breast reconstruction should be done at the same time as the mastectomy, so that the woman does not have to go through a period of psychological adaptation to her new image. However, there are cases where a woman needs radiation therapy to complete cancer treatment and, in these cases, radiation therapy may delay recovery, and it is also recommended to delay reconstruction.
In addition, when the cancer is very extensive and a large amount of breast and skin needs to be removed during a mastectomy, the body needs more time to recover, and it is also advisable to delay reconstruction.
However, although reconstructive surgery cannot be performed, women may opt for other techniques, such as using filler bras, to improve their self-esteem and be more confident.
After reconstruction, gauze and strips are usually placed in the surgical incisions, in addition to the use of an elastic bandage or bra to reduce swelling and support the reconstructed breast. It may also be necessary to use a drain, which should be placed under the skin, to remove any excess blood or fluid that may interfere with the healing process and promote the onset of infections.
Your doctor may also recommend the use of certain medications to reduce the risk of infections, as well as measures related to cleaning the premises and regular medical follow-up. Recovery after breast reconstruction can take several weeks, with a gradual reduction in swelling and an improvement in breast shape.
The new breast does not have the same sensitivity as the previous breast and is also common for scarring related to the procedure. However, some options can help mask scars, such as massages with oils or moisturizers or cosmetic procedures, that should be done under the guidance of a dermatologist.
The type of breast reconstruction can not always be chosen by the woman, due to her clinical history, however, there are some cases in which the doctor allows to make this choice. Therefore, the pros and cons of each method are summarized in the following table:
Faster and simpler surgery;
Faster and less painful recovery;
Better aesthetic results;
Increased risk of problems such as implant removal;
Need for new surgery to change implants after 10 or 20 years;
Less natural breasts.
Permanent results, without further surgeries in the future;
Lower risk of problems over time
More natural breasts.
More complex and longer surgery;
Recovery more painful and slower;
Possibility of less positive results;
He needs to have enough skin to make the flap
Thus, while opting for implant use is a simpler option and with easier recovery, in some cases this may lead to an increased risk of problems in the future. The use of a flap, on the other hand, is a more complicated and longer surgery, however, it presents fewer long-term risks, by the use of tissue extracted from the woman herself.
See how recovery is going and the risks of any plastic surgery on your breasts.