Breast reconstruction is not the same as breast augmentation
There is a major difference between someone who wants to have plastic breast surgery to improve the size or shape of their breasts vs someone who has a prophylactic surgery or mastectomy. One surgery is elective, and the other is life-saving.
Knowing the difference is essential because those that don’t choose to have surgery don’t feel like they are getting a great pair of breasts. Losing your breasts to breast cancer often means losing your sense of femininity, self-esteem and body image.
Breast reconstruction surgery is administered to restore the breast shape that was wholly or partially removed. Breast reconstruction can be administered with body tissue or implants.
When the breast tissue has been taken away via a mastectomy, just one thin layer of skin remains, so often implants will need to be used. Due to the absence of breast tissue after a mastectomy procedure, it can be more challenging to get a natural look and feel.
For women who have one reconstructed breast and one natural breast, it is very hard to match an implant to the shape of the other breast’s physical natural shape to reach symmetry.
One size doesn’t fit all
Like precision medicine, reconstruction should be customised to the individual. Several factors need to be consider when it comes to choosing which technique is best for you. Dr Laniewski is one of the best breast reconstruction surgeons in Sydney, and an excellent plastic surgeon like him will assist you through the entire process of determining what is best for you and your body; while keeping in mind shape and size. In most cases, reconstruction either uses synthetic implants or existing body tissue.
Not everyone chooses reconstruction
For several breast cancer survivors, having their breasts reconstructed can be a tortuous thought mainly because it means that they will need more surgeries after having gone through the physical and mental exhaustion of breast cancer treatments.
The individual must consider the different surgical options available to them while at the same time, weighing what they feel may be the emotional and physical benefits and the impact on their sense of desirability versus the potential disappointment and problems.
Nipples are separate
In breast cancer cases, the nipple most of the time can’t be spared due to the fact that it is attached to the breast tissue which could potentially lead to cancer too. Patients are advised to allow their new breasts to settle for at least three months following surgery, then their areola and nipple can be positioned in the appropriate place.