BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?

Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to reconstruct the breast mound after reconstruction cancer surgery (mastectomy) has removed one or both breasts. There are a variety of surgical techniques for breast reconstruction. These procedures are including but not limited to Breast Reconstruction with TRAM Abdominal Muscle Flap, Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expander, and Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus Muscle Flap.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW?

Patients who have had reconstruction in the past and determine that they would like to improve on their reconstruction results can do so with implants, fat grafting, scar revision, and/or nipple reconstruction. These are small fine-tuning procedures that can bring great satisfaction with minimal down time. Every patient is welcomed by Dr. Rumer’s experienced, friendly staff members who understand the delicate nature of the visit. During your pre-op consultation, Dr. Rumer will address your questions and concerns at an unhurried pace, while discussing potential risks and the benefits of procedure planning. She encourages bringing a friend or family member for support. Since Dr. Rumer recognizes that much of what is discussed during the initial meeting may not be fully absorbed due to stress and unfamiliarity with the situation, she encourages a second and even third visit within a week to review additional questions and ensure understanding of the procedure.

WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

Reconstruction takes place in stages. In some cases, an expander is used to stretch the skin so that it will accommodate implants; in other cases, a muscle or a portion of the patient’s abdominal wall may be used to reconstruct the breast. The consultation will consider the patient’s overall needs and make choices clear for the patient.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AND WHEN CAN I RESUME MY NORMAL ACTIVITIES?

No single answer applies to all patients recovering from cancer surgery and implant surgery. This is something we’ll cover during our consultations.