Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Surgery at MAXiM Breast Surgery in NY
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 1 million reconstructive surgery procedures are performed each year. Reconstructive surgery can help repair a part of your body affected aesthetically or functionally, whether it is affected by disease, injury, congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, etc.
Breast reconstruction surgery often involves recreating the breast form following tissue removal due to cancer. The creation of a long-lasting, symmetrical, and beautiful breast helps restore confidence, femininity, and self-esteem in women following breast cancer treatment.
The goal of breast reconstruction is to restore one or both breasts to near normal shape, appearance, symmetry, and size following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or other trauma. Breast reconstruction generally falls into two categories: implant based reconstruction or flap reconstruction. Implant reconstruction relies on breast implants to help form a new breast mound, while flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue from another part of the body to form a new breast. These procedures involve the use of breast implants, your own tissue, or a combination of both.
There are many factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing which option is best:
- Appearance
- Patient’s body type
- Type of mastectomy
If you need a mastectomy due to breast cancer, you often have a choice about whether to have surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast. Breast reconstruction may be done at the same time as the mastectomy, or it can be done later. If radiation therapy is part of the treatment plan, your doctor may suggest waiting until after radiation therapy. If you're thinking about breast reconstruction, talk to a plastic surgeon before the mastectomy, even if you plan to have your reconstruction later.
The type of reconstruction that is best for you depends on your age, body type, and if you have been diagnosed with cancer, it would depend on the type of cancer surgery that you had. A plastic surgeon can help you decide.