Pros and cons of breast reconstruction after breast cancer
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Pros and cons of breast reconstruction after breast cancer
Women, who’ve been given the diagnosis of breast cancer, have many decisions to make. What oncologist to choose, what treatments to consider and how best to take care of oneself during this difficult time. One other decision for some, but not all women with breast cancer is whether to have breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and sometimes, even after a lumpectomy.
A mastectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman’s breast, to either treat breast cancer or to reduce their risk of the disease returning. Breast reconstruction is an option these women are usually given to rebuild their breast or breasts. Typically, breast reconstruction takes place during or soon after mastectomy. However, breast reconstruction can also be done many months or even years after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Women, who are faced with the decision of whether to have breast reconstruction or not, is a very personal choice. What may be right for one woman may not be right or in the best interest of another woman. Questions will need to be addressed such as taking into account her overall health as well as her preference in a variety of areas. These can include aesthetic concerns, the recovery time for different reconstructive procedures, and the ability to regain full function after recovery.
How many women have breast reconstruction after a breast mastectomy?
The most recent statistics show that 40 to 50 percent of mastectomy patients have some form of breast reconstruction. There are three options for which women who have had mastectomies to choose from: no reconstruction, surgical reconstruction using breast implants, and surgical reconstruction using tissue taken from another part of the body.
Women, who choose not to have reconstruction immediately after a mastectomy, can opt to have it done at a later time. The chest will be flat where the surgery is performed, but they can gain the appearance of a breast under clothes using a pop-in form in their bra.
Pros and cons of breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction has become more popular over the years with the procedure becoming almost considered the standard of care and a way to help many women “feel whole” again. However, it should never be assumed that it’s the best option for every woman. The decision to have or not have breast reconstruction should be carefully considered. The process can take time and should involve asking many questions along with soul-searching to help make the right decision.
Here are some pros and cons for any woman in this situation to consider and to discuss with her doctor about before making a final decision:
Pros of breast reconstruction
· Going “flat” can be a dramatic change – some women may not be comfortable with their appearance.
· Breast reconstruction can prevent looking “lopsided,” especially for large breasted women
· Wearing a prosthetic breast that is slipped into a bra or bathing suit can be annoying and uncomfortable for some women.
· Having breast reconstruction can help some women feel “womanly or feminine” once again
· You can usually take time to think about what decision to make by having reconstruction at a future date.
Cons of breast reconstruction
· Breast reconstruction can be a complicated process that requires a number of additional medical interventions following the main surgery, substantially lengthening your recovery time.
· May raise the risk of infection and other complications.
· If a woman has diabetes, circulatory problems, a bleeding disorder or is an active smoker or drinker, they may not be a good candidate as this can affect their healing time.
· A reconstructed breast will lack sensation or feeling. They will also never look and feel the same as the original breast.
· The nipple cannot be preserved, so the choices include going without a nipple, having a nipple rebuilt from surrounding skin, or having a 3-D nipple tattoo.
In conclusion
As stated earlier, breast reconstruction is a very personal decision and is not for every woman. But if a woman does decide to have this procedure following breast cancer, it is imperative she discuss the breast reconstruction with an experienced plastic surgeon that has performed this operation many times.
When considering going flat or having reconstruction, women should ask their doctor for a full and balanced discussion of both options. If woman is interested in going flat but is not being taken seriously or supported by her surgeon, she should find another surgeon who will listen and provide her with the information she needs to make this big decision. What’s most important is that every woman carefully weighs her options and the choice that’s right for her.
your doctor may have told you about options to rebuild your breast or breasts — a surgery called breast reconstruction. Typically, breast reconstruction takes place during or soon after mastectomy, and in some cases, lumpectomy. Breast reconstruction also can be done many months or even years after mastectomy or lumpectomy. During reconstruction, a plastic surgeon creates a breast shape using an artificial implant (implant reconstruction), a flap of tissue from another place on your body (autologous reconstruction), or both.