Breast Reconstruction “Create a new form”

What is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction has a significant impact on the well being of women who have had one or both breasts removed. It can restore a sense of completeness by returning your body to a form you are more familiar and comfortable with. It is a very rewarding area of plastic surgery.

When is it used?

This type of surgery is used in women who have had a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction may proceed at the time of mastectomy, or may be done later, even years after a mastectomy.

What happens during the procedure?

Dr. de Kleer performs two types of breast reconstruction, reconstruction with prosthetic implants as well as using your own body tissue (autologous reconstruction). Your medical history, the treatment you have had or may need for your breast cancer, available tissues, and your personal preference are all important factors Dr. de Kleer will discuss with you as you make a decision about preceding with breast reconstruction.

For implant reconstruction, most patients require placement of a tissue expander under the skin to stretch the skin and allow space for placement of an implant. The expander is filled every 1-2 weeks until full. Later, in a second procedure, the expander is removed and a permanent implant placed.

To use your own body tissue, Dr. de Kleer will take tissue from your abdomen, including skin, fat and muscle, along with its blood supply and place it at the mastectomy site, then form it to the shape of a breast.

Dr. de Kleer will speak to you in detail about your expectations for your surgery. A reconstructed breast will never feel exactly the same as a natural one, nor will it have the same sensation. You will have visible incision lines on your breasts, and, if you choose to use your own tissue for reconstruction, incisions and scarring at the donor sites elsewhere on your body.

What are the risks and potential complications?

With implants:

• Capsular contracture (if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten), which can make the breast feel hard. It can be treated with additional surgery.
• Excessive bleeding, which can cause swelling and pain.
• Infection around the implant, which may require removal of the implant until the infection clears.

Using your own tissue:

• If tissue is taken from your abdomen, risks include hernia, and the small chance that the transplanted tissue will not survive.

What do I expect after the treatment?

For implant reconstruction, expect to go home on the day of surgery and two weeks off of work after each surgery. For reconstruction with your own tissue, expect to stay in hospital for a minimum of three day and return to work by 6-8 weeks.

For more information on breast reconstruction please visit www.breastreconstruction.ca