Post Cancer (Mastectomy Reconstruction)
✔ Medically reviewed by Dr. Ashutosh Shah — M.B., M.S., M.Ch., D.N.B., Board-Certified Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon, Director of Elegance Clinic, Surat (22+ years’ experience).
Mastectomy is a process of taking out the breast or breasts for the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. Breast reconstruction can be done after at least six to twelve months of mastectomy so that all effects of cancer treatment are nullified by the body. Some experienced surgeons suggest going for breast reconstruction after completing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. However, the truth is that breast reconstruction can be performed even years after a mastectomy is completed.
There are various reconstruction techniques that are available but widely two techniques are preferred. These are as follows.
- Implant Reconstruction – An implant is inserted in the breast that is filled with either saline or silicone gel.
- Flap Reconstruction – In this technique, the tissue is transplanted from other parts of the body like the thigh, back, or belly. Moreover, it can also include an implant in it.
Before selecting either of them, it is very important to consider whether the breast is indeed needed or not. If it is required, it can be best to go for reconstruction during mastectomy as it can offer good cosmetic results compared to a reconstruction job done at a later date. However, reconstruction is always an open option if someone cannot make up the mind during the mastectomy.
One more thing that needs consideration is selecting the best surgeon for the job. A post-cancer mastectomy reconstruction is a specialized job and there can be various types of reconstruction. So, it is important to know a surgeon’s specialization and then consult on the services so that the best results can be achieved.
