ABOUT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Breast reconstruction is a procedure to rebuild a breast which has been completely or partly removed. The most common reason for undergoing breast reconstruction surgery is for patients who have had breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy). In the US, breast cancer affects around 1 in 8 women.
The surgery is often performed at the same time as a mastectomy, however some patients may choose to wait a while before undergoing a breast reconstruction. Patients who are undergoing radiation therapy are advised to undergo breast reconstruction in stages, as they cannot undergo reconstruction whilst receiving radiation therapy, as this could damage the new breast.
There breast can be reconstructed either with breast implants or with flaps. Implants are made of silicon or saline and are an inserted under the chest muscle. Flaps are made up of tissue which is taken from another area of the body such as the buttocks or thighs, and are connected to the blood vessels on the chest. With a flap procedure, the shape and size of the breast will change in the first few months and once it has formed it’s shape, nipple reconstruction may then be performed. Nipple reconstruction involves taking part of the nipple from the other breast and filling in the color by tattooing it to the nipple.
As there are a number of different surgical options for patients undergoing breast reconstruction, the time needed for the treatments vary considerably. As a guideline:
- Mastectomy with placement of a tissue expander – 1 to 2 weeks
- Mastectomy with latissimus dorsi flap – 2 to 3 weeks
- Mastectomy with pedicle TRAM flap – 6 to 8 weeks
- Mastectomy with abdominal free flap (free TRAM, DIEP or SIEA flap) – 4 to 6 weeks
- Mastectomy with GAP flap – 6 to 8 weeks
- Exchange tissue expander to implant – 1 week or less
- Exchange unilateral tissue expander and augment/reduce/lift opposite breast – 1 to 2 weeks
- Nipple areola reconstruction – 1 week or less
Recommended for
Breast reconstruction surgery is recommended for women that have previously undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
- Number of days in hospital: 1 – 3 days.
- Average length of stay abroad: 1 weeks.
- Time off work: 1 – 8 weeks.
There are a number of different surgical options for breast reconstruction, and the treatment duration varies.
COMPARE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| United States | 8800€ |
| Spain | 4000€ |
| Poland | 3704€ |
| Turkey | 2790€ |
| Dominican Republic | 2692€ |
| Thailand | 2671€ |
| Mexico | 2647€ |
| Tunisia | 2000€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION ABROAD
Patients who are having breast reconstruction surgery should discuss the surgery before a mastectomy or lumpectomy, so that it can be determined whether the surgery is performed simultaneously with a mastectomy, or if it will be performed as a separate surgery or in stages. As there are various reconstruction options, the patient should discuss this with the surgeon in order to establish the best course of treatment to suit their needs.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
There are a range of surgical options for breast reconstructions. The options should be discussed in the plastic surgery consultation. Some patients benefit from implant, others use their own tissues (usually taken from the stomach or thigh area.) Often, the surgery will require two steps, the first to build the breast mound, and the second to create the breast in full. This will depend on the state of the breast site at the time of surgery.
Materials
Some surgeries involve the insertion of silicone or saline implants.
Anesthesia
Usually general anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Breast Reconstruction takes 1 to 4 hours.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Post procedure care
Patients should take any medication which has been prescribed by the doctor for pain relief. After the surgery, a drain may be put into place to drain any fluid after the surgery, this is usually removed before leaving the hospital. The patient may be advised to wear certain supportive clothing after the surgery, such as a sports bra.
Possible discomfort
Some discomfort and swelling is to be expected immediately after the surgery, and many patients spend the first night in hospital after surgery.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
Potential risks
Infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, flap failure.
