Reconstructive breast surgery is an important part of recovery after battling with breast cancer. This procedure is performed beyond cosmetic reason as breasts have always been associated with womanhood and sexuality; for this reason, diseases and invasive surgeries that result to deformities can have a huge impact to a patient’s emotional health.
Meanwhile, breast reconstruction is either performed via breast implants and/or tissue-based method.
According to a 2011 study published in Cancer, the official journal of the American Cancer Society, women who have undergone breast reconstruction in which the tissue was grafted from the abdomen have experienced significant gains in social, sexual, and psychological well-being.
The researchers believe their findings can help women suffering from breast cancer to decide if reconstructive plastic surgery can be a part of their recovery.
The study, which involved 51 women who had free MS-TRAM or DIEP flap reconstruction (tissue grafted from the abdomen to create a breast mound), shows the positive emotional impact of reconstructive breast surgery on post-cancer patients. However, one downside is that majority have experienced muscle weakness in the abdominal area.
Some patients may have reconstructive plastic surgery right after their mastectomy, a procedure that completely or partially removes the breasts. However, others have to wait for a couple of months to make sure that their body has already fully recovered from the trauma caused by the initial surgery.
If there is a significant deformity, most plastic surgeons recommend tissue-based grafting in which they use a patient’s own tissue from the abdomen to create a breast mound. Meanwhile, the buttocks and back can also serve as a donor site to form new breast/s.
On the other hand, breast implant surgery may be enough for some patients especially if the initial surgery has left them with enough amount of breast tissue. This technique often leads to less scarring than if the tissue-based method is used, although it is not recommended for those who are left with little or no tissue.
One downside of implant surgery is that the breast which is not treated may “age” at a different pace than the one with the implant, resulting to asymmetrical look. For this reason, some patients may be recommended to have breast lift or other surgeries that can create a balance appearance.
Contrary to popular belief, breast implants do not pose a significant risk to post-cancer patients. First and foremost, there is a very little chance of cancer recurrence on the breasts that have already been treated with mastectomy.
