Breast Cancer Surgery – Breast Reconstruction
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Reconstructive Surgery for Breast Cancer
Many women living with breast cancer are choosing breast-conserving surgery (such as a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy) as part of their breast cancer treatment plan. In this type of breast cancer surgery, your surgeon removes the tumor and leaves most of the breast untouched.
Sometimes, women have a mastectomy, which involves the surgical removal of all or portions of the breast.
To help rebuild the shape of the breast after surgery, CTCA offers several options for breast reconstruction. Our surgeons also excel in oncoplastic surgery, which combines a series of techniques to remove tumors using both general and plastic surgery principles.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the contour of the breast, along with the nipple and areola, if desired. There are two common types of reconstruction: saline breast implants and muscle flap reconstruction (using your own tissue).
- Saline breast implants involves placing a tissue expander beneath the skin and chest muscle to stretch the skin before inserting implants in the breast.
- Muscle flap reconstruction involves removing your own tissue (from your back, stomach or buttocks) to rebuild the contour of the breast. For instance, our surgeons can perform tram flaps (transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap), where the skin and soft tissues from the belly are used to reconstruct the breast.
If you choose to have breast reconstruction surgery, your CTCA surgeon will help you decide the best type of reconstruction for your age and body type, and explain the risks and benefits of each. Your surgeon will perform the reconstruction either immediately following the surgery, or as a separate procedure.
Meeting Your Individual Needs
Before your breast cancer surgery, you will consult with your reconstructive surgeon, even if the reconstruction will be performed later. You surgeon, along with the rest of your CTCA breast cancer team, will explain what you can expect, answer your questions, and help you feel comfortable with the upcoming procedure.
During breast reconstruction, your surgeon will carefully reshape the remaining breast tissue. Our advanced breast reconstruction methods help to minimize scarring and maintain as much of the breast tissue as possible. Oftentimes, we are able to preserve the shape of the breast and salvage nipple tissue.
Your CTCA care team also understands that breast cancer surgery can have psychological consequences as well. Changes to your physical shape and form can raise concerns about your sexuality and womanhood. Your care team includes mind-body therapists, image enhancement specialists, and spiritual counselors to help address these issues and enhance your overall well-being.
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