Breast Cancer Treatment – Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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 and care plan. This type of breast cancer surgery leaves most of the breast untouched. If a lumpectomy is not an option or you choose to have a mastectomy (i.e., removal of your breast) there are several after-care options for breast reconstruction using implants or your own tissue.

New approaches to breast cancer treatment and advances in breast reconstruction surgery can help you address the important issues involved in changes to your physical shape and form, in addition to the emotional concerns of your sexuality and womanhood.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the contour of your breast, along with the nipple and areola, if desired. There are two common types of reconstruction: saline breast implants and muscle flap reconstruction. In saline implants, a tissue expander is placed beneath the skin and chest muscle to stretch the skin before the implants are inserted. Muscle flap reconstruction involves your own tissue taken from your back, stomach or buttocks to rebuild the contour of your breast.

Your plastic surgeon at CTCA will help you decide the best type of reconstruction for your age and body type, and explain the risks and benefits of each. What is most important is that you have choices for your breast cancer care and after-care services. At CTCA, we advise you to consult with a reconstructive surgeon before your mastectomy, even if the reconstruction will be done later.

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Breast Cancer