Breast Reconstruction Using Implants
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is performed for reconstructing the breast in women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer. It is also an effective solution for women with conditions such as congenital absence of breast or abnormalities of the breast.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery Reconstruction of the breast can be done in two ways: breast reconstruction using implants and breast reconstruction with autologous tissue. Both methods can produce good aesthetic results. The autologous tissue method is the natural alternative in which the patient’s own tissue is used for the reconstruction. The other more popular method is breast reconstruction using implants, which is simple and requires less donor site morbidity on the part of patients. With this method, the breasts can be reconstructed effectively and there is no need of prolonged hospitalization. When provided by a reliable and experienced plastic surgeon, this method presents minimal complications/risks.
Breast Reconstruction with Implants Reconstruction of the breasts can be done either immediately after mastectomy or at a later stage. For immediate reconstruction, the plastic surgeon would perform the first stage of surgery to reconstruct the breast during the time of the mastectomy. The surgeon may utilize a method called skinsparing mastectomy to save sufficient breast skin to cover the reconstruction. Another type of reconstruction is that which is provided using tissue expanders and breast implants. There are 2 procedures involved.
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The chest skin and soft tissue are expanded with the help of the expander prosthesis. The tissue expander is a silicone bag filled with saline and is placed in the area at the time of mastectomy. Every few weeks, the patient will have to visit the plastic surgery center to get the sterile fluid injected into the expander.
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Once the appropriate expansion is achieved, the expander is removed. In its place, the surgeon would insert a suitable breast implant.
Once the chest heals from reconstruction surgery and the patient has completed adjuvant therapy, the surgeon would reconstruct the nipple and areola.
Breast Reconstruction – Some Considerations For breast reconstruction with implants, enough skin and muscle must remain after mastectomy to cover the implant. This is a shorter surgical procedure compared to reconstruction using autologous tissue and blood loss is less. The recovery period is also usually shorter. Some complications that have been observed with breast implant reconstruction are infection, hematoma within the reconstructed breast, implant rupture, implant extrusion and formation of hard scar tissue around the implant. Overall, breast reconstruction using implants has several advantages. No significant pain is experienced and there is no need of other areas of the body to undergo surgery. There is limited scarring as well. However, in case of complications, future surgery may be required. An experienced surgeon should be consulted for the same.
About Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery Houston Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery is an established surgical center based in Houston Texas. We offer effective cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. For more details, visit www.hpcsurgery.com.
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6400 Fannin, Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 Ph: 713-791-0700 Fax: 713-719-0703