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The goal of breast reconstruction after mastectomy is to provide the patient with a symmetrical appearance so that she feels more comfortable both in and out of clothing. Reconstruction also eliminates the need for limited clothing choices. Most important, many women find that reconstruction improves their emotional well being by minimizing the impact that surgery has had on their body image and lifestyle.
Most women who have had mastectomies can have breast reconstruction. Women who wish to have breast reconstruction need to find a board certified plastic surgeon who has had training in breast surgery and who performs breast reconstruction on a regular basis.
Some surgeons offer the option of reconstruction at the time of mastectomy while others prefer to wait until the woman has recovered from surgery and has had time to consider the decision. It is possible to have reconstruction any time after surgery, even years later.
Reconstruction usually involves the entire breast, including the nipple and areola. There are three main types of breast reconstruction: breast implant, tissue-expansion implant and tissue transfer.
As with any surgery, there are risks with breast reconstruction. One potential problem is that the body could reject the implant as a foreign substance. Of course, tissue transfers would not present this problem. Another possible problem is capsular contracture, the body's formation of scar tissue around an implant. This makes the implant unnaturally hard and may cause discomfort and disfigurement. Again, this is not a problem when the woman's own tissues are used. Scarring may also occur and women must realize that surgery cannot restore the sensations lost as a result of the mastectomy. Potential problems need to be weighted against the advantages of breast reconstruction: the minimization of any change in appearance resulting from a mastectomy.
The Moses Taylor HealthInfo Library has several books that
discuss breast reconstruction:
Rosenthal. The Breast Sourcebook, 1996 has a chapter titled "Reconstruction
and Alternatives" that gives detailed information on types
of reconstructive methods and advice on what to do if you opt
not to have reconstruction.
Phillips. Coping with Breast Cancer, 1998 has a clear description of prostheses and reconstruction techniques. Also discussed are pros and cons of reconsruction.
Zuckweiler, Living in the Postmastectomy Body, 1998 is probably the best source for reconstruction information from the HealthInfo Library. Sections include making the best decision, types of reconstruction, cautions about implants and using your own tissue.
All of these books and more are available for loan from the
Moses Taylor HealthInfo Library.
Call 340-2555 to reserve a title or stop in Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, Friday from 9-4 or on Wednesday from noon - 8 p.m..