Choosing between Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery and Implants
A breast cancer diagnosis can be a nightmare. The fear even increases knowing that mastectomy, the removal of one or both breasts, is needed to treat cancer is much more terrifying. Not only is the cancer diagnosis overwhelming for some women, but also the loss of one or both breasts.
Although no procedure is currently available to restore the emotional toll of a mastectomy, some developments have increased the range of reconstruction options for women in recent years.
Plastic surgeons have been working assiduously to improve reconstruction options, and myriads of these surgeons are innovators in the field.
There are also specially trained physicians in tattoo artistry. These specially trained physicians can create life-like 3D nipples and areolas for copious patients annually.
The Goals of Breast Reconstruction and Factors to Consider When Making a Recommendation
Breast reconstruction aims to examine and fix the breast mound or mounds and obtain symmetry. The breast surgeons who perform mastectomies, breast reconstruction plastic surgeons, and realistic nipple tattoos work closely with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and patients. That will help develop the best surgical treatment.
The Factors to Consider in Making Recommendations to Patients
- Type, stage, and location of the breast cancer
- Type of the body
- The patient’s health status
- More therapy is potentially needed before or after surgery
- The patient’s choice of surgery she wants
What a Breast Implantation Reconstruction Procedure Entails
For many patients, implant surgery involves two steps which are:
- Surgeons place a tissue expander beneath or on top of the pectoralis muscle in the chest during a mastectomy. The surgeon in charge will divulge the choice of the best approach.
- During the recovery period, after a couple of weeks, saline slowly fills the expander. The reason is for the muscle and skin to stretch out.
Who are the Suitable Candidates for Breast Implant Reconstruction?
Slimmer women who have B-cup breasts are the best candidates for implants. There is a reduction in the natural breast when fuller-breasted women receive a unilateral mastectomy.
Some other procedures can be needed along the line in case an implant leaks or gets infected. That does not debunk the fact that implants make provision for good outcomes that many women can bank on.
What are the Dangers Related to Breast Implants and Cancer?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in minute instances in the scar tissue of women who underwent implantation.
What Soft Tissue Flap Breast Reconstruction Surgery Entails
Flap reconstruction employs the tissue of a woman to reconstruct the breast. Some factors determine the choice of the environment and technique to choose the tissue and skin.
You can choose from the following methods.
- TRAM Flap (Abdominal Muscle) Breast Reconstruction
- DIEP and Free TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction
- Thigh and Buttock Flap Breast Reconstruction
Benefits of utilizing one’s tissue for breast reconstruction
- It makes the breast feel natural
- The flap is the best choice for large and soft breast
Potential Dangers Associated with Flap Surgery
One of the risks associated with flap surgery is that it takes longer during the procedure. Another risk is that where the tissues get removed tends to be compromised.
Though all patients are considered potential candidates for breast reconstruction surgery, older people and people with advanced diseases are not candidates.
The Choice Between Before or After Mastectomy as the Best Time for Breast Reconstruction
“Reconstruction is done best at the time of mastectomy. The reason is that it permits patients to return to their previous lives faster,” says Dr. Sacha Obaid of North Texas Plastic Surgery.
Also Read: The Importance of Reliable Radon Testing Equipment for a Healthy Home