Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction is and emotionally rewarding procedure for woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other condition. The creation of a new breast can dramatically improve your self image, self-confidence and quality of life.

 Breast Reconstruction is a good option for you if:

• You are able to cope well with your diagnosis and treatment.
• You don't have additional medical conditions or illnesses that may impair healing.
• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals for restoring you breast and body image.

 General Procedure:

Breast reconstruction typically involves several procedures performed in multiple stages. It can:

• Begin at the same time as mastectomy, or
• Be delayed until you heal from mastectomy and recover from any additional cancer treatments.

Step 1 - Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the one thats right for you.

Step 2 - Flap techniques reposition a woman's own muscle, fat and skin to create or cover the breast mound. Sometimes a mastectomy or radiation therapy will leave insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant. The use of a breast implant for reconstruction almost always requires a flap technique or tissue expansion. A TRAM flap uses donor muscle, fat and skin from a woman's abdomen to reconstruct the breast. The flap may either remain attached to the original blood supply and be tunneled up through the chest wall, or be completely detached, and formed into a breast mound.

Step 3 - Tissue expansion stretches healthy skin to provide coverage for a breast implant. Reconstruction with tissue expansion allows an easier recovery than flap procedures, but it is a more lengthy reconstruction process. It requires many office visits over 4-6 months after placement of the expander to slowly fill the device through an internal valve to expand the skin. A second surgical procedure will be needed to replace the expander if it is not designed to serve as a permanent implant.

Step 4 - Surgical placement of a breast implant creates a breast mound. A breast implant can be an addition or alternative to flap techniques. Saline and silicone implants are available for reconstruction. Your surgeon will help you decide what is best for you. Reconstruction with an implant usually requires tissue expansion.

Step 5 - Grafting and other specialized techniques create a nipple and areola. Breast reconstruction is completed through a variety of techniques that reconstruct the nipple and areola.

Recovery Process:

Following your surgery for flap techniques and/or the insertion of an implant, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the reconstructed breast. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. A pain pump may also be used to reduce the need for narcotics.

Be careful! following your physician's instructions is the key to the success of your surgery.