What choices do I have after undergoing a mastectomy?
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Dr. Michele Manahan of Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Your surgeon can reconstruct your breasts in one of two ways: implants or flaps made of your own tissue.
- Implants - Made out of silicone or saline or a combination of both, your surgeon can insert implants during or after a mastectomy. Your surgeon places them underneath the chest muscle, as opposed to on top of it, as in the case of breast augmentation.
- Flaps - Plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in microsurgery perform flap procedures. During flap reconstruction, your surgeon creates a breast using tissue taken from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen, back, or buttocks, or thighs. Your surgeon then transplants the tissue to the chest by reconnecting the blood vessels to new ones in the chest region. Due to the high level of skill required for microsurgery, as well as the equipment and staff needed, these techniques are available only at specialized centers.
Most breast centers are still performing flap surgery the "old fashioned" way if they do not have surgeons with these skills. These older procedures (TRAM Flaps and latissimus dorsi flaps) result in the patient sacrificing either her abdominal muscles or her upper back muscles.
While those procedures were the best options decades ago, today we know that there is a higher risk of hernia, weakness, abdominal bulging, and limits on physical activity with these older procedures. At Johns Hopkins, our breast reconstructive surgeons will recommend the most advanced reconstructive surgery you can have, so you are assured of the best possible result.
Your surgeon can reconstruct your breasts in one of two ways: implants or flaps made of your own tissue. Implants - Made out of silicone or saline or a combination of both, your surgeon can insert implants during or after a mastectomy.... More -
Colleen Keelan - NASM Elite Trainer answered:If you a taking about reconstruction, you typically have three options:
- Go natural – Some women don’t want more surgery and are just fine
going natural. - Use prosthesis – It’s a breast form worn under your bra. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors. You can wear breast forms when you want with no
additional surgery required. - Reconstruction – This involves surgery to build up your breast. There are a couple of options here; expander/implant or a muscle flap procedure. These options are best discussed with your doctor as he/she can provide the pros and cons of each and help you decide the best option for you.
Speak with friends and family as well – they can provide a perspective you may not have considered when making this decision. Your loved ones will always have your best interest at heart.
If you a taking about reconstruction, you typically have three options: Go natural – Some women don’t want more surgery and are just finegoing natural. Use prosthesis – It’s a breast form worn under your bra. They come in... More - Go natural – Some women don’t want more surgery and are just fine
