Breast reconstruction, unlike breast augmentation surgery, is generally used for purely cosmetic reasons. Breast reconstruction involves the restoration of the breast to its normal shape, size and overall appearance.
During breast reconstruction surgery, the patient is under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon creates a skin flap to access the breast. Tissue is sculpted to create a natural looking breast. The skin is stretched to cover this new breast. Finally, a skin graft is used to create a nipple and areola, which leads to a natural appearance to the reconstructed breast.
There are several options when undergoing breast reconstruction. During the procedure, muscle, skin and fat will be relocated to cover the breast mound. Donor muscle, skin or fat from other parts of the body of patients, including the back or buttocks, may also be used to reconstruct the breast. In some cases, breast implants silicone or saline solution can also be used as an alternative to donor tissue.
Breast reconstruction is often chosen by women who have had a mastectomy or removal of the breast due to breast cancer or high risk of cancer due to family history. If before removing preventively or as a result of cancer, breast reconstruction surgery can help restore the natural appearance of the breasts, especially if the patient has had only one breast.
Breast reconstruction is subject when a partial or complete mastectomy has led to an unnatural breast, restoring a more womanly figure. Breast reconstruction is often combined with mastectomy itself, but can also be an option year after the initial procedure.
Despite the benefits of surgery for breast enlargement, there are some drawbacks. The reconstructed breast will never feel normal, and there will be some scars. However, construction can help breast cancer survivors feel normal after a mastectomy or other breast injury.
