What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds or reshapes the breast after a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (partial removal of breast tissue due to a tumour). This surgery offers options to restore breast shape and symmetry, either immediately after the mastectomy or at a later stage.
There are two main techniques for breast reconstruction:
- Implant reconstruction: Using silicone or saline implants to restore breast shape.
- Autologous (skin flap) surgery: Transferring tissue from another part of the body to recreate the breast.
In some cases, a combination of these techniques is used for optimal results.
Modern mastectomies are often skin-sparing, preserving the breast skin and reducing scarring for a more natural-looking reconstruction. Alternatively, some patients choose Aesthetic Flat Closure, where the chest wall is contoured and smoothed instead of reconstructing the breast.
Breast reconstruction can help restore physical balance and provide a sense of wholeness following cancer treatment.
What is involved in the Breast Reconstruction Procedure?
The approach to breast reconstruction depends on the chosen technique:
1 | Implant Reconstruction
- I begin by inserting a tissue expander under the skin or muscle. This expander gradually stretches the remaining tissue.
- Once it has healed, I inject saline or saltwater into the expander over several weeks until the breast reaches the desired size.
- At that stage, I replace the expander with a silicone or saline implant.
2 | Autologous (Skin Flap) Surgery
- I rebuild the breast by transferring tissue from the abdomen or other parts of the body.
- One approach is free-flap surgery, where I completely remove the tissue, including its blood vessels, and transfer it to the breast.
- The other is pedicle flap surgery, where the tissue remains attached to its blood supply and is rotated into position.
3 | Fat Grafting and Nipple Reconstruction
- Fat grafting may be required to refine the contour, soften the reconstruction, and build a new nipple.
- For this, I harvest fat via liposuction from areas where you wish to lose fat.
- The areola is later tattooed by a professional artist specialising in this type of reconstruction.
4 | Aesthetic Flat Closure
- For patients opting for Aesthetic Flat Closure, I work to smooth and contour the chest wall after removing the breast tissue.
- Excess skin is removed, and the area is carefully sutured to create a smooth, flat appearance.
- This can be done at the time of the mastectomy or later, depending on your preference and treatment plan.
Breast reconstruction is tailored to meet each patient’s aesthetic and reconstructive goals, helping restore their confidence and body balance after cancer treatment.
