Breast reconstruction surgeries are meant to restore shape after a woman has undergone specific treatment, such as cancer surgery. You need to consult your doctor when choosing the best reconstruction technique. Book an appointment with Matthew J. Lynch, MD, the best East Windsor, NJ breast reconstructive surgeon, if you need to restore natural appearance and confidence. Depending on your condition, the doctor will choose either a breast implant or a flap reconstruction. Below is all the information you need to know about these procedures.
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Who is the right candidate for breast reconstruction?
The doctor will recommend a breast reconstruction surgery if you can handle diagnosis and treatment and you do not have a medical condition that will affect healing. They will also look at your goals to ensure they are realistic, and that the procedure will give you a positive outlook. Before the procedure, it is essential to know that you will not regain sensation, and you may be left with incision lines in certain donor areas like the buttocks and abdomen.
Preparing for breast reconstruction
During your initial session, the doctor will discuss the advantages of various procedures to help you choose the best one. They may even show you results from previous reconstructions to give you a broader picture. You will be required to quit lifestyle behaviors such as smoking that harm surgical outcomes. Additionally, the doctor will offer guidelines on medications, eating, and drinking changes that you should implement before your next appointment.
The procedure
As discussed, there are two main techniques used to restore the shape and appearance of breasts. They include:
1. Breast implants
A breast implant procedure uses tissue expanders before inserting the actual implants. The doctor will then insert a round silicone filled with silicone gel or salt water. These are the options that have been proven to be effective and safe for use in the human body. If your nipple was also removed during mastectomy, the doctor will recreate a new areola using surgical techniques.
2. Flap reconstruction
Here, the doctor uses tissue from your own body to reconstruct your breast. This may include tissues from the abdomen in a procedure known as transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM). They may also use back-to-chest tissues or abdominal tissue, but this time, they spare the rectum. The surgeon will use anesthesia to ease your discomfort during the entire procedure.
Recovery from a breast reconstruction
The doctor will prescribe pain medications to alleviate discomforts during recovery. Patients have also reported feeling sore and tired after surgery, but the feeling goes away after some time. Until you are fit to resume normal activities, you are advised to keep off from strenuous activities such as lifting heavy loads. Complete recovery may take about six weeks.
A breast reconstruction surgery will improve your contour, symmetry, and eliminate the hustle of using an external prosthesis. Dr. Matthew J. Lynch, MD gives you comprehensive guidance and uses advanced surgical techniques to ensure proper healing. He also offers follow-up services until you are fully fit. Book an appointment today for personalized care.