What It Is, Why It Matters & An Intro to Autologous Breast Reconstruction
For many people, their cancer journey doesn’t end after treatment. The path forward often involves making deeply personal decisions about the future of their body and well-being. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches in October, there is one day dedicated to reconstruction that deserves our attention.
Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day falls on October 15 and is dedicated to educating women about their breast reconstruction options following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. BRA Day is also meant to increase access to these procedures and promote the safety and efficacy of reconstruction surgery. It’s a reminder that patients deserve options, support, and dignity at every stage of their cancer journey.
Whether you’re a patient, survivor, or looking to support a loved one, it’s important to be informed about breast reconstruction options. Our entire team at Rivé can help you feel confident in making the choice that’s right for you.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores the shape and size of one or both breasts after they have been fully or partially removed, a common treatment and/or preventative method for breast cancer.
For many people, breast reconstruction offers the opportunity to restore their confidence and self-image after the emotional and physical toll of breast cancer treatment. While not everyone who undergoes a mastectomy or lumpectomy chooses reconstruction, it’s beneficial to understand what options are available when it comes to making the best decision for you.
Breast Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
A mastectomy is used to treat breast cancer by surgically removing all breast tissue from a breast. Some patients undergo unilateral mastectomies (removing one breast), while others may have bilateral mastectomies (removing both).
Breast reconstruction can be done at the time of a mastectomy or can be delayed months or even years after. Immediate reconstruction may help reduce the number of surgeries needed, but delayed reconstruction may be advised if additional treatments like radiation are required.
Breast Reconstruction After a Lumpectomy
A lumpectomy surgery is a breast cancer treatment that removes cancer cells along with a small margin of healthy breast tissue. While this procedure preserves most of the breast, the amount of tissue that’s removed can vary. A lumpectomy can lead to changes in size, shape, or symmetry, especially after radiation therapy.
Some patients may choose a partial reconstruction technique such as oncoplastic surgery. This procedure involves techniques that rearrange nearby breast tissue to help restore the natural contour of your breast. An oncoplastic surgery is often immediately performed after a lumpectomy, though some patients choose to wait.
New Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Modern advancements in breast reconstruction surgery have provided patients with more personalized and natural-looking options than ever before.
The most common breast reconstruction technique uses saline or silicone implants to reconstruct your breasts. With a variety of shapes and sizes available, implants can help restore breast appearance that feels balanced and natural. Reconstruction using implants is less invasive and results in minimal scarring compared to autologous breast reconstruction. Even though the procedure is shorter than an autologous breast reconstruction, the implants may need to be replaced for various reasons, including rupture. Some patients may require additional surgeries to correct complications like capsular contracture, or shifting.
What Is Autologous Breast Reconstruction?
At Rivé, our surgeons will consider performing Autologous Breast Reconstruction, a process by which your breast is rebuilt from tissue that’s taken from another area of your body. Common places include your stomach, thighs, and back. This innovative technique allows your new breast to look and feel more natural, compared to traditional implants. While not all patients regain full sensation, the outcomes are often more promising compared to implants.
Our Breast Reconstruction Surgeons Are Here For You
Choosing breast reconstruction is a very personal decision. Your goals, lifestyle, and treatment plan all play a role in determining which type of reconstruction is right for you.
At Rivé, our double board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Eva Dentcheva and Dr. Richard Tyrell, will help you navigate your available options with expertise and empathy, and will ensure that you feel supported, confident, and well-informed throughout your decision making-process. Whether you’re considering immediate or delayed reconstruction, implants, or tissue-based reconstruction, our team is here to guide you through every step.
Healing is more than treatment. It’s about feeling whole again.
