Question 1

when should someone have breast reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Timing Breast op: After your growth spurt has stopped or at least 2 years after the start of your monthly cycle. Best to seek only in person opinions from boarded Plastic Surgeons in your area/city/state.

Question 2

what are pros and cons for breast reconstruction.?

Accepted Answer

Breasreconstruction : Breast reconstruction can be done at the time of mastectomy or after if that is the patients choice. If a patient has heart or lung problems these have to be evaluated before hand by specialists. Other medical problems and medications are evaluated as well. There also a number of options like fat grafting, one stage implant recon and the diep flap.  We have many options to offer women for recon.

Question 3

should i consider breast reconstruction after masectomy?

Accepted Answer

Breast reconst: This is a personal preference of the patient.
The options should be discussed with a board certified plastic surgeon, also do not be afraid to ask how many have you done.
Stay informed.

Question 4

how well does breast reconstruction work after cancer?

Accepted Answer

Compared to...: ....Mastectomy without reconstruction, excellent!  when considering breast reconstruction following mast-x, it's critical to understand what the surgery can and cannot do.This is best done by looking at photographs of women who have had the same procedure by the same surgeon. Unfortunately, one will not have the same look, feel, or sensation as before surgery, but it can help many cope w/the loss.

Question 5

is there such a thing as a breast reconstruction surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Not really, because: Almost all plastic surgeons perform some type of breast reconstruction. There are some who specialize in this area who may perform more complex types of reconstruction. Your surgeon should be certified by the american board of plastic surgery and have an interest and experience in breast reconstruction.

Question 6

what is involved with post mastectomy breast reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Lots of options: Reconstruction can be performed either immediately (begun) at the time of mastectomy or later after recovery.  The two main techniques are either using implants with or without tissue expansion and using your own body tissue.  You should consult with at least one plastic surgeon at the recommendation of your primary physician, ob/gyn or breast surgeon.  A team approach is best.

Question 7

is breast reconstruction done the same way as a cosmetic job?

Accepted Answer

Breast reconstructio: There are several answers one is depends if you have enough skin that we can insert  a tissue expander which you would come in weekly to get saline placed in it to expand the skin. After 6 weeks we place the implant.

Question 8

is there a chance of getting cancer in the tissue of the breast reconstruction?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: Breast cancer can come back even after a mastectomy. The risk is very low and is the same whether you have breast reconstruction or not. Breast reconstruction does not increase cancer recurrence. It cannot cause a new cancer since no breast tissue is used in the reconstruction. However, recurrent breast cancer can grow into surrounding tissues, including the chest tissues and reconstructed breast.

Question 9

will breast reconstruction leave scars on other areas of my body from borrowed tissue?

Accepted Answer

It can: There are 2 main options for reconstructive breast surgery: breast implants or your own tissue. Tissue options involve moving skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, from other parts of the body. These "flap" techniques do leave scars where the tissue was taken from. Another tissue option in select cases is using fat alone which is obtained via liposuction which leaves very small, imperceptible scars.

Question 10

is it normal to leave a breast expander in for 11 months for a breast reconstruction for a 34 b size without complications, no chemo no tissue probs?

Accepted Answer

In some cases: There are indications to leave an expander in for a longer time than usual. Especially if you are undergoing chemo or radio therapy treatments .  Unless there are infections or soft tissue problems it should not cause any long term issues. This is something you need to discuss with your plastic surgeon, so as to plan your subsequent procedures.

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Doctor answers about:

Breast reconstruction and infection

A member asked:

When should someone have breast reconstruction?

A member asked:

What are pros and cons for breast reconstruction.?

A member asked:

Should i consider breast reconstruction after masectomy?

A member asked:

How well does breast reconstruction work after cancer?

A member asked:

Is there such a thing as a breast reconstruction surgeon?

A member asked:

What is involved with post mastectomy breast reconstruction?

A member asked:

Is breast reconstruction done the same way as a cosmetic job?

A member asked:

Is there a chance of getting cancer in the tissue of the breast reconstruction?

A member asked:

Will breast reconstruction leave scars on other areas of my body from borrowed tissue?

A member asked:

Is it normal to leave a breast expander in for 11 months for a breast reconstruction for a 34 b size without complications, no chemo no tissue probs?

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