Could anyone give advice on breast reconstruction?

Recon. Experts: Breast reconstruction advice should come from the person that can actually perform breast reconstruction. Board certified plastic surgeons are the experts in breast reconstruction and this would be the best source for you to obtain advice.

Breast recon: You need to be seen by a plastic surgeon who performs breast reconstruction for advice. There are many different options to reconstruct the breast ranging from implants to using your own tissue. The discussion is a lengthy one. Your plastic surgeon needs to know your medical history and examine you to help you decide the best option for you. Ww5.Komen.Org/breastcancer/breastreconstruction.Html.

Plastic Surgeon: You should see a plastic surgeon to seek advice. There are many modalities of breast reconstruction. An experienced plastic surgeon will help guide you as to which option is best for your unique situation.

Consider all: Consider all the options. Reconstruction is dependent on patient preference, physician comfort/experience, and what the 'cancer tells us we have to do'. The latter refers to adjuvant therapies that affect the choices and timing. Microsurgical techniques of borrowing tissues from different areas of the body can be superior to implant choices. Consult a microsurgeon who can offer all the options.

Talk to a specialist: Breast reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue (from another part of the body) or a breast implant. More than 1 surgery is usually needed to complete the reconstruction. The degree of scarring, recovery and risks vary depending on the procedure. The nipple and areola can also be reconstructed. A board certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction is the best person to see.

Long talk: This is an hour talk for me for a first visit. Basically 2 main routes, tissue expander/implant vs. Using your own tissue to make a new breast. One is not "better" than the other. Each has its own good and bad points, and one method may be better for you as an individual. History or need for radiation or being a current smoker will limit your reconstructive options and increase complications.

Breast Cancer: The reconstructive technique used works in concert with the mastectomy performed by the breast surgeon. Problems related to surgery are not to be minimized but are the same for virtually every procedure. Specific operations have specific risk such as a mastectomy can result in some skin loss. An infection can lead to removal of an implant. A fat injection can clump and lead to necrosis.

Implants or Tissue: Options for breast reconstruction following mastectomy are: 1) Tissue expanders followed by implants, 2) Tissue flap reconstruction, including TRAM, DIEP flap, and other flaps, 3) Combination of flap and implant (latissimus + implant), and 4) Prosthesis -- meaning no reconstruction and wearing a prosthesis. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type. Have a discussion with your surgeon.