Breast Reconstruction Myths Debunked
Myth #1
You'll need to wait until after the mastectomy before having breast
reconstruction.
FALSE! Immediate breast reconstruction can usually be
performed at the same time as the mastectomy and generally leads to the best
cosmetic results. Most women with early breast cancer (stage 1 or 2) are
candidates. Immediate breast reconstruction has the advantages of saving the
natural breast skin and decreasing the amount of scarring. Enabling the patient
to wake up after surgery with breasts and avoiding the experience of a flat
chest is also an added benefit to having reconstruction performed at the same
time as the mastectomy.
Myth #2
Breast reconstruction is not an option for women who have
radiation.
FALSE! Whether a patient is having radiation or not, breast
reconstruction is always an option. For patients who will have/have undergone
radiation, our surgeons recommend flap based breast reconstruction due to the
high complication rates associated with implants in conjunction with radiation.
Reconstruction is usually delayed until after the mastectomy and radiation have
been completed. Unlike radiation, the plan for chemotherapy alone does not
usually delay reconstruction.
Myth #3
Breast implants are the only option for breast reconstruction.
FALSE! When most women think about reconstruction, they
automatically think breast implants. There are many reconstruction options
available to women today. Microsurgical breast reconstruction using perforator
flaps (e.g. DIEP flap, SIEA flap, GAP flap, etc.) represents the state of the
art in reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Flap surgery uses the patient’s
own tissue from other areas (like the tummy, buttock or thigh) to recreate a
“natural,” warm, soft breast. Flaps also avoid the long term problems associated
with implants - many implant patients require further surgery within ten years
because of implant-related problems like significant hardening (capsular
contracture).
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