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Delayed
Breast Reconstruction |
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The vast
majority of breast reconstruction operations are performed
months or even years after the mastectomy. This allows the skin
and scar tissue to soften and become more malleable. During this
time, a foam rubber external prosthesis may be worn inside your
bra, if desired, to simulate the lost breast. Some women start
to focus on other areas of life, no longer worrying about the
removed breast or its significance and becoming quite
comfortable with the external breast prosthesis. Others still do
not feel whole, find the external prosthesis bothersome, and
wish their breast to be restored.
Unlike immediate reconstruction, a separate operation is planned
to restore the breast mound. The procedure chosen will depend
upon the quality of remaining chest tissues (skin, fat and
muscle). The reconstructive choices are similar to that
discussed for immediate reconstruction. Frequently this, too,
will be staged, necessitating more than one operation to
complete the total process. An advantage of the delay is that is
allows the unsure woman time to think about her desire for
reconstruction and focus on one procedure, rather than two. The
disadvantages lie in having an additional operation apart from
the mastectomy and waiting a number of months for the chest
tissues to heal prior to the commencement of the restoration.
With reconstruction, these women now pass through another stage
in their overall treatment. The sense of bodily loss experienced
with the mastectomy is diminished. This change is not just a
physical alteration, as the new breast can bring psychological
benefits by improving self-esteem body image. Women have
reported that within months the reconstructed breast is accepted
by the mind as being a natural, integral part of the body.
If you have opted for a delayed breast reconstruction, now is
the time to meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss which
procedures will give you the best results. Many of these
decisions will be based upon your physical examination which
will determine the tissues that are available to enhance your
new breast. Your expectations and wishes will be discussed and
the major complications identified. The probable number of
operations needed, recovery time, and the aspects of healing are
also important parts of this discussion. This meeting should aim
to prepare you for the surgery, both physically and mentally.
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Roses Grown and Photographed By
Dr. Jeffrey Rosenthal |
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