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Breast Reconstruction

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to provide aesthetic and functional repair to individuals who have had part or all of their breast removed, usually after cancer treatment. This procedure means reshaping and reconstructing the lost breast. Breast reconstruction aims to support the patient’s physical and emotional recovery and can be performed as part of the treatment process.

Who is suitable for breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is usually suitable for patients with the following conditions:

  1. Those with Breast Cancer: Patients who have had a mastectomy (removal of the breast) during cancer treatment are suitable candidates for breast reconstruction.
  2. Genetic Risks: Patients who carry a genetic predisposition to breast cancer and have undergone prophylactic mastectomy (breast removal before cancer develops) may also consider breast reconstruction.
  3. Breast Losses: Patients who have lost a breast due to accident or trauma may consider reconstruction for physical comfort as well as aesthetic appearance.
  4. Breastfeeding Difficulty or Abnormal Breast Development: In such cases, breast shaping can be performed if necessary.

The reconstruction procedure is determined in line with the patient’s general health status, treatment process, psychological state and the surgeon’s recommendations.

What are the Risks in Breast Reconstruction?

As with any surgical procedure, there may be some risks and complications in breast reconstruction:

  1. Infection: There may be a risk of infection during the surgical procedure or during the healing process. Infection may delay the healing process.
  2. Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after surgery. This may require additional intervention.
  3. Scarring: Scars that may form after surgery usually fade over time, but in some cases may be permanent.
  4. Tissue Death (Necrosis): Tissue death may occur as a result of insufficient nutrition of the breast tissue or skin tissue. This can negatively affect the reconstruction process.
  5. Implant Problems: In cases where prostheses are used, problems such as implant slippage, leakage or infection may occur.
  6. Symmetry Problems: An aesthetic result that is not compatible with the other breast may occur. Additional correction surgeries may be required to ensure symmetry.

What are the Prosthesis Types in Breast Reconstruction?

The prostheses used in breast reconstruction can be of different types. The most common prosthesis types are as follows:

  1. Silicone Implants: It is the most preferred prosthesis type. Silicone implants provide a feeling similar to natural breast tissue. There are both round and anatomical (drop-shaped) options.
  2. Saline (Saline) Implants: These are implants with saline water instead of silicone. However, they may feel less natural than silicone implants.
  3. Tissue Expander Implants: Initially a small tissue expander is placed and over time this expander is enlarged by the surgeon by adding more volume. The final implant is then placed.
  4. Autologous Tissue Use: Sometimes breast reconstruction is performed using the body’s own tissues (fat or tissue taken from areas such as the abdomen, back, thighs) instead of implants. This method can provide a more natural appearance.

How are breast reconstruction (repair) surgeries performed?

Breast reconstruction surgery is usually performed in the following stages:

  1. Surgical Planning: If a mastectomy will be performed during breast cancer treatment, the surgeon determines an appropriate timing for reconstruction. It is also possible to perform breast reconstruction during mastectomy (such as placing temporary implants). Alternatively, it can be done as a separate procedure after mastectomy.
  2. Tissue Expander or Implant Placement: If a tissue expander is used, the tissue expander is placed first and volume begins to be added. This may take several weeks. Then, the final prosthesis is placed.
  3. Use of Autologous Tissue: If the body’s own tissue is to be used, it is taken from a designated area (e.g. abdomen, back or thigh) and transplanted into the breast. This procedure requires sutures at the tissue harvest site.
  4. Final Touches: Once the breast reconstruction is complete, the surgeon can make corrections to ensure the symmetry of the breast from an aesthetic point of view.
  5. Management of Scars: Postoperative scars are carefully placed by the surgeon. However, the scars will fade over time.
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