Breast Reconstruction

Those diagnosed with breast cancer have a variety of treatment options, and those who decide to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy may wonder how they will feel complete once the surgery is complete. A breast reconstruction surgery can help those who underwent a mastectomy, lumpectomy, and even those who were born with congenital deformities regain some of their confidence and feel whole once more.

At The Vu Center, we understand that our patients may be going through a difficult time emotionally, especially if they choose breast reconstruction. For this reason, our promise is to be there for our patients every step of the way. We want to help you regain your confidence and feel comfortable in your own skin, which is why we offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgeries at our Portland plastic surgery clinic. Continue reading below to learn more about our breast reconstruction procedure, and give us a call to schedule a consultation.

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Who Is a Good Candidate?

Because breast reconstruction can be an emotional decision, we want each and every one of our patients to feel comfortable with their choice. We ask that those considering this procedure are doing it for themselves and not to please someone else. We also recommend going into the procedure with reasonable expectations, as not all results will be the same.

With that in mind, we believe that ideal candidates for breast reconstruction are people who:

  • Are able to cope with their diagnosis and treatment
  • Have a positive outlook for restoring their breasts and body image
  • Do not have additional medical conditions or other illnesses that may cause complications during the healing process

At The Vu Center, we understand that breast reconstruction cannot replace what you have lost. However, it’s important that all of our patients understand that a reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation and feel as a natural breast and that some visible incision will always be present on the breast, as well as on donor sites such as the abdomen, buttocks, and back.

Preparing for the Procedure

The first step to a breast reconstruction procedure is to schedule a consultation with your surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your surgical goals, previous surgeries, medical history, and any other information that may be pertinent to the surgery. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions regarding the procedure to help you feel more comfortable and ease any nerves that you may be feeling. At the end of the consultation, your doctor will work with you to schedule a date and time for your procedure and provide you with a list of instructions that you should follow to reduce the risk of complications during your surgery.

The Procedure

Breast reconstructions are performed while the patient is under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation — your doctor will advise you on the best option for you. Once the medication is administered, the surgeon will begin the procedure.

There are a few different options for how the surgeon can perform breast reconstruction. In some cases, the mastectomy or radiation won’t leave enough tissue on the chest to cover or support a breast implant. In this case, the surgeon will need to recover tissue and/or muscle from somewhere else on the patient’s body. The doctor usually takes tissue and muscle from somewhere on the abdomen or back of the patient. Your surgeon will discuss the technique they feel is best during your consultation.

The next step of the procedure is to surgically place the breast implant and reconstruct the nipple and areola. There are many choices to consider when choosing a breast implant, and your surgeon will go over those options with you in person. To create the nipple and areola, the surgeon will usually create the nipple by folding the skin and tattooing the area around the nipple to create the areola. However, there are many different methods, and your surgeon may have another suggestion that will work best for you.

Recovery

Following your surgery, your surgeon will place gauze or bandages on your incisions, and you may be required to wear an elastic bandage or a support bra to minimize swelling. It’s normal for patients to feel tired and sore for a few weeks following their surgery. It’s important to give your body time to heal, and it’s recommended that patients take it easy for about six weeks before returning to normal activity.

Before you go home, your surgeon will provide you with a list of instructions that you should follow to ensure that you heal properly. We want to make sure that you are completely comfortable with the recovery process before and after you leave, so make sure to ask any questions or give us a call once you are home.

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Breast reconstruction is a great option following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, and our board-certified surgeons promise to be there for you through every step of the process. If you have questions about the procedure or you feel ready to schedule a consultation, give us a call. We look forward to helping you!

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