QUESTION: Despite all my precautions and frequent checkups, I was found to have breast cancer about a year ago, and had to have my breast removed.
At that time, I only thought of ridding myself of the disease, but now my thoughts have turned to the possibility of plastic repair.
What are my odds of having things a bit like they were before?
ANSWER: Plastic repair, or more correctly breast reconstruction, holds real promise for anyone who has gone through the trial of breast cancer surgery. The odds are making all as it was depends upon several factors, including the type of operation, the extent of the surgery, the method of reconstruction that may be useful in your case, and to a great extent your own expectations and feelings about what might be considered as cosmetically acceptable.
The discussions you must have with your own surgeon should be based upon a full understanding of the procedure, and what achievements may reasonably be expected.
If you hold your hopes too high, your odds of being satisfied after all is done may swing against you.
The most common and frequently performed technique uses a silicone implant to replace lost tissue.
It requires that there be a sufficient amount of skin and other tissue available to cover the implant, and provide a natural appearance.
When there is too little tissue to permit this approach, a hollow prosthesis may be inserted.
Fluid is injected into this bladder like device over time, increasing its size and making space for a permanent implant to be placed later.
A third, more costly and difficult procedure uses muscle and tissue from other parts of the body, buttocks, abdomen or back to construct a living breast that may look quite natural.
This operation is called the free flap approach, and requires a bit of time to accomplish.
All methods are useful in responding to the desires of patients such as yourself to put things back "a bit like they were before".
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
