1. Get Your Look Back
Breast reconstruction restores a natural look to a woman who has had a mastectomy because of breast cancer. Most women who have had a mastectomy can have successful reconstructive surgery. If you have already had a mastectomy and you're now thinking about breast reconstruction, you should discuss it with both your cancer physician and a plastic surgeon. If you will soon undergo a mastectomy, there is a possibility you can have the reconstructive surgery while you are still under anesthesia from the mastectomy. Even if you decide to wait until later, it's helpful to have your plastic surgeon as part of your treatment team from the beginning.
2. Best Choice for You
Work with your plastic surgeon to determine the best type of reconstruction for you. There are several to consider, with the most common being a saline-filled implant. Other types of reconstruction involve using tissue from your stomach, thighs or buttocks. To reconstruct the nipple and areola, you will need to have a separate operation. It may be possible to do this follow-up procedure in an outpatient surgery center.
3. Get the 411
Ask as many questions as you want to before having reconstructive surgery. You will need a board-certified plastic surgeon that has experience with this kind of surgery. You can look on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website to get this information, and your cancer doctor can also make recommendations. When you meet with your plastic surgeon, it's a good idea to record the conversation or bring a family member with you to help you remember all the details.
4. Out and About
You need about six to eight weeks to recover from breast reconstructive surgery. You will feel sore for a couple of weeks, but your surgeon can prescribe medication, which should take care of most of the pain. Although the scars will never go away, they should fade considerably within two years.
5. Help for a Fragile Self-image
Breast reconstruction can do a lot for your self-image, which can suffer after a mastectomy. Your breasts will look natural when you are clothed, although you will be able to see a difference when you are nude. The emotional aspects of breast cancer can be more difficult to deal with the physical ones. Reconstructive surgery may help you get back to normal after a bout with cancer. Ask your doctor for names of other women who have had reconstructive surgery. The American Cancer Society can help you find support groups for women who have experienced your situation.
