1) WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION (BREAST FORMING AFTER MASTECTOMY)? WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO THE PATIENT?
Breast reconstruction is the breast reconstruction surgery after the removal of the breast due to a tumour or another disease. Thanks to the new technologies in medicine, a breast which is very similar to a natural breast can be created. By means of this surgery, our patients do not experience the absence of a breast which is a very important organ for women. This is both a mood booster for the patient during the later challenging treatment period and allows our patients to wear comfortable clothes and underwear.
2) WHEN SHOULD BREAST RECONSTRUCTION BE PERFORMED?
Nowadays, these surgeries can be performed simultaneously with the breast removal surgery (Mastectomy) in eligible patients. Thus, when the patient’s surgery ends, she has a new breast and is freed from psychological distress that can be caused by a breast-less period. This procedure is performed in the late period in patients whose breast is completely removed. Depending on the post-mastectomy treatment course of the patient, it can be performed in an appropriate time (on average 2 years later) scheduled by oncologists.
3) WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF THE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION?
Breast reconstruction methods are generally divided into two: the breast reconstruction with breast implants and flap procedures using the patient’s own tissues. Mostly, the tissues that are transplanted from the abdominal and back region of the patient to the breast area are preferred. Also, in cases where the entire breast is not removed, the breast can be repaired by tissues prepared from the intramammary tissues or in cases of large breasts by breast reduction techniques. The most appropriate method is decided depending on the type of the tumour along with the structure of the breast with the consultation of the breast surgeon.