Reconstruction After Breast Cancer
- Posted on: Oct 15 2022
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month! It is a reminder to take good care of yourself and be on the lookout for this disease, but it is also a reminder to celebrate the overcoming of it. If you have lost a breast or breast tissue because of breast cancer, you may be thinking of having surgery to reconstruct the breast, and if so, you probably have some questions. Every patient is different, but here are some basic things about breast reconstruction to think about.
Some things you should know about breast reconstruction
Your doctor can answer your specific questions about the procedure, but here are a few things to think about:
• If you opt for breast implants as part of your reconstruction, there are three basic types to choose from: gummy bear, saline, and silicone gel. Your doctor will discuss with you the pros and cons of each and which one might be right for you.
• Even if you had cancer in only one breast, you might consider reconstruction on both breasts, so that the two will match in shape and size.
• You don’t have to hurry up and decide about breast reconstruction; you can have it done months or even years after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Some patients wait until any cancer treatment is complete.
• If they weren’t preserved during breast cancer treatment, the nipple and the areola can be reconstructed during the final stage of breast reconstruction.
• A breast reconstruction procedure rebuilds the shape of the breast but can’t restore sensation to the breast or the nipple, although some patients regain some sensation over time.
• Studies have shown that breast reconstruction after breast cancer doesn’t increase the chances of breast cancer recurring, and it also doesn’t make it more difficult to check for cancer in the future.
• Most women can get back to their regular activities about 6 to 8 weeks after breast reconstruction surgery.
Dr. David Altamira and his staff want you to know about all of your options for breast reconstruction after you’ve been through breast cancer. Contact the office in Sugar Land or Houston for a breast consultation. Call (713) 271-9000 today!
Posted in: Breast Reconstruction
