Breast reconstruction is intended for breast cancer patients who had to undergo a mastectomy (removal of a entire breast) or a deforming lumpectomy (removal of just the cancerous area). Breast cancer can be devastating. Even after recovering from it, you might never feel the same. At times, concern for your health can overshadow the emotions that come with losing a breast. Living a long, cancer free, life is the most important goal, but wanting to hold on to your femininity may be just as essential to your wellbeing. An estimated 300,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every year. So, you are not alone. Many women experience the breast deformity (that invariably accompanies modern cancer treatment) to be an assault at the very core of their self-esteem. While breast reconstruction after a mastectomy offers only a cosmetic solution, it might be something that truly helps to boost your self-esteem and return to your feminine confidence. This is why breast reconstruction surgery is so widely sought after.
Going for a surgical breast reconstruction is a personal choice that many surgeons may be ready to discuss with you. However, all too often they lack the experience, resources and determination to offer you the best possible cosmetic solution. Whereas acceptance and popularity for breast reconstructive surgery has grown rapidly, the competent provision of good reconstructive surgery could not keep up with this increased demand. This is why dreadful disappointment may be the result of a longwinded treatment, a failure failing to live up to its promise. We see patients regularly, who feel cosmetic insult has been added to their injury, rather than the promise of a “nice new breast”. Principal considerations: Knowing your individual reconstruction options before surgery will help you to prepare for a mastectomy with a more realistic outlook for the future.
Practical decisions about reconstructive surgery depend on many personal factors such as:
1. Over-all health
2. Stage of breast cancer
3. Breast size and shape
4. Amount of tissue available (for example, very thin women may not have enough extra body tissue to make flap grafts)
5. Need for reconstructive surgery on both breasts
6. Insurance coverage for the unaffected breast
7. Your own preference of procedure
8. Size, position and shape desired
9. Your desire to match the look of the other breast
Only after full exploration you will be able to make the best choice for your body and your life after cancer. Research has shown that the more informed you are upfront, the better your plan will be.