Breast Reconstruction Techniques

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

Breast Reconstruction Techniques

There are two main techniques which can be used to perform breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the ideal option for you based on the size and shape of your breasts, your aesthetic goals, and any extenuating health issues. The two breast reconstruction options are:

Breast reconstruction using tissue expanders and breast implants

Tissue flap procedures

Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Expanders and Breast Implants

If your plastic surgeon chooses to perform breast reconstruction using breast implants, you will first need tissue expanders to create a space for your implant. Tissue expanders are balloon-like devices which are used to expand the breast skin and chest muscle. Over the course of several months, the tissue expander will be gradually filled with saline solution to create the desired pocket to house the breast implant. Once this process is complete, your plastic surgeon can place the breast implant.

In some cases, acellular collagen matrix may be used in conjunction with tissue expanders to help create the pocket for your breast implant. Acellular collagen matrix is a processed collagen filler material with all cellular material taken out. It can be attached to the sides of your breast muscle to increase the size of the pocket which will hold the implant. This is particularly useful for women with small breasts.

Breast Reconstruction with Tissue Flap Procedures

In the tissue flap technique, a section of skin, fat, and muscle is taken from one region of your body and placed in your breast region to rebuild the breast mound. Your plastic surgeon will generally move tissue from one of the following areas:

Abdomen

Upper back

Upper hip

Buttocks

Sometimes, the tissue will be moved with the blood supply still attached. Other times, the tissue will be completely removed, and the blood supply will be surgically reattached when the tissue is placed in the breast region. The second method is a longer and more extensive procedure.

You will need to stay at the hospital for a longer period of time if you undergo a tissue flap procedure. Furthermore, it will result in a longer recovery period than breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and breast implants. You may also experience additional scarring.

At your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will review each of these options with you in great detail before recommending the appropriate technique for your unique circumstances.

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