After mastectomy a woman can choose whether or not to have breast surgery to reconstruct her breasts
. This helps give her a more normal appearance, and restore her sense of femininity and often her self-esteem. The goal of breast reconstruction surgery is to restore the missing breast so it is the size and shape of the natural breast, and in some cases women decide to make their new bustline larger or smaller.
Breast reconstruction can be done either at the same time as a mastectomy or it can be performed afterwards. That is ultimately decided by a womans physician. During the surgery to reconstruct the breasts the patient is given general anesthesia. Breast reconstruction is done in a number of ways based on the individual patient. Patients either use their own tissue to rebuild the breast, or they use and implant.
If a patient chooses flap reconstruction, tissue will be removed from another part of their body and relocated to the breast area. The tissue is usually taken from the butt, abdomen, or back. This type of breast reconstruction will require more incisions and more scars. Breast implants require less, incisions and have a faster healing time.
After you have breast reconstruction surgery you will have sutures and bandages. After your sutures and bandages are removed, you will be required to wear a surgical bra. You will also be asked to avoid strenuous activity and raising your arms. All this helps promote optimal healing. Overall, healing from breast reconstruction takes about six weeks.
Many women worry about breast reconstruction surgery costs. In most cases the cost of breast reconstruction surgery is covered by health insurance. The government mandates that any insurance company the covers mastectomy must cover breast surgery for reconstruction. Beyond that the cost of breast reconstruction can vary greatly because each case is different.