Breast reconstruction surgery: what’s real and what’s not?
Published on: Friday, January 06, 2023
By: FMT Reporters
Text Size:
Patients who have had breast reconstruction can get on with daily activities such as going to the gym or swimming, or attending functions in their favourite dress. (Envato Elements pic)
The most common reason for reconstruction is to recreate a mound after native breast tissue is removed following cancer treatment (mastectomy).
Other candidates include those with developmental problems leading to underdeveloped or asymmetrical breasts; those who have suffered burn trauma; and those who have lost their breasts from severe infections.
“Such surgery can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and boost overall self-esteem,” according to Dr Jeffrey Chan, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from a medical centre in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
“Patients who have had breast reconstruction are happier because they can get on with their daily activities such as going to the gym or swimming, or attending functions in their favourite dress.”
Here, Chan sets the record straight regarding breast reconstruction.
Myth: Breast implants are the only reconstruction option
Reconstruction techniques can be broadly divided into two major categories: implant- or tissue-based. With the latter, the surgeon uses tissue from other parts of the patient’s body and transfers it to the chest to build a breast mound.
“Using the patient’s own tissues gives a more natural feel and look,” Chan explained. “Tissue-based reconstruction is expected to last for a lifetime and does not require revision once completed.
“In contrast, patients with implant-based reconstruction frequently require further revisional surgeries later in life.”
Your plastic surgeon will provide a range of suitable options for breast reconstruction, which will also depend on your body type, medical history, and previous surgeries.
Myth: Breasts will not be equal after reconstruction
As a woman’s own natural breasts are never equal, it can be a challenge to match a reconstructed breast with a natural breast. The patient’s own tissue or the implant used in reconstruction will feel and look different from a natural breast.
Nevertheless, one of the plastic surgeon’s top priorities is to ensure the reconstructed breast is as close to the other as possible after the procedure.
Myth: Reconstruction can’t be done due to lack of spare tissue
With tissue-based breast reconstruction, if there is insufficient tissue available at one site such as the abdomen, tissue from other areas such as the thigh or buttock can be considered.
“Often if the patient is slim, their natural breast is also smaller, so only a small volume of tissue is required from the donor site,” Chan added.
Furthermore, two donor sites – such as the abdomen and thigh – can be combined to make a breast mound if necessary, or an implant could be used in combination.
Myth: It will look unnatural
Although a reconstructed breast does not contain breast tissue, it requires adequate volume and shape to fit into a regular bra. As such, it will be impossible to tell the difference under one’s clothing.
The objective of breast reconstruction surgery is to create a natural-looking and symmetrical breast mound. Occasionally, a symmetrising procedure may be performed on the opposite breast to balance any mismatch in volume or shape.
The timing of breast reconstruction surgery can influence the final cosmetic result. While immediate breast reconstruction – done at the same time as the mastectomy operation – frequently leads to the best cosmetic outcomes, Chan provides assurance that this does not mean a delayed reconstruction will lead to poorer results.
