Breast Reconstruction Surgery

What is breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery is sometimes performed after a mastectomy (a surgical procedure to remove a breast) in order to restore the shape and appearance of the breast.

Breast reconstruction may be done right after mastectomy (immediate reconstruction), or months or years later (delayed reconstruction) as a second operation.

Types of breast reconstruction surgery

There are 2 main types of breast reconstruction surgery:

Implant reconstruction

To restore breast tissue, the surgeon places an implant filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel.

Flap reconstruction

The surgeon uses tissue transplanted from another part of the body (such as the belly, thigh, or buttock) to form a new breast.

Why do you need breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery is used to reshape the breasts and replace damaged or missing tissue. It is also beneficial in restoring breast symmetry. This means that both breasts will be made to have the same size and shape.

In rare cases, the surgery is also performed to rebuild breast tissue that has been damaged due to congenital problems (birth defects).

While breast reconstruction surgery can restore the shape of the breast, some sensation will return later to the breast skin and nipple.

Breast reconstruction offers benefits such as:

• Creating a breast contour
• Making the breasts appear more natural under clothing
• Removing the need to use external prostheses within the bra

Who should not undergo breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery may not be suitable for everyone and is not recommended in women with the following conditions:

• Severe heart or lung disease

• Collagen vascular disease (an autoimmune disease)

• Obesity

• Had prior radiation therapy

• Has advanced breast cancer

What are the risks and complications of breast reconstruction surgery?

As with any other surgical procedure, breast reconstruction involves the risk of bleeding and infection.

Depending on the type of surgery, complications of breast reconstruction surgery may include:

• Changes in breast sensation
• Blood clots
• Scarring or bruising around the reconstructed breasts
• Tissue death (necrosis) due to insufficient blood supply after flap surgery
• Pain or sensitivity and poor wound healing at the donor site
• Wrinkling and rupture in the implant

How do you prepare for breast reconstruction surgery?

Your surgeon will discuss the type of reconstruction that is best for you. This depends on your body type, age, and the type of cancer surgery you had.

In preparing for breast reconstruction surgery, your doctor may ask you to:

• Get a medical evaluation and lab testing done

• Undergo chemotherapy or radiation if you have breast cancer

• Stop certain medications that can increase bleeding, such as blood-thinning drugs

• Quit smoking

What can you expect in breast reconstruction surgery?

You will receive general anaesthesia so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

Estimated duration

The procedure usually takes about 2 – 6 hours.

During the procedure

• If implant reconstruction is recommended, the surgeon will place the implant in your chest.
• If a flap procedure is recommended, the surgeon will take tissue from one part of your body and transfer it to the chest.
• A thin drainage tube will be placed under your skin with one of its ends sticking out from your chest. The tube helps in draining excess fluid and blood at the surgical site. Your doctor will remove the tubes as you recover.

After the procedure

Depending on the complexity of your surgery, you will spend 2 – 3 hours in the recovery room. After that, you'll be transferred to a hospital room.

Care and recovery after breast reconstruction surgery

You may need to stay in the hospital for up to a week post-surgery. Our healthcare team will take care of you and make sure you're healing properly.

During the initial recovery period:

• You may be prescribed painkillers
• To decrease swelling, you may be advised to use an elastic support bra

During the first 2 months of recovery, you may experience:

• Breast pain, bruising, swelling, or discomfort at the donor site
• Movement constraints, such as raising the arms overhead

Breast reconstruction surgery recovery time

• It may take around 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to subside.
• You might resume normal activities within 6 – 8 weeks.
• It may take up to 2 years for tissues to recover completely and scars to fade.