Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction is an operation to rebuild the breast(s) following surgery to remove a lump or mastectomy, or for congenital absence or underdevelopment of the breast in order to achieve a natural aesthetic breast and improve body image.
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Why have Breast Reconstruction?
- Breast Reconstruction is performed to restore the breast following mastectomy.
- Breast Reconstruction aims to improve the symmetry of the breasts following removal of a breast lump.
- Breast Reconstruction is performed to create a more natural appearance of the breasts in a patient with absence or underdevelopment of the breast.
- Breast Reconstruction is carried out to improve self-esteem and reduce the psychological trauma following lumpectomy or mastectomy.
- Breast Reconstruction can enable patients to wear the clothes they want without resorting to a prosthesis.
In the UK,approximately 26,000 women are affected by breast cancer annually,and nearly 10,400 of these women require mastectomy. The need for mastectomy is based on the type of tumour, radiotherapy,and patient preference. A number of women undergo mastectomy following breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) for factors such as incomplete excision or recurrent disease.
The desire to undergo breast reconstruction has increased over the last 2 decades as women have become more aware of the reconstructive options and the results of reconstruction have better achieved the goals of these women. There has been a significant improvement in the safety and quality of breast reconstruction combined with more widespread availability of this expertise, and the recognition by both surgeons and oncologists of the psychological benefits of restoration of normal breast symmetry.
Breast reconstruction aims to restore the normal size,shape and feel of the breast following surgery to remove either a lump or the whole breast (mastectomy). Some women fail to develop a normal breast on one side from birth and require some form of reconstruction to achieve symmetry. The restoration of both physical and psychological wellbeing can result in marked improvement in quality of life for these women.
Breast reconstruction can be performed using implants or your own tissue(autologous transplantation) and a combination of both. Your reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy or lumpectomy i.e. Immediate, or some time after,i.e. Delayed, usually following completion of your chemotherapy and / or radiotherapy.
Remember surgery will not change you or solve any life crises,but should boost your self-confidence and enjoyment of life. The type of operation required to achieve the best result for you will depend on your goals,your previous surgery and tumour, and the size and shape of your normal breast and will be discussed at your Consultation.
Click here to view the Breast Care Service annual report.
Bilateral Breast Reconstruction - Implant - Immediate at time of Mastectomy.
Left Breast Reconstruction - Free DIEP flap
Revision Left Breast Reconstruction - Implant & Nipple reconstruction.