The Importance of Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably. If we look at the world averages, we know that this disease, which we see that it occurs most frequently in women, can also be seen in men, although rarely. In our country, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. There are about 25,000 new cases of breast cancer every year.

Early diagnosis and treatment play an extremely important role in the successful management of such a common disease. We see that breast cancer detected at an early stage is usually controlled with a more successful treatment process and that the quality of life of patients who have been diagnosed early and started their treatment process can be significantly improved.

Cases of Breast Loss in Cancer Treatment

Unfortunately, breast loss is a condition that we may encounter during breast cancer treatment. The surgical procedures used during treatment vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and the overall health of the patient. Among the surgical procedures that can be used, the most preferred methods are mastectomy and lumpectomy.

Mastectomy is the surgical removal of all or most of the breast and is usually preferred depending on the size of the tumor, its spread, or other factors. In some cases, the entire breast may need to be removed.

A lumpectomy removes the cancerous tissue along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue. This method is preferred when the cancer is diagnosed early and most of the breast tissue is preserved. These surgeries are often combined with chemotherapy and radiation.

Other treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy, can also sometimes lead to breast loss because these treatments target cancer cells but can also affect healthy tissue.

Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer – Before-After (1)

Possible Effects of Breast Loss

Breast loss can be one of the most difficult stages of the treatment process and can have many physical, social, and psychological effects. Physically, breast loss can cause significant changes in body image. For many women, the breast is the sign of femininity on the body and is therefore very important. This can be particularly problematic in the summer months when clothing is lighter. Many women may decide not to go to the beach or pool because of breast loss and feel deprived of this and many other things. This is why women, especially at a young age, may have difficulty accepting such a change in their bodies.

Apart from one’s aesthetic concerns, breast loss is also a socially awkward and attention-grabbing situation. In fact, some women may isolate themselves and avoid social interactions after breast loss due to social norms and aesthetic concerns. Over time, this can affect their personal and social lives and lead to difficulties in relationships in general.

The impact of these physical and social difficulties on human psychology is inevitable. Psychologically, breast loss can often lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. All of these negative experiences during and after breast cancer treatment can have a significant impact on the patient’s overall condition.

Patients who have been treated for cancer have already fought an enormous battle, and we don’t want them to have problems in other areas of their lives. To eliminate these negative effects and improve the patient’s morale, we see that breast reconstruction is a method that should be evaluated together with the hospital unit and doctors where the cancer treatment is performed.

Breast Reconstruction and its Benefits

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to restore a patient’s physical appearance to pre-cancer treatment status in the event of breast loss as a result of breast cancer treatment. Breast reconstruction procedures can help patients address their aesthetic concerns and help them heal psychologically.

By restoring the patient’s body image in accordance with general aesthetic acceptance, breast reconstruction can improve the patient’s morale and thus allow the patient to participate more easily in social life. In this respect, breast reconstruction can be considered a very important step after cancer treatment.

Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer – Before-After (2)

Types of Breast Reconstruction

Breast repair, also known as breast reconstruction, can be performed in a variety of ways. These methods generally fall into two main categories: implant-based reconstruction and tissue-based reconstruction.

Implant-based reconstruction: This method uses silicone or saline implants to reconstruct the breast. Implants are materials that are compatible with human biology and are used to restore lost breast volume. This method may be preferred because it usually requires a shorter healing process and fewer surgical procedures.
Tissue-based reconstruction: This method uses tissue from other parts of the body (usually the abdomen, back, or buttocks) to reconstruct the breast. This method can provide a more natural look and longer-lasting results. However, tissue-based reconstruction may require a more complex surgical and recovery process.

Determining Which Method to Use

The breast reconstruction method used for each patient depends on the patient’s overall health, type of cancer treatment, medications, physical characteristics, and personal preferences.
This selection process is an important stage in the patient’s treatment and should be planned specifically for each patient.

Preoperative and Postoperative Considerations

During the preoperative period, several tests are performed to assess the patient’s overall health. Starting one week prior to surgery, all blood thinners and herbal teas should be discontinued. The patient should also provide the doctor with a list of all medications and follow the doctor’s instructions regarding the use of medications. It is important that the patient does not smoke before and after the surgery. In the last period before the surgery, the patient should eat healthy food, follow the doctor’s recommendations and prepare for the anesthesia.

Another issue that concerns both before and after surgery is breast ultrasound. A mammogram must be done before the surgery. This preoperative scan will also be evaluated during the postoperative checkups. After the surgery, mammography is required at intervals recommended by the doctor.

In the postoperative period, the healing process should be carefully monitored. Measures such as wound care, suture control and limitation of physical activities should be taken. Psychological support and physiotherapy may also help the healing process. During this process, patients must follow their doctor’s instructions and have regular check-ups.

Risks and Recovery Time

As with any surgery, breast reconstruction can have some risks and complications. Conditions such as infection, bleeding, suture problems, or tissue rejection are among the potential risks of the surgical process. However, these risks can be minimized with appropriate surgical techniques and careful monitoring.

The healing process can vary depending on the method used and the individual’s health. In general, the postoperative recovery period can last from a few weeks to several months. For a smooth recovery, it is very important to use the medications and creams recommended by the doctor and to keep the surgical site clean.

To summarize…

For women who have experienced breast loss after breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction can provide great relief, both physically and emotionally. This process helps women reconcile with their bodies, regain lost self-confidence, and return to social life more firmly. Breast reconstruction is a step that can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life, and it is critical to select the most appropriate method for the patient through careful evaluation and planning.

All these steps must be carried out in a full-fledged hospital. The meticulous management of the process by healthcare professionals will contribute to the patient’s healthier and happier life. Aktif International Hospitals, with its experienced plastic surgeons, stands by its patients in breast reconstruction as in any other field.