Breast Reconstruction Replicates One Breast To Create Another - By: Dave Stringham

It is important to be informed about each of the reconstruction options in order to determine the best possible treatment plan for each individual patient. Many plastic surgeons perform all of the various breast reconstruction procedures, and are therefore able to help each patient choose the best option.

The unique circumstances of each patient help to determine the best option for the method of reconstruction that can be used.

The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts of a patient's desired size.

The nipple and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) are also reconstructed. It is ideal to consult with a plastic surgeon prior to mastectomy. This allows the surgical teams to plan the treatment that is best suited for the patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later date.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of usually saving the patient at least one subsequent operation, and has been shown to have a significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast. All of the reconstruction options listed below can be performed at the time of mastectomy.

Delayed breast reconstruction is done at a later time. For some women, this may be advised, especially if radiation to the chest area is needed after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for these women because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

In implant reconstruction, a breast implant is placed in a pocket created on the chest wall. Implant reconstruction usually requires tissue expansion. In this process, a tissue expander is filled with saline over several weeks.

The patient's body responds by stretching and creating new skin and muscle tissue. Once the desired size of the pocket is created, the tissue expander is removed and an implant is inserted. The implants used are filled with either saline or silicone gel. Another option that can avoid the use of tissue expansion is to cover an implant with muscle.

The latissimus dorsi is a large fan-shaped muscle of the back that can be rotated to the chest. In this procedure skin can also be taken if needed. More recently, foreign materials such as Alloderm (human cadaver allograft) have been used to create a sling to cover the lower portion of the tissue expander pocket.

This can shorten the time needed for expansion, and in some cases, can allow for single-stage breast reconstruction, without the use of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Whenever an implant of any kind is placed in the body, a layer of scar tissue forms around the implant.

This "capsule" varies in thickness, and can sometimes calcify and become hard. This is referred to as "capsular contracture." The occurrence of capsular contracture is a concern with implant reconstruction. As a result of capsular contracture, implant reconstructions become more firm and can remain somewhat immobile, especially compared to a normal breast.

If a patient has had radiation or is planning to have radiation, implant reconstruction is usually discouraged because of high rates of capsular contracture and other complications.

About the Author

Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in San Francisco, California and plastic surgery procedures like san francisco breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Dave-Stringham/25650

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