What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is the process of reshaping the breast in patients who have undergone mastectomy after breast cancer treatment or who have congenital breast anomalies. This procedure, which is applied with modern plastic surgery techniques, improves the physical appearance of patients and contributes significantly to the psychological healing process. Reconstruction can be performed using tissues taken from the patient's body (autologous) or silicone implants. The most appropriate technique for each patient is determined after detailed examination and planning.
Scope of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a comprehensive surgical procedure usually performed after breast cancer treatment or to correct congenital deformities. This surgery plays an important role in the patient's physical and psychological recovery process.
Basic applications within the scope of breast reconstruction:
- Reshaping with silicone prosthesis
- Reconstruction with own tissue transfer (DIEP flap, TRAM flap)
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Corrections to the opposite breast to ensure symmetry
- Expander placement process
- Contouring with fat injection
- Revision surgeries
- Tissue healing after radiotherapy
- Microsurgical methods
Breast reconstruction is a multidisciplinary field in which physicians from more than one branch should make a joint decision. It can be performed immediately after mastectomy or in the late period. Immediate reconstruction may partially save the patient from the negative mood of losing her breast. However, in order to decide on immediate breast reconstruction, the stage of breast cancer and the treatment plan after mastectomy should be taken into consideration. If breast reconstruction is to be performed in the late period, there should be no problem in the two-year follow-up after mastectomy.
As a result, there are many options in breast reconstruction and if managed by physicians with experience in this field, satisfactory results can be obtained by using the right options.
Why is Breast Reconstruction Preferred?
Breast reconstruction is an important surgical option to improve the quality of life of patients after mastectomy or with congenital breast anomalies. In addition to improving physical appearance, this procedure also supports the psychological healing process. Patients can resume their social lives more confidently by regaining their body integrity. Together with modern medical techniques, the ability to achieve natural-looking results increases the preference rate of this procedure.
The reasons for preference are:
- Restoring physical integrity
- Supporting emotional and psychological recovery
- Easier adaptation to social life
- Regaining self-confidence
- Comfort in choosing clothes
- Improving quality of life
- Acceleration of the return to normal life
- Completion of the rehabilitation process after cancer treatment
How Does the Process Work in Breast Reconstruction?
The breast reconstruction process begins with a detailed health assessment and personalized planning. After evaluating the patient's general health status, existing tissue quality and expectations, the most appropriate technique is determined. The process can start simultaneously with mastectomy or can be planned after the completion of the treatment. Once the decision for reconstruction has been made, a single or multi-stage surgical plan is created depending on the patient's condition.
Key stages in the process:
- Detailed health assessment and examinations
- Choice of technique (implant or autologous tissue)
- Preoperative preparation and planning
- Performing the surgical procedure
- Early follow-up process
- Secondary corrective actions if necessary
- Regular check-ups and long-term follow-up
What is the Recovery Process After Breast Reconstruction?
The healing process of breast reconstruction varies according to the technique applied and the individual characteristics of the patient. While the healing process is generally shorter in implant reconstructions, it may be slightly longer in procedures using autologous tissue. This process, which requires close follow-up in the first week, continues with regular checks and special care protocols in the following weeks. Full recovery is usually completed in 6-8 weeks.
Stages of the recovery process:
- Intensive follow-up in hospital for the first 24-48 hours
- Daily dressing and care in the first week
- Gradual return to daily activities within 2-3 weeks
- Start light exercises within 4-6 weeks
- Full return to normal life after 6-8 weeks
- Regular check-ups for 3-6 months
- Planning for additional corrective actions if necessary
What Should Be Considered After Breast Reconstruction?
Patient compliance must be high for a successful outcome after breast reconstruction. It is important to follow a number of rules both physically and psychologically for the healing process to take place at an optimum level. Especially in the first few months, the care protocols should be strictly followed and regular check-ups should not be interrupted. Regular use of the medications recommended by the doctor and adherence to activity restrictions are critical for a successful outcome.
The main points to pay attention to:
- Strict compliance with hygiene rules
- Regular dressings and wound care
- Regular use of recommended medicines
- Avoid heavy physical activity
- Appropriate bra use
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Transition to a healthy diet
- Stress management and adequate rest
- Regular check-ups
- Consulting a physician in suspicious situations
What are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction plays an important role in the physical and emotional recovery process of women after breast cancer treatment. This surgery helps patients regain their self-confidence by reconstructing the breast after mastectomy.
- Improved body image and increased self-confidence
- Reducing psychological trauma after mastectomy
- Easier adaptation to daily life
- Freedom to choose clothes
- Achieving a symmetrical appearance
- Easier participation in social life
- Increased self-confidence in partner relationships
Who is Breast Reconstruction Suitable for?
Breast reconstruction is a procedure primarily suitable for patients who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer. However, it may also be preferred for patients who have lost breast tissue due to congenital anomalies or trauma. Eligibility criteria should be evaluated on a patient-specific basis.
- Patients undergoing mastectomy operation
- People who have completed chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment
- Patients in stable general health
- Individuals with congenital breast anomalies
- Post-traumatic breast tissue loss
- Non-smokers or patients willing to quit
- People with realistic expectations
Who Is Not Suitable for Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction may not be suitable for every patient. Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors may increase the risks or decrease the chances of success. Therefore, patient selection is of great importance.
- Those undergoing active cancer treatment
- Patients with uncontrolled diabetes
- Those with serious heart and lung problems
- Heavy smokers
- Patients with a very high body mass index
- Those with clotting disorders
- Immunocompromised patients
- Those with chronic diseases that will affect the healing process
- Patients with unrealistic expectations
Is Breast Reconstruction a Permanent Solution?
Breast reconstruction is a procedure that provides permanent results with the right technique and appropriate patient selection. However, regular follow-up and attention to some important factors are required for long-term success. Depending on the method used, additional interventions may be required over time.
- In cases where silicone prosthesis is used, replacement may be required after 10-15 years
- Reconstructions made with the patient's own tissues are more permanent
- Regular checks increase success
- Weight changes can affect the outcome
- Natural changes can occur during the aging process
- Results are long-lasting in uncomplicated cases
- Patient satisfaction is generally high
What are the Alternative Methods to Breast Reconstruction?
There are different alternatives to breast reconstruction. These alternatives can be evaluated according to the patient's preference, lifestyle and needs. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- External prostheses (external prosthesis)
- Custom designed bras and prostheses
- Glued nozzle forms
- Mastectomy bras
- Micropigmentation (nipple tattooing)
- Temporary filling materials
What are the Prices for Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction prices vary according to the preferred technique, the materials used and the special condition of the patient. In cases evaluated within the scope of SSI, most of the costs can be covered. In private hospitals, the cost may vary.
- Reconstruction after cancer is covered in SGK contracted hospitals
- Special insurance coverage depends on the policy
- Reconstructions with prosthesis are more economical
- Procedures with own tissue transfer are more costly
- Hospital choice affects price
- Costs are different for unilateral and bilateral transactions
- Revision processes may incur additional costs
