What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction surgery is carried out on women who have
had a complete or partial breast removal (mastectomy). It
aims to replace the tissue removed so that your breast regains some
of its original shape and appearance. This can be done immediately
after a mastectomy or at a later date.
The cohesive silicone gel breast implants that we use at
CircleBath for breast reconstruction are manufactured to the
highest standards by reputable companies. The companies are
Allergan and Nagor. The breast implants manufactured by these
companies have a lifelong guarantee against the risk of leak or
rupture. CircleBath has never used PIP breast implants.
What does this involve?
What does this involve?
Breast reconstruction is done under general anaesthetic and can
take one to three hours depending upon the method used. There
are three main ways to carry out the procedure using your own
tissue or a breast implant - your surgeon will discuss the best
approach with you.
If a silicone breast implant is used, it is placed either
directly under the skin or deeper behind the muscle on which the
breast lies. An implant can be used to replace breast tissue,
especially if the breast skin and nipple are preserved during the
mastectomy. Once the implant has been adjusted to the correct
shape and position, the skin cut is closed with stitches.
If your own tissue from another part of your body is used then a
procedure called Tissue Flap Reconstruction is carried out.
This can be using the skin, fat and muscle from your abdomen or
back and repositioning it to the chest area, while keeping its
connection and blood supply to the original site.
Alternatively an area of skin and fat with or without muscle is
completely removed from the abdomen, back or buttocks and
transplanted to the chest area. So that the flap survives when
moved to the chest, a new blood supply is created by connecting the
blood vessels of the flap to the blood vessels in the chest.
Following the procedure you will be taken from the operating
theatre into the Recovery Suite where you will be looked after
until you are fully awake following the anaesthetic. After this,
you will return to your room, where nursing staff will check your
dressings and monitor your pulse and blood pressure at regular
intervals.
Your anaesthetist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce
any potential discomfort and you should take these regularly for
the first few days. Pain can slow down your recovery, so it is
important to discuss any discomfort with the nursing staff.
You will have wound dressings in place and a supportive dressing
around your breasts. You may also be wearing your support bra.
Until the affects of the anaesthetic have passed, you will need
to rest. In the meantime you will be visited by your surgeon who
will assess your progress and answer any questions or concerns you
may have.
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When will I recover?
When will I recover?
You will need to stay in hospital for several days although the
length of your stay will depend on the extent of your surgery and
how you feel afterwards.
After surgery, you are likely to have some discomfort and
swelling in the breast and from where the tissue flap was taken.
Bruising, twinges and pain may continue for the first few weeks and
it may take several months for your breast to settle into
shape.
You will be left with fine but permanent visible scars on your
breast and, depending on the type of operation you have, at the
site where the tissue flap was taken. A reconstructed breast
will not restore the feelings and sensations of a natural breast.
However, in time some feeling over the skin and in the breast
tissue may return.
Your surgeon will advise you as to how long you will be required
to wear your support bra and whether it is to be worn day and
night. You must avoid wearing an under wired bra until you are
informed otherwise.
At your post-operative follow-up appointment your surgeon will
assess your progress and give advice on when you can resume your
normal activities. You may need to take one to two weeks off work,
depending on your type of employment.
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What risks should I know about?
What risks should I know about?
Breast reconstruction is generally a safe operation and for most
women, the benefits are greater than any disadvantages. However,
all surgery carries an element of risk.
Complications specific to this operation include infection,
which may need to be treated with antibiotics and sometimes further
surgery. There is a small risk that the alteration in the
blood supply may result in the loss of part, or even all, of the
breast.
With breast implants, there is a risk of capsular contracture.
This is when a layer of scar tissue hardens around the implant
causing the breast to feel hard. The implant may need to be removed
and, if you wish, replaced with another one.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of
operation you are having and other factors such as your general
health. Ask your surgeon to explain how any risks apply to you.
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Circle care
Circle Care
Breast reconstructions are carried out at CircleBath, our state
of the art hospital, which provides you with the best facilities
and superb patient care. We have a dedicated team of surgeons
and nurses who will guide you through the process from first
consultation to after-care and will be available to answer any
questions or queries you may have.
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