Breast reconstruction is among the most common surgeries that plastic surgeons perform. It is a surgical procedure to rebuild a breast. A surgeon can perform breast reconstruction on one or both breasts at once. Your best East Windsor, NJ breast reconstructive surgeon usually performs the procedure to restore the appearance of a natural, healthy breast after surgery or to correct damage resulting from radiation therapy.
Breast reconstruction is the process of replacing a damaged or destroyed breast with new tissue. Doctors can do this through surgery or by using medical breast implants. The advantages of breast reconstruction include:
It restores normal function and sensation
The most obvious advantage of having a breast reconstruction is that it restores the function of your breasts. When you lose your breast, you may feel like you have lost a part of yourself. The loss of nipple sensation can be particularly devastating. Breast reconstruction restores sense by grafting in nerves from the chest wall.
It improves self-confidence
Many women who have had mastectomies are self-conscious about their appearance and don’t feel like they look like themselves anymore after their surgeries. It is because they no longer have normal-looking breasts and may be concerned about whether or not others will notice this when wearing clothes that expose their chest areas, such as a bikini or tank top. Breast reconstruction can help with this by improving the shape of the breasts so that they look more similar to how they did before you lost them in the first place.
It improves self-esteem and self-confidence
A breast reconstruction gives you back your breasts and makes you feel like yourself again. After the procedure, you will see and feel your breasts again, which may help you feel more comfortable in your body and regain confidence in your appearance. If you have had a mastectomy for cancer, there are also psychological benefits to having your breasts restored. You can go swimming and wear whatever clothes you want, including low-cut dresses, swimsuits, and tank tops.
Improvement in quality of life
Many women who have had breast cancer experience symptoms from radiation therapy, such as pain or numbness in their breasts. Breast reconstruction may help relieve these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
It is less expensive
If you have had a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery will reduce the amount of medical care required following your surgery. A breast reconstruction procedure may be less expensive than a mastectomy, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
Breast reconstruction also requires fewer visits to the doctor’s office over time than traditional breast augmentation. If you choose to have your implants removed after a few years, you may not need to see your surgeon again until you get your new implants placed (if you decide to get new implants).
Breast reconstruction surgery is often performed after mastectomy when you have lost your breast for any other reason. Doctors also use reconstruction surgery to treat breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomy but wish to retain their breast tissue. The type of breast reconstruction technique used depends on your age and personal goals for your breasts. If you have lost a breast due to cancer or other reasons, a breast reconstruction might be a great restoration option. Contact Matthew J. Lynch, MD to schedule an appointment to learn more about breast reconstruction.
