Breast Reconstruction

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Procedure

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure or series of procedures that recreate the appearance, shape, and, in some cases, sensation of a breast after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, typically due to breast cancer.

This process helps restore a woman’s sense of self and confidence, offering various methods, including implants, autologous tissue transfer, or a combination of both, to achieve the desired result.

Reconstruction can be immediate or delayed, depending on individual circumstances, and often includes the recreation of the nipple and areola to complete the breast’s natural appearance. Dr. Sahar is a breast reconstruction expert known internationally for his both clinical and academic work in the area. He has over a decade of focused experience in breast reconstruction in both academic and private setting, managing lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiation breast injury and revision breast reconstructions. Dr. Sahar conducted the first prospective randomized clinical trials study on using different acellular dermal matrices in implant based breast reconstruction after mastectomy. His work in showing safety of fat graft in breast reconstruction won “Best of the Best” award from American Society of Plastic Surgeon and “Best Experiment Paper” award from Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, the highest Impact Factor Plastic Surgery Journal in the world. He has been an invited guest on Breast Reconstruction Round Table by American Society of Plastic Surgeons with his patient showcased as Patients of Courage in 2023 ASPS meeting.

Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure or series of procedures performed to recreate a breast's shape, appearance, and, in some cases, sensation after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, typically due to breast cancer. This process can help restore a woman's sense of self and confidence. Here is detailed information about breast reconstruction:

Indications:

Breast reconstruction is typically considered when a woman has undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It can be performed immediately after the breast cancer surgery or delayed, depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

Procedure:

There are several methods of breast reconstruction:

Implant-Based Reconstruction:

- Tissue Expanders: A tissue expander is inserted during the initial surgery, gradually filled with saline to stretch the skin and chest muscle, and later replaced with a permanent implant.
- Direct-to-Implant: In some cases, a permanent implant can be placed immediately without the use of a tissue expander.

Autologous Tissue-Based Reconstruction:

- Flap Surgery: In this approach, tissue is taken from other parts of the body (e.g., abdomen, back, or thighs) and used to recreate the breast. Common techniques include the DIEP flap, TRAM flap, and latissimus dorsi flap.
- Nipple and Areola Reconstruction: After the breast mound is reconstructed, nipple and areola reconstruction is often performed to complete the breast's natural appearance. This may involve tattooing.

Combination of Implants and Autologous Tissue:

In some cases, a combination of implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction may be used to achieve the desired outcome.

Timing:

The timing of breast reconstruction can be immediate (performed at the same time as the mastectomy) or delayed (performed at a later date). This decision often depends on individual factors, such as the need for radiation therapy and personal preferences.

Results:

The goal of breast reconstruction is to create a breast that closely resembles the natural breast in terms of size, shape, and symmetry. This can significantly improve a woman's self-esteem and quality of life after breast cancer surgery.

Risks and Considerations:

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, including infection, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and potential complications related to anesthesia. The extent of scarring and recovery time may vary depending on the chosen reconstruction method.

Consultation:

It's crucial for women considering breast reconstruction to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction. The surgeon will assess the patient's unique situation, discuss available options, and create a personalized treatment plan. The decision about breast reconstruction is highly individual and should consider the patient's goals, medical history, and the recommendations of the medical team.