Breast Reconstruction Prevents Loss of Body Image After Mastectomy By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Breast reconstruction is the redesigning of the breast after a radical mastectomy due to cancer. Often, mastectomies are the only way to stop cancer from spreading. As a result of this procedure, women can lose part or full of one or both breasts.

This can lead to emotional turmoil to a vary special part of a woman's body. This symbol of the maturity of a woman in western society, can produce anxiety and lead many women to depression if removed. However, with modern techniques, women suffering from mastectomies no longer have to suffer from the loss of their body image.

Breast reconstructions are performed by qualified plastic surgeons, who specialize in these procedures. These professionals must complete training beyond their medical education. Most complete a minimum of five years in an internship specializing in this area. Also, these surgeons work exclusively in accredited medical facilities.

The best way to find a qualified surgeon is through your primary care provider. Often, the woman will have been working with this primary provider (or even an oncologist) to address the cancer issue. This provider can be an asset in selecting the appropriate surgeon to complete the procedure.

There are several different types of procedures that can be used to reconstruct the breast. The first technique that was developed was the use of devices filled with silicone or saline. This procedure was exclusively used in the beginning. However, new technologies and techniques have been developed to use the woman's own body tissue.

These techniques will use the actual skin, blood vessels, fat, and muscle of "donor" sites from around the body. These sites include the stomach (upper and lower), the upper back, and the buttocks region. These procedures can also be combined using the plastic inserts and donor sites for reconstructing the region. These procedures can be used for one or both organs.

Another option for reconstruction is remaking of the nipple and areola (the dark region surrounding the breast). These are not necessarily included in the procedures, but are often completed last. However, even though this procedure is optional, many women elect to have this surgery too because it makes the breast look more natural.

The trick in this type of procedure is matching the nipple with the other one. However, with the advent of new techniques, some surgeons are able to do nipple-sparing mastectomies. This saves the woman's original nipple and the reconstruction is completed around this part. The benefit of this procedure is that it allows the surgeon to match both breasts for a more natural look.

Breast reconstructions can be done in single or double phase. In the single phase approach, the oncologist performing the mastectomy completes his portion of the procedure. Then, before the patient is brought out of anesthesia, the plastic surgeon reconstructs the breast. The benefit of this approach is that there is only one surgery to complete.

The double phase approach is just as it sounds. The organ is first removed and then the patient comes back in for the reconstruction. Whether you opt for the single or double phase may depend on the extensiveness of the cancer and the capability of your facility. Perhaps the hospital where your oncology surgeon performs does not have a plastic surgeon. These options, however, can be discussed further with your physician.

Even though radical mastectomies are major surgeries, they no longer have to be demoralizing like they were to our grandmothers. The new techniques are giving new life to women who have had cancer. Although the breast will not have the same sensation as the original, reconstruction can help a woman maintain her dignity.

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