Basic Principles of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
The breast reconstruction after mastectomy is an important choice for many women facing breast cancer or they choose Prophylactic mastectomy due to increased risk. The goal of reconstruction is to restore the contour and appearance of the breast, improving not only the external image but also the psychological well-being of the woman.
What Are the Benefits of Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction offers a more natural appearance of the breast under clothing, bras or swimsuits, reducing the need for external pads. Women often report an improvement in self-confidence, body image and their overall quality of life.
When Can Reconstruction Be Performed?
The breast reconstruction can be carried out:
- Immediately: during the same surgery as the mastectomy.
- Late: in a second year, after completing other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Immediate reconstruction offers the advantage of minimizing the total number of surgeries and provides psychological relief, while delayed reconstruction allows time for reassessment and completion of oncologic treatment.
What Reconstruction Techniques Are Available?
Various reconstruction techniques are chosen based on individualized medical and personal criteria:
- Silicone implants or tissue expanders: They are widely used and offer satisfactory aesthetic results with a shorter surgical duration.
- Autologous restoration: Tissue from other parts of the body (e.g. abdomen, back) is utilized and offers a more natural feel to the final result.
- Insert combination and autologous tissue: In special cases, to enhance the volume or quality of the result.
The decision depends on factors such as the patient's general health (e.g. smoking, diabetes mellitus), the need for complementary treatments, the shape and size of the opposite breast, and personal preferences.
Additional Procedures
After primary reconstruction, a woman may choose to undergo:
- Reconstruction of the nipple and areola with skin or tattoo.
- Symmetry of the opposite breast, with correction or reduction, in order to achieve aesthetic balance.
What to Expect?
Although modern restoration techniques offer excellent results, it is important to have realistic expectation. No surgical result can completely replace a natural, healthy breast. Full information and open discussion with the breast surgeon is crucial for choosing the appropriate technique, understanding the potential for complications, and recovery time.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reconstruction Options. 2024.
- National Cancer Institute. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy. Updated 2023.
- Cancer Research UK. Breast cancer: Reconstruction surgery. 2024.
- NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology – Breast Cancer. Version 4.2025.
