Home|Blog | Plan for Breast Reconstruction Surgery Before Your Mastectomy
Plan for Breast Reconstruction Surgery Before Your Mastectomy
3 Minute Read:
When a woman is told that she has breast cancer, it is likely to be emotionally overwhelming to her. Making subsequent important decisions is often difficult, if not overwhelming. This includes considering breast reconstruction surgery as part of the overall treatment.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and have made the decision to undergo a mastectomy, it is likely that you are very concerned about how your body will look after surgery. While it may seem like a minor issue compared to the other things that you’re dealing with, rest assured that it’s not.
A woman’s sense of femininity is often tied to her breasts and the prospect of losing them can be quite difficult to accept.
At the Arizona Center for Breast Surgery, we understand the emotional and physical aspects of deciding when to get breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. That’s why Dr. Turkeltaub offers several breast reconstruction options to fit your goals and desires.
Whether you opt to undergo reconstruction immediately or further down the road, he will answer all of your questions and thoroughly guide you through the process from start to finish.
Planning Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery
No matter when you plan to have breast reconstruction surgery, you should select a reputable general surgeon specializing in therapeutic breast surgery who can perform your mastectomy.
Your breast removal surgeon and your plastic surgeon, who will perform the reconstruction, can work together to help you obtain the results that you are seeking.
There are several considerations to discuss with your oncologist and general surgeon while also exploring breast reconstruction options. These include:
Breast Cancer Stage
If your cancer is more advanced, you may have to wait to undergo reconstruction so that additional therapies can start without delay after your mastectomy. In very advanced cases, reconstruction would be contraindicated.
Your Overall Medical Condition
If you have significant medical issues, it may not be a prudent choice to pursue reconstruction, either initially or ever.
Your Personal Preference
You may want to start the breast reconstruction at the time of your mastectomy or wait until a later date to begin.
Timing of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
When choosing the timing for your breast reconstruction, you typically have two options:
- Immediate: This approach takes place during the surgery for your mastectomy. It can involve the usage of breast implants, tissue expanders or tissue from another area of your body to form a new breast.
- Delayed: This method can be performed “any” time after your mastectomy, even years later. It can also use breast implants, tissue expanders or tissue from another part of your body.
Advantages of Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Some benefits of immediate breast reconstruction include:
- Instant aesthetic results
- Decreased chance or extent of emotional or psychological difficulties following the mastectomy
- May reduce the total number of procedures needed for the reconstruction including the associated downtime for recovery
- May help you avoid more intricate reconstructive procedures
Advantages of Delayed Breast Reconstruction
There are several advantages of pursuing delayed reconstruction. Some of these are:
- There is no impact on how soon radiation therapy or chemotherapy can be started.
- The mastectomy site has time to heal from both surgery and the effects of radiation
- This is a more prudent choice if you have been diagnosed with a more aggressive stage of breast cancer
- It gives you a far greater amount of time to contemplate and decide if you truly want breast reconstruction and, if so, what approach may be best for you.
Want to Learn More About Breast Reconstruction in Scottsdale, AZ?
When you’re considering breast reconstruction surgery, make sure you choose a reputable, highly experienced plastic surgeon.
Dr. Turkeltaub is a plastic surgeon, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, who specializes in breast procedures. With over 35 years of experience, he practices with compassion, experience and expertise as you deal with an incredibly challenging period in your life.
For more information, call us today at 480-451-3000 or fill out our online contact form.