Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is an individualized experience. Not all reconstructions happen at the same time or the same pace. Depending on the type of reconstruction you choose, it can be done immediately after a mastectomy or weeks to months later. Here are the five stages of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
5 Stages of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Stage 1: Consultation and Planning
The first of the stages in breast reconstruction after mastectomy is meeting your plastic surgeon. You will discuss your options and what to expect. Breast reconstruction is unique for everyone. Your doctor will discuss the best approach with you. They will consider your medical history and body type. This way, you can reach your aesthetic goals alongside your treatment goals.
Stage 2: Mastectomy
During a mastectomy, your surgeon will remove one or both of the breasts to treat or prevent breast cancer. During the procedure, your doctor will carefully remove the breast tissue. In some cases, they will also remove the skin of the breasts, the nipple, and the areola. For a delayed breast reconstruction, your doctor will close the incision at this point. Otherwise, they will continue to the next stage.
Stage 3: Recreation of the Breast Mound
The third stage in breast reconstruction is creating the breast mound. This can be done in a few different ways.
- Tissue Expanders: Tissue expanders are temporary, balloon-like devices placed underneath the chest muscle and skin. This is to create a pocket for the placement of a breast implant later. After placing the tissue expanders under the chest muscle, they are filled slowly with saline. This happens through a small valve under the skin. The saline gradually stretches the skin and muscle. This process ensures the implant will fit comfortably once the expanders are removed.
- Breast Implants: Once the skin is stretched enough, the tissue expanders are replaced with permanent breast implants made of silicone or saline. Breast implants can be customized to match your body shape and size, and are designed to look and feel like natural breast tissue.
- Flap Surgery: Flap breast reconstruction uses your own muscle, skin, fat, and blood vessels. These usually come from the abdomen, back, or buttocks. This allows your surgeon to reshape the breasts using natural tissues.
Stage 4: Reconstructing the Nipple and Areola
After breast reconstruction, many women opt to recreate their nipple and areola. This helps complete the natural look of the breasts. This step is not usually completed immediately but instead is done a few months after the initial breast reconstruction. This allows the reconstruction to heal and settle into place. Nipple and areola reconstruction can be done in a few ways. Skin can be used from another area of the body, or it can be tattooed to create the appearance of a nipple and areola.
Stage 5: Recovery
After each stage of breast reconstruction, you will be allowed time to heal and recover. You’ll also have regular checkups with your doctor to ensure your recovery is going according to plan. Recovery times can vary from person to person, depending on the type of reconstruction, but you can expect to be supported every step of the way.
Learn More About the Stages of Breast Reconstruction After Surgery
Breast reconstruction, when done in stages, allows your body to heal properly so that you can achieve the best possible results. From your first visit to the last details, we help you feel like yourself again. We focus on your mental and physical well-being after your mastectomy.
If you are considering breast reconstruction, don’t delay – schedule a free consultation today!