Do breasts look normal after reconstructive surgery?

Do breasts look normal after reconstructive surgery?

Your new breast may feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than your other breast. The new breast may not have the same shape as your breast did before it was removed. Breast reconstruction with an implant won’t restore normal feeling to your breast. It may take several months for your breast to heal.

What is the safest breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast implants are a safe and popular choice for breast reconstruction. The main disadvantage of implants compared to free-flap surgery is that implants must be replaced at certain points in life due to age-related body changes, failure of the implant, or age of the implant.

What is the best option for breast reconstruction?

The pre-pectoral procedure is the most minimally invasive breast reconstruction option. Your doctor can perform a mastectomy by removing breast tissue through a small incision underneath the breast. Through this incision, a tissue expander can be placed on top of the muscle to create a breast mound.

Is mastectomy with reconstruction painful?

Recovering from a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at once may be more uncomfortable in the short-term. But in the long-term, it may be less stressful and painful than multiple surgeries.

What to expect after breast reconstruction?

If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return over a period of years. It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.

Why to consider breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction rebuilds your breast and offers women a chance to rebuild self-esteem following cancer surgery. It can transform lives and help women return to active, fulfilling lives. While breast reconstructions are done to improve your appearance after mastectomy, patients should keep in mind that this surgery cannot return your breasts to how they looked and felt before mastectomy.

What are medical reasons for breast reconstruction?

The most common reason for breast reconstruction is following the removal of a breast (mastectomy) as cancer treatment. This policy describes when breast reconstruction is covered to address a medical situation. Breast reconstruction to change the shape or size of breasts only for appearance is cosmetic surgery.

How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?

Breast reconstruction surgery can take from 3-6 hours (not including the mastectomy) depending on the type of procedure performed. For instance, a unilateral (one-sided) breast reconstruction will take less time than a bilateral (two-sided)…