If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, reconstruction may be the farthest thing from your mind at first. A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying and treatments generally begin immediately.
Once you’ve beaten your cancer into remission, however, you may realize you’re not happy with the result of your mastectomy. If you feel you may be ready to move forward with breast reconstructive surgery, understanding your options and the process is crucial to making the right decision.
Your Desire for Reconstruction
Only you can decide when or if you’re ready for reconstructive surgery. Well-meaning friends and family may talk about reconstruction as if it’s a mandatory action or a forgone conclusion.
This can make you feel as if you’re being pressured to accept a new breast or forced to undergo yet another surgery. If you’re not ready, you may say so. Surgery is available when or if you are ready.
Your Physical Preparedness
Cancer treatments can take up vast amounts of your body’s resources, including minerals, vitamins and body weight. It can take time and a good diet to build up your reserves enough to undergo another surgery.
You can talk to Dr. Salerno at Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery about your desire for breast reconstruction. He may be able to advise you about your overall condition and give his opinion as to whether or not now is a good time for surgery.
The Process of Breast Reconstruction
The techniques used may depend on your unique case. For example, if you are a lean, athletic woman and your remaining breast is a pert A-cup, your reconstruction may be a matter of inserting a silicone implant beneath the pectoral muscle and recreating a nipple.
The process may be dictated largely by your body and your wishes. You can work with our surgeon to devise a plan you feel comfortable with.
Recovering from Reconstruction
Whether your breast reconstruction is accomplished in one surgery or several surgeries, the recovery period may be like recovering from a mastectomy.
A mastectomy can take away a lot of tissue, which could sever nerves. Reconstruction adds tissue, an implant or both.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve lost a breast to cancer and are considering reconstruction, your journey can depend on several factors. Serving the Melbourne area, Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery in Moonee Ponds, Victoria and Werribee, Victoria is here to help you every step of the way in deciding if breast reconstructive surgery is an option for you after your mastectomy.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We would be happy to examine your case, answer any questions you may have and formulate a treatment plan.
