Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is the rebuilding of a breast which following a mastectomy after breast cancer. However, a breast reconstruction operation is also considered by patients to prevent the development of breast cancer if they have a high risk of developing cancer (prophylactic mastectomy) and may also be suitable if your breast is damaged via a “lumpectomy” and radiotherapy and you wish to improve the look of your breast.
Surgery for breast reconstruction can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of breast removal. It can be undertaken at any time. We believe that the best time to have it done is at a time that best suits you. Some patients may wish to have surgery immediately, while others may wait to have reconstructive surgery once they have completed all of their medical procedures. The decision is entirely yours and you should not feel rushed into making it.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Breast Reconstruction?
Not everyone is suitable for a breast reconstruction. Whether or not you are a suitable candidate for breast reconstruction surgery is for our surgeon Mr Rahdon and you to discuss. We undertake a complete analysis of your medical history as well as a thorough clinical consultation. You typically need to be in a healthy weight range and in good health to be considered for surgery.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
This type of surgery uses your own tissue or implants to construct a natural-looking breast and often involves the reformation of a natural-looking areola/nipple area. Reconstructive surgery is complex and must be tailored to your specific needs. The type of surgery you have in increasing order of complexity is as follows:
• Implant only reconstruction
• Latisimus dorsi muscle flap and implant
• Pedicled TRAM flap
• Free tissue transfer (usually DIEP – skin and fat from the lower abdomen) where the tissue is detached from the body and reattached to its new place and joined to new blood vessels with microsurgery. The success rate of free tissue transfer reconstructions is very high – well over 95%.
The best results are most certainly achieved by using your own tissue as the reconstruction feels and looks more natural and requires no further surgery once the reconstruction is complete, however, it does involve microsurgery techniques. Plus, using the tummy tissue means the added bonus of a tummy tuck as part of the procedure. As Richard Rahdon is a fully trained plastic surgeon, he can offer you the full range of options. Most breast surgeons who offer breast reconstruction will not offer this option as they are not trained in microsurgery techniques.
Richard Rahdon offers the absolute state-of-the-art in breast reconstruction techniques. He uses pre-operative CT angiogram imaging to obtain exact anatomy of the blood vessels to aid in operative planning, as well as a DIEP flap wherever possible in order to interfere less with the abdominal muscles. Mr Rahdon uses reliable, modern microsurgery techniques and implantable Doppler probes for the most accurate post operative monitoring available in the world.
As the DIEP reconstructions are complex, the surgery takes between 6-8 hours to perform and generally requires a one week stay in hospital. There is usually the need for a further operation after 3-6 months to improve the symmetry of the breasts, for instance to undertake a lift on the other breast, and to perform the nipple and areola reconstruction. However, this is minor surgery in comparison and is usually only day surgery.
The operation is typically not very painful and you will be given strong painkillers during your stay in hospital to minimise any discomfort. We will also give you tablets to take home with you to keep you comfortable.
What is the Recovery Time following Surgery?
Following surgery, you should wear a firm soft bra for six weeks. Depending on your job you can usually return to work for light duties after 4 weeks, however, there will be some bruising and swelling which may last several weeks. You should be able to resume full activities, including sport, 6 weeks following surgery.
In regards to scarrring, we ensure that scars are hidden under the average bra or bikini top. Your scar will be limited to around your nipple if you have a breast reconstruction straight away and have small breasts. There will be a visible scar over the top of your reconstructed breast if you have a mastectomy. Mr Rahdon will discuss the scars in your particular case during your initial consultation.
What are the Potential Risks and Complications?
Major complications are not common after breast reconstruction surgery. During your initial consultation Mr Rahdon will cover with you in detail the risks and complications associated with the surgery. You will be given an information leaflet about breast reconstruction surgery which includes complications. Should you choose to proceed with surgery, we will again explain any risks as part of the consenting process.
We ensure that risks are kept to a complete minimum with the help of selecting suitable patients as well as the selection of the appropriate procedure for your specific requirements. You should also understand that our highly qualified and experienced surgeon, Mr Rahdon, will not perform any cosmetic procedure unless he believes that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks for you.
To further discuss breast reconstruction surgery and costs, please give us a call on (03) 5215 1070 or make an appointment with Dr Rahdon to discuss any questions you may have.
