Breast reconstruction is one of the most popular types of surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. There are many different reasons for this. Women who consider this type of surgery need to be aware of the different types of breast reconstruction surgery options available to them, as well as the advantages and disadvantages associated with each one. Here are some of the things that you may be interested in knowing about breast reconstruction.
Why Women Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery can be a confidence boosting, mentally uplifting option for many women. The main reason that women consider different breast reconstruction surgery options is to enhance the appearance of their breasts. However, every woman’s reasons for wanting to do so may vary. Some women may simply be unsatisfied with the way that their breasts look. Others may be unsatisfied or unconfident with the way that they look after having breast cancer surgeries, such as mastectomies or lumpectomies, which may alter the appearance of their breasts.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Options
If you’ve already decided that you want to enhance the appearance of your breasts, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the different breast reconstruction surgery options that are available to you. Since every woman’s situation is different, the surgery options that are available to her may vary. Here are three of the breast reconstruction surgery options that you may want to know more about:
Breast Implants
Breast implants are, by far, the most well known breast reconstruction surgery option. This procedure involves inserting a saline or silicone implant beneath the skin. Unlike a few of the other breast reconstruction surgery options, implants do require two surgeries. First, a balloon will need to be inflated beneath the skin. This is to ensure that there will be enough room for the permanent implant, which will be inserted at a later date.
Despite the two required surgeries, the implant procedure does offer a few benefits. The operations themselves may only take between 30 and 60 minutes. Only a two-day stay will be required in the hospital. Recovery should take place within two to three weeks, which is relatively short in comparison to many of the other breast reconstruction surgery options.
Although breast implants can be ideal for some people, it’s not the best choice for everyone. It is one of the breast reconstruction surgery options that does not always work effectively and can provide unnatural results. Multiple surgeries, in addition to the two routine parts of the operation, are often necessary for the desired results.
Transverse Rectus Abdominal Musculocutaneous (TRAM) Flap
TRAM Flap is one of the most common breast reconstruction surgery options performed. The procedure works by creating a new breast from the muscle, fat and skin of the abdominal area. There are both pros and cons associated with TRAM Flap.
Of all the breast reconstruction surgery options, TRAM Flap takes the longest amount of time. Four to six hours are required for it to be performed. Additionally, five to seven days will need to be spent in the hospital. Recovery time is about six weeks. Since this is a major surgery, women who choose this breast construction surgery option should be very healthy.
Although TRAM Flap takes a lot of time to perform and recover from, it is known to produce the most realistic appearance. Reshaping is often unnecessary because the results will usually be close to perfect and permanent. One of the reasons that this is also considered one of the most ideal breast reconstruction surgery options is because the tummy will also become flatter.
Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap
Another one of the breast reconstruction surgery options that is available to choose from is LD Flap. This procedure usually works through a combination of two methods. Muscle, skin and fat from the back are used to create a new breast. Usually, saline or silicone implants also need to be used in order to create a breast that is large enough.
LD Flap is one of the breast reconstruction surgery options known to produce very good results. If any implants are used, it’s possible that they may need to be fixed in the future. Usually, however, the breast will look very natural because real skin is being used.
In terms of how long it takes to undergo and recover from surgery, LD Flap is the most moderate of the three breast reconstruction surgery options. It takes a longer time than implant surgery, but less time than TRAM Flap surgery. You can expect it to take three to four hours to perform, a two to three day hospital stay and three to six weeks to recover from. Women should be healthy before considering this as one of the breast reconstruction surgery options.
How to Decide Which Option is for You
To determine which of the breast reconstruction surgery options is right for you; several factors need to be taken into consideration. Depending on what type of results you are hoping for, a specific type of surgery may or may not be for you. Your health at the time will also need to be taken into consideration, because you should be ready for moderate or major surgery for two of these surgery options. It’s also important to consider which of the breast reconstruction surgery options can provide you with the longest results. Before making a decision, it’s important to have a thorough conversation with your doctor about which breast reconstruction surgery is ideal for you.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.
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