Breast reconstruction
Many women having a mastectomy choose to have a breast reconstruction. The options and possibilities around breast reconstruction can be very confusing. There are very few patients who can’t have a reconstruction. Dr Brown will guide you through this complex area of modern breast cancer management and help you make the right decisions for you.
Immediate v delayed
Many women can have their reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy - this is called an immediate reconstruction. Other women choose to “go flat” but can still have a reconstruction later on - this is a delayed reconstruction.
Autologous v prosthetic
Autologous means using your own tissue for your breast reconstruction. There are many options available which you might know about. Tummy tissue can be used (TRAM, DIEP), buttock tissue (SGAP, IGAP) or thigh tissue (TUG, PAP). These flaps are generally performed by Plastic Surgeons and Dr Brown can guide you through the decision making process. Dr Brown performs Latissimus Dorsi autologous reconstructions using tissue from your back.
Prosthetic reconstruction uses an implant to replace your breast tissue. Breast implants are mostly made of silicone (although other materials are sometimes used) and there are numerous options for the shape, consistency, surface texture and of course size. Dr Brown will guide you through all these options and help you make the right choice for you.
Implant v expander
A breast implant is the definitive silicone implant that will be with you for many years. Often, this implant can be inserted at the same time as your immediate reconstruction (direct to implant). Sometimes it is desirable to use a Tissue Expander - this is an adjustable temporary implant that can be filled with air or water and adjusted over time to the optimal size before a further surgery to exchange it for the definitive implant.
Fat grafting
Fat cells can be transferred from the tummy or thighs to smooth over contour defects after previous breast surgery. This technique can also be very helpful for some of the changes caused by radiotherapy.
EDI: mybreast