Why is this procedure done?
Breast reconstruction is done to rebuild the shape of your breast. You may have had a mastectomy, which is the removal of a breast to treat cancer or other disease. Breast reconstruction may be done during or after a mastectomy. An implant or a flap of muscles and tissues from your body is used to remake your breast. ‚
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What will the results be?
You will have a breast that appears to be the same as your natural breast. You may have a better body image and more self-confidence. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding like Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about these drugs.
- Family history of breasts cancer and other related issues. Be sure to tell your doctor about the result of any mammograms you have had or if you have had any breast surgeries in the past.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- Breast exam to measure the size, shape, and skin quality of your breasts. Pictures may be taken.
- Lab tests
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Mammogram
Be sure to follow your doctors advice about: ‚
- Avoid smoking, which may increase the risk of problems with wound healing.
- Shower the night before the surgery. Use antibacterial soap. Some doctors have the patient repeat the shower with a special soap the morning of the surgery
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
- Have someone to help you at home after your surgery.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe.
- Your doctor may use:
- A breast implant filled with sterile salt water, called saline, or a silicone gel. The doctor will place the implant under your skin where the tissue was taken out from your breast.
- A temporary implant filled with saline. The implant is placed under your skin if your skin and chest tissues are tight and flat. Your doctor may slowly add more saline to the pouch over time to increase the size of the implant. Some doctors may leave this implant in place. The implant may be replaced with another implant filled with salt water or silicone gel.
- A tissue flap to rebuild your breast. Skin tissue and muscles are moved from your belly, chest, back, or buttocks. The tissue and muscles are reshaped and used to make your breast.
- In some cases, your doctor may place a drainage tube around the implants. The drainage tube will let any extra fluid drain out and will help healing. The drain will be removed at your first follow-up visit.
- A second smaller surgery may need to be done. The surgery would work on fixing the size, shape, and color of your nipple.
- The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room for a few hours. The staff will watch you closely.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to ease pain and upset stomach. You will get fluids through an IV until you are able to eat and drink.
- You may wear a special bra or bandage to support your breasts and to decrease bleeding. You may have some bruising, swelling, and tenderness for a few weeks.
- You may be asked to do breathing exercises using a device called an incentive spirometer. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- You can go home after your surgery or you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days based on your condition.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Treat an upset stomach
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring or wrinkled skin over the implant
- Implant may make cancer harder to detect
- Breast sensation may not be the same as your natural breast
- Leakage of implants
- Problem with breastfeeding
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/MoreInformation/BreastReconstructionAfterMastectomy/index ‚
American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Reconstructive-Procedures/Breast-Reconstruction.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚