Breast Reconstruction following mastectomy

In particular, it includes the surgical manipulations (a) for the regeneration of the removed breast mass, (b) the restoration of the nipple-areola, and (c) the surgery which is required in the contralateral breast to achieve symmetry. Reconstruction breast surgery offers physical and psychological joy to women.

It usually includes more than one surgical operation, which takes place at various stages. The procedure can be performed either straight after mastectomy or some time after, as the patient heals and recovers from possible radiotherapy in which she has to be subjected. There are many reasons that may lead a woman to this particular procedure. The most important are:

• The development of better and safer techniques.
• The medical community’s understanding that breast reconstruction does not cause metastasis and does not conceal any local recurrence.
• The great number – nowadays – of good results.
• Women’s persistence for reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction may be performed with autologous tissue (latissimus dorsi or rectus abdominis muscle), or heterologous tissue, i.e. skin expanders. Therefore, every woman who is scheduled for or has already been submitted to mastectomy is in theory eligible for surgery. The procedure can be performed either straight after mastectomy or some time after, depending on the patient’s wish. In many occasions, the result exceeds all expectations.

Breast reconstruction can be made with an incision in the inframammary fold or with an incision made at the top of the armpit which allows very good access to the area underneath the muscle.