The Family Magazines of Michiana

A mastectomy can affect women’s self-esteem. The loss of a breast can sometimes be even more trying than the initial breast cancer diagnosis. That’s why more and more women are turning to breast reconstruction surgery to help restore not only their breast’s appearance, but also their self-confidence and emotional well-being after breast cancer.

Breast reconstruction surgery is a relatively safe procedure that has advanced greatly over time. Today, surgeons work closely with the patient’s oncologist or general surgeon before the mastectomy to plan and prepare a surgical procedure that will provide the greatest potential for success.

Implant and Tissue Flap Procedures.
There are two types of breast reconstructive procedures for women after a mastectomy: implant procedures and tissue flap procedures. Implant procedures use what’s called a tissue expander, a small medical balloon that is placed under the muscle and gradually filled over a few weeks or months. After the area has been stretched enough, the expander is removed and a permanent saline or silicone implant is inserted. Autologous tissue flap procedures on the other hand use tissue from other parts of the body such as the buttocks, back, thighs and tummy to reconstruct the breast immediately following the mastectomy.

A Team Effort.
In most cases, coordinating with the patient’s oncology team enables the plastic surgeon to perform a breast reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy. This may eliminate the need for a second surgery and allows the patient to begin the physical and emotional recovery process sooner. On average and depending upon the reconstructive option, patients endure a hospital stay of only one to six days and are fully recovered within six to eight weeks.

Dr. Ronald Downs
Ronald K. Downs, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of The Centre, P.C. in
Elkhart and Chesterton. He’s an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, Indiana State Medical Association, Ohio Valley Plastic Surgery Society and Rush Surgical Society.