Breast Reconstruction following Mastectory

While breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, the mortality rates have dramatically decreased in recent years, allowing many women to live long, healthy lives following diagnosis. Today, many women undergoing lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer opt for immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction is a procedure which reconstructs a missing breast using the patient's own tissues or a tissue expander followed by a permanent implant. Candidates include women who have had either a lumpectomy or mastectomy for breast cancer. Breast reconstruction may be performed at the time of mastectomy or months or years later. Most women require additional touch-up procedures to further contour or shape the breast and to reconstruct the nipple.

Dr. Alain Polynice typically performs breast reconstruction procedures at the Williams Center of Latham, New York, or at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. General anesthesia is used and, depending on the particular technique, the surgery may take anywhere from two to six hours to complete.

There are many different techniques which may be used for breast reconstruction. Many women today are opting for breast reconstruction using their own tissue. Tissue may be harvested as flaps from the patient's abdomen or back which is then used to create a very natural looking breast. Alternately, saline or silicone gel implants may be used to reconstruct the breast. Breast implants typically require the use of a tissue expander to stretch the tissue in order to provide sufficient coverage for the implant. Tissue expanders are left in place for several months and are gradually filled over time to expand the skin. This is then followed by placement of the implant.

Recovery following breast reconstruction typically takes two to four weeks, after which time patients can generally return to work and other normal activities. Exercise and more strenuous activities should be postponed for four weeks. As with any surgical procedure, some bruising and swelling may result. All sutures are internal so stitches do not need to be removed. Risks are generally rare but may include bleeding, infection and asymmetry.