Breast reconstruction is a surgical technique that can be done for women who have had a mastectomy as a way to prevent or treat breast cancer. Breast reconstruction surgery can be started at the time of the mastectomy (called immediate reconstruction) or it can be done after the completion of cancer treatment (called delayed reconstruction). Delayed reconstruction can occur months or even years after the mastectomy. Sometimes breast reconstruction surgery can involve the other breast as well, so that both breasts are similar in size and shape.
What should we know about the procedure?
- Use of silicone gel implants to reconstruct the breast. This technique is performed in two surgical stages after completion of chemotherapy and radiotherapy: the first operation involves the placement of an expander that, after the wound has healed, will be filled with physiological water by our staff in several sessions with an average distance of 2 weeks. When the expander has reached the desired volume, the second operation is performed, during which the expander is removed and finally a silicone gel implant is placed, which will be kept for life. During this operation, the other breast is usually reshaped so that both breasts are as similar as possible in shape and size.
- Autologous technique using indoor implementation. The tissue used is provided by the patient herself, preferably from the lower abdominal area or the gluteal area. The advantage of this technique is the fair tolerance of radiotherapy.
- Before the procedure, pre-operative tests are performed (full blood count and blood group, coagulation tests, biochemical, viral, pregnancy and urine tests, visit with the cardiologist and ECG, visit with the anesthetist, etc.).
- Starmed applies totally intravenous general anesthesia, which keeps blood pressure low, reduces the risk of bleeding and hematomas, minimizes the risk of nausea and vomiting and for this type of surgery is safer and more comfortable for the patient, as well as allowing the surgeon to work in optimal conditions.
- The average duration is 1 – 2 hours.
- Application or not of silicone gel prostheses, with a lifetime guarantee, depending on the initial condition of the breast and the surgical technique chosen.
- Drains are applied as needed and must be kept for 1 – 2 days.
- One night of hospitalization in the clinic.
- Mild – moderate and normally tolerable pain.
- Hematomas and edema on the chest that gradually disappear within 10 – 14 days.
- Rapid recovery period, with gradual improvement in the appearance of the breast, the result is considered definitive 4 – 6 months after the operation.
In the breast where the tumor mass was located, the sign will be the same as the first operation. If the other breast needs to be remodeled, the scars can be just an incision in the lower part of the breast or depending on the technique to be applied, especially when mastopexy is necessary, the scars will be around the areola, another vertical and in some cases also a horizontal scar in the lower part of the breast, which over time remain thin and faded.
Post-operative advice:
- Use of oral antibiotics, usually up to 5 days after surgery.
- Removal of drains 24 – 48 hours after surgery (in those cases where they are placed).
- Wound dressings every 3 – 4 days with the clinic staff.
- Removal of stitches 10 – 15 days after surgery (in those cases where they are not absorbable).
- Avoid forced movements and weight lifting for two weeks to one month after surgery.
- Do not drive for the first 1 – 2 weeks after surgery.
- Wear the appropriate sports bra for 1 month.
- Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
- Gradual resumption of physical activity at least 2 months after surgery, according to the advice of Starmed staff.
- Post-operative checks with Starmed staff according to our clinical protocols.