Reasons for Breast Reconstruction

Every woman who considers breast reconstruction has her own personal reasons. Whether you decide to have breast reconstruction depends on your own individual case, medical condition, general health, lifestyle, and emotional state. You may consider consulting your family, friends, breast implant support groups, and breast cancer support groups to help you in making this decision. Some of the reasons to have Breast Reconstruction may include Restoring breast shape following mastectomy, or injury that resulted in either partial or total loss of the breast. Balancing the appearance of breasts that differ in size or shape Correcting a birth defect.

Recovery time from breast reconstruction

It is normal to feel fatigued for several weeks after reconstructive breast surgery. Patients are very sore after the procedure and may have increased pain with lifting or movement of the arms. Patients are able to return to most activities within six weeks, but vigorous activity, especially those that produce a bouncing movement, such as running, may take slightly longer. Patients are typically able to return to an active sex life at that time as well.

breast reconstruction surgery

Breast cancer reconstruction involves major surgery and often requires more than one procedure. Patients who understand the stages of their surgery typically have less stress and are better prepared for the emotional impact of breast reconstruction. Before breast cancer reconstruction surgery, a patient should discuss the various breast construction methods with Dr. Schusterman or Dr. Hsu and do personal research to help ensure that she undergoes the procedure that is best for her. During breast reconstruction surgery, the patient will be under general (sleep) sedation, and the surgeon will place a breast implant and/or perform flap surgery, depending on the procedure selected. After breast reconstruction surgery, the patient can expect to be up and around within a few weeks, but complete healing may take one to two years.