Skin expansion is the most
common method used today for breast reconstruction. When this
procedure is performed, a balloon-like expander is placed
beneath your skin and chest muscle and periodically filled
with a salt-water based saline solution. The constant increase
in volume of this balloon causes your breast skin to stretch
and increase in size. When the breast reaches a size
proportional to its partner, the balloon is removed and a more
permanent implant is placed inside. The nipple and areola are
then reconstructed using tissue from other parts of the body.
Flap reconstruction is an alternative approach to an implant,
and it involves the creation of a skin flap using tissue taken
from other parts of the female body, such as the back,
abdomen, or buttocks. The tissue is tunneled underneath the
skin to the front of the chest, creating a pocket for the
implant - or in some cases creating the breast mound itself.
RECOVERING FROM THIS SURGERY
Recovery from a breast reconstruction procedure can
last up to six months. The reconstructed breast will not have
its normal sensation, but in time, some feeling may return.
You are likely to feel some sort of pain or discomfort
following the procedure, but this will be taken care of with
prescribed medicine. The resulting scars will fade over time,
but will never disappear entirely. |
