Essay On Breast Reconstruction

446 Words1 Page

The decision to have breast reconstruction is a personal one. Getting as much information as possible is the first step in making this decision. Knowing how this procedure is done is part of that investigative process.

There are two general types of breast reconstruction. Those that use artificial breast implants and those that use donor tissue from another part of the patient's body. The procedures for each are a bit different.

Breast Implants

The same implants used in breast augmentation surgery can be used in breast reconstruction. These implants are often the best choice in cases where all of the breast is removed (radical mastectomy). They can be done on one side or both.

A single-stage implant is done at the time of the mastectomy. Once the breast tissue is removed, the surgeon will insert …show more content…

If there is not enough tissue for the reconstruction, the surgeon will insert a tissue expander under the skin and gradually fill it with saline solution, causing the skin to stretch and grow. Eventually, there will be enough room for the implant. Then reconstruction surgery can proceed. The surgeon will make a small incision and insert the implant.

Donor Tissue Reconstruction

Another option for breast reconstruction is taking donor tissue from another part of the body and transplanting it to the breast area. The grafts can be taken from the abdomen, upper back, thighs, or buttocks. The grafts include the skin as well as the fat layers and blood vessels below. Some grafts will also include muscle tissue.

The graft is placed at the site of the missing breast tissue. Blood vessels are reattached and the surgeon shapes the graft to look like a natural breast.

Reconstruction using donor tissues will have two surgical sites and scars. Recovery takes a bit longer. But, they look more natural than implants. There is also no worries about implant ruptures or the need for future

Open Document