Comprehensive Guide to Breast Reconstruction Procedures Post-Breast Cancer: Essential Information Every Woman Needs
Breast reconstruction surgery is a specialized procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of a breast after a mastectomy or significant breast trauma. The goal of this surgery is not only physical restoration but also emotional healing.
Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Women in Delhi, India, have several options for breast reconstruction following breast cancer. The main types include implant-based reconstruction, autologous tissue (flap) reconstruction, and a combination approach that uses both implants and tissue.
Implant-Based Reconstruction
This method involves placing silicone or saline implants under the breast to recreate breast volume and shape. Recovery is generally faster, and scarring is less since no tissue is taken from other body parts.
Autologous Tissue (Flap) Reconstruction
This method uses the patient’s own tissue taken from areas such as the lower abdomen, back, buttocks, or thighs to reconstruct the breast. Popular flap types performed in Delhi include DIEP flap, TRAM flap, Latissimus dorsi flap, TUG flap, and various other flaps like IGAP, SGAP, PAP, and SIEA flaps. This kind of reconstruction offers a more natural look and feel and ages with the body, but involves a longer recovery and additional scars at donor sites.
Combination Reconstruction
Sometimes a hybrid method is used, such as combining a Latissimus dorsi flap with an implant when body fat is insufficient to form the breast solely from tissue. This provides both volume and a natural shape.
Cost and Post-Op Support
These procedures are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons experienced in breast reconstruction. Costs vary widely depending on the surgery type and hospital but typically range from about Rs 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 for flap reconstructions. Implant reconstruction costs and detailed pricing depend on the implant type and additional factors.
Post-op support, pain management, and physiotherapy are provided to ensure the smoothest possible recovery.
Notable Specialists in Delhi
Dr Rajat Gupta, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Delhi, specializes in advanced techniques for post-breast cancer breast shaping surgery at RG Aesthetics. Excel Hospital offers a range of breast reconstruction techniques, ensuring an individualized approach for each patient.
Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Nipple and areola reconstruction is a significant step in emotional healing, often done several months after the main reconstruction. Common options for nipple and areola reconstruction include local tissue flaps, 3D nipple tattooing, and grafting from donor tissue.
Timelines and Considerations
Recovery timelines vary depending on the technique, with implant-based reconstruction taking 2-4 weeks and flap reconstruction taking 4-6 weeks or more. Delayed reconstruction is chosen when cancer treatments are the immediate focus and can be performed months or years later.
The DIEP flap technique preserves muscle and function while offering enough volume for a soft, contoured breast. The TUG flap is an alternative option when abdominal tissue isn't suitable for flap reconstruction.
It's essential to note that immediate reconstruction takes place during the mastectomy and can lead to better aesthetic outcomes, but may pose challenges if radiation therapy is planned.
Contralateral Symmetrisation Procedures
Contralateral symmetrisation procedures like mastopexy (breast lift), reduction, or augmentation ensure harmony in body proportions when only one breast is reconstructed.
To book an appointment with Dr Rajat Gupta, call 91-9251711711 or email contact@our website.
- Autologous tissue (flap) reconstruction, such as the DIEP flap or TUG flap, uses a patient's own tissue taken from areas like the lower abdomen, back, or thighs for breast reconstruction, providing a more natural look and feel.
- Cosmetic surgery, specifically nipple and areola reconstruction, is a significant step in emotional healing following breast reconstruction, often performed several months after the main procedure.
- Breast reconstruction surgeries like implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue (flap) reconstruction are conducted by board-certified plastic surgeons, with costs ranging from about Rs 1,00,000 to 5,00,000 in Delhi, India.
- Breast reconstruction science caters to women's health concerns, offering multiple options for breast reconstruction following breast cancer, including implant-based reconstruction and various autologous tissue (flap) reconstruction methods.
- In breast reconstruction surgery, both health and wellness, along with aesthetic concerns, play a crucial role, aiming not only for physical restoration but also emotional healing for patients.
