Implants are available in a wide range of forms and sizes. This sort of breast reconstruction can be performed together with cancer treatment. It can also be started during your cancer surgery and finished later. You should be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of breast implants and discuss them with your cosmetic surgeon.
What are the different types of implants used in breast reconstruction?
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A silicone outer shell is filled with a sterile saline solution in saline-filled breast implants. Some implants are pre-filled, while others are filled after the surgery.
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Silicone gel is a kind of silicone used to create gel implants that feel like natural breast tissue. Cohesive gel implants are a form of silicone implant that is newer and thicker.
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The thickest implants are known as “gummy bears.” They are known as form-stable implants because they retain their shape even if the shell is destroyed or damaged.
Saline and silicone implants are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, with smooth or textured surfaces (rough). Saline Implants need to be replaced with a new implant if it leaks or ruptures. Silicone implants, on the other hand, have not shown any such issues in trials so far.
How are implant procedures done?
You may have the option of having breast reconstruction done concurrently with cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or afterwards (delayed reconstruction)
A silicone outer shell is filled with a sterile saline solution in saline-filled breast implants. Some implants are pre-filled, while others are filled after the surgery.
Silicone gel is a kind of silicone used to create gel implants that feel like natural breast tissue. Cohesive gel implants are a form of silicone implant that is newer and thicker.
The thickest implants are known as “gummy bears.” They are known as form-stable implants because they retain their shape even if the shell is destroyed or damaged.
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Immediate breast reconstruction: (also known as direct-to-implant reconstruction) is performed, or at least begun, concurrently with cancer surgery. The breast implant is placed at the same time after the mastectomy. A plastic surgeon places a breast implant after the surgeon removes the breast tissue. The implant can be placed under your skin or in your chest muscle. An absorbable mesh, similar to a hammock or sling, is occasionally utilized to keep the implant in place.
Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of preserving breast skin, which can result in better-looking outcomes. Women don't have to be without a breast form, though. While the first stage in rebuilding is sometimes the most important, several more phases are frequently required to get the desired form or look.
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Delayed breast reconstruction
The term “delayed breast reconstruction” refers to the process of reconstructing the breast after cancer surgery has been completed. A short-term tissue expander is implanted after the mastectomy for this form of reconstruction to assist in preparing for reconstructive surgery later. The expander is a flat balloon-like sac that is steadily extended to the proper size to allow the skin to stretch. After the skin around the breast, the region has expanded enough, the expander is removed and the permanent implant is placed.
This approach can give more time as the expander, for example, can be filled while undergoing chemotherapy, but the final insertion of the implant is postponed until after the radiation treatment is completed. After surgery, if radiation is not part of the treatment plan, the surgeon can begin filling the tissue expander.
Two types of expanders are available:
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The surgeon injects a salt-water solution into the expander at regular intervals (every 1, 2, or 3 weeks) through a small valve beneath the skin.
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The other expander employs compressed carbon dioxide gas. Over the course of 2 to 3 weeks, the patient utilizes a remote control to discharge little volumes of gas into the expander several times a day.
You can choose to delay breast reconstruction if:
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While undergoing cancer treatment, you don't want to worry about reconstruction. In this case, you can choose to postpone reconstruction until after your cancer surgery.
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You're dealing with a variety of medical issues. If you smoke or have other health issues, your surgeon may advise you to wait for a variety of reasons. To allow for optimal recovery, it is recommended that you stop smoking at least two months prior to reconstructive surgery.
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Radiation is required following surgery, many specialists advise against quick reconstruction. Radiation can induce complications such as delayed healing and scarring following surgery, as well as reduce the likelihood of success. Flap reconstruction surgery (creating a new breast from different bodily tissues) is frequently postponed after radiotherapy.
Reasons for breast reconstruction
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To make the chest look balanced while wearing a bra or swimsuit
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To assist in the better fitting of clothing
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That regain the form of the breasts for the rest of one's life
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To feel better about one’s body
Scars from breast reconstruction are common, although typically diminish with time. The scarring has also been lessened thanks to newer treatments. Breast reconstruction might help you feel more confident about your appearance after a mastectomy. Keep in mind, however, that the rebuilt breast will not be an exact match or a replacement for your natural breast. If tissue from your belly, back, or buttocks were utilized in the reconstruction, those areas will change as well. Scarring and changes in form or contour should be discussed with your surgeon.
