Have you recently undergone a mastectomy? Breast cancer takes a tremendous toll on women, both physically and emotionally, and many women feel that they have lost part of their femininity after a mastectomy. Dr. Lorraine Golosow works with compassionate care and can help restore your look and confidence with breast reconstruction surgery.

What is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part or all of the breast tissue and sometimes other nearby tissues. A mastectomy can be performed on one or both breasts to treat breast cancer. It can also be done as a preventative measure if you are at high risk for developing breast cancer. For women with breast cancer, removing the breasts will also remove the cancerous cells so it may be medically necessary, but it is still an emotionally difficult procedure.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is reconstructive surgery offered after mastectomy to restore the shape of the breast and create a more feminine appearance. It is done using implants, tissue from other parts of your body, or a combination of both. Breast reconstruction is an individual decision and should be discussed with your doctor. There are two types of breast reconstruction:

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Implant-based reconstruction uses a breast implant to restore the shape of the breast. The implant may be filled with saline or silicone gel and placed in the chest wall after the mastectomy has been completed. Moreover, a breast implant may also be combined with other procedures, such as fat grafting and tissue flap surgery, to create a more natural look so that you feel more confident in your appearance.

Breast Reconstruction with Fat Grafting

Fat grafting uses fat from another part of your body (usually the abdomen, back, buttocks, or inner thigh) to rebuild the breast. During this type of surgery, fat and skin are grafted from one area of the body to create a new breast mound. Some patients prefer this option because your augmentation is more natural.

Who is a Candidate?

Candidates undergoing breast reconstruction should be in good health, with no significant medical conditions. Based on your current cancer treatments and your unique cosmetic needs, a consultation with Dr. Lorraine Golosow is required to determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Recovery

Your level of recovery following a mastectomy and reconstruction varies depending on your procedure. Drains will usually be put in to prevent fluid buildup and these are removed by Dr. Golosow a few days later at your post-op appointment. Compression garments or a surgical bra must be worn to minimize swelling and guarantee proper recovery. There may be bruising, swelling, and soreness but prescription painkillers can manage these symptoms.

You must adhere to the post-operative instructions Dr. Golosow gave you to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible results. On average, you should expect to rest and relax for the first two weeks while most of the swelling and bruising go down. Over the following months, you will be able to slowly get back to your normal activities.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are considering breast reconstruction, you must find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lorraine Golosow. Contact Dr. Golosow to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options. During this visit, you can discuss the details of your procedure and determine the best plan for restoring your breasts. We look forward to helping you on your journey toward recovery.