Albany Breast Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Overview
Breast reconstruction surgery following the removal of a breast because of cancer (mastectomy) can be one of the most confidence-inspiring surgeries a woman can undergo. While the diagnosis of breast cancer is both frightening and devastating, with early detection and treatment, and subsequent breast reconstruction by one of the experienced plastic surgeons at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York, a woman can reclaim her natural shape and restore confidence in her health and appearance.
There have been many new advancements and reconstructive techniques developed in the area of breast reconstruction, and your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will explain these to you in detail during your consultation. Your plastic surgeon will decide which approach will be the most beneficial to your desired goal, and will work closely with your other doctors to determine the optimum course of action. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York any questions or concerns you may have. It is very important to have a comfortable, open and knowledgeable understanding of this procedure that can help restore your confidence.
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The Procedure
Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed immediately following the mastectomy or it can be scheduled at a later time. Sometimes, a woman may want to wait for the breast reconstruction surgery until she has come to terms about her breast-cancer diagnosis and has had the time to discuss all of her breast-reconstruction options with both her surgeon and plastic surgeon. The decision when to have breast reconstruction surgery is an important one that should be discussed with your doctors and your Albany plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group.
There are different methods of breast reconstruction which include:
Skin Expansion with an Insert
This is a very common type of breast reconstruction surgery that involves the placement of a balloon expander under the skin and chest muscle that is injected with a saline solution over a period of weeks or months to stretch the skin in the area of the breast reconstruction. Sometimes these are removed and replaced by a permanent insert. Other times this implant is permanent. In the event that a woman's skin does not need to be expanded, a permanent implant is placed with no need for the saline-solution expander.
Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction is a method that uses tissue from the back, stomach or the buttocks that, in some cases holds the implant, and in other cases provides the basis for the new breast without an implant. In some cases, this tissue is moved under the skin to the breast area. In other cases, the tissue is removed and then relocated to the breast area. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in the Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga area will discuss each of these different approaches with you during the pre-surgery consultation.
Depending on the type of breast reconstruction that your plastic surgeon determines is the best for you, you will most likely have more than one surgery to obtain the most natural results. Generally, the first surgery is the most complex with subsequent surgeries to replace the saline expander, place a permanent implant or recreate the nipple and areola. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group will discuss all of this with you in detail prior to your surgery.
Recovering
Depending on the type and extent of your breast reconstruction surgery, you may be in the hospital for several days. In many cases, a drainage tube will be utilized to eliminate excess fluids from the operative area immediately following the surgery. In most cases, stitches will be removed in a little more than a week's time. It's normal if you feel some tiredness and soreness for a week or two following your surgery. Your plastic surgeon can prescribe medication that will help you feel more comfortable.
In general, most women need about six weeks time to feel back to normal following breast reconstruction surgery. Your plastic surgeon will tell you when to begin stretching exercises. It's important to be gentle with yourself during this recuperative period. Avoid lifting, sports and sex for up to six weeks following your surgery. Some feeling may return to the restored breast, but it will not be as sensitive as a natural one. Also, it will take some time for scars to begin to fade. Eventually, they will become much less noticeable. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York will make every effort to minimize the scarring during the surgery.
Potential Risks and Complications
All surgery comes with some risks including the development of an infection around the surgical area or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. If these rare situations occur, they can be treated by medications prescribed by your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group.
A common complication after breast reconstruction surgery is the development of capsular contraction which happens if the scar around the implant area becomes tight and puts pressure around the implant. Capsular contraction can be corrected by eliminating the scar tissue, and in some cases, replacing the implant itself. Your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany will answer any of your questions regarding this condition during your consultation.
Common Questions About Breast Reconstruction Surgery
What type of anesthesia will be used for my breast reconstruction surgery?
In almost all cases, the initial breast reconstruction surgery is performed using a general anesthesia. You will be completely asleep and comfortable during the procedure. Often, follow-up surgeries can be performed using a local anesthesia or sedative combination to ensure your comfort.
How long will I be hospitalized?
In most cases the hospital stay after breast reconstruction surgery is between two and five days, but it depends on the type of surgery you have. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group in Albany, New York.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Yes, most insurance companies cover breast reconstruction. Check with your insurance carrier and discuss this with your plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Group.
Will an implant affect the results of mammograms?
It's important to go to an imaging center that has technicians who are trained and experienced in the special methods that are required to achieve accurate mammograms when there is a breast implant in place. Your plastic surgeon can recommend these types of imaging centers.
To find out more about breast reconstruction surgery in Albany, New York, contact The Plastic Surgery Group at 518-438-0505 or send us an email today. Fill our our online form for a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
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