Rebuilding After Breast Cancer: 3 Things You Should Know About Reconstructive Surgery
by Charlie Berry
Breast cancer is a debilitating disease that can affect women of all ages. Studies estimate that over 246,000 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Many of those women will require a mastectomy as part of the treatment plan. If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, and will be receiving a mastectomy, you need to know that reconstructive surgery can restore your breasts.
If you're worried about insurance coverage, a law that went into effect in 1998 requires most insurance companies to pay for reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. Here's some information that will help you understand the different types of reconstructive surgery for breast enhancement.
Simultaneous Reconstruction
If your doctor has determined that radiation won't be required following your mastectomy, you can opt to have reconstructive surgery performed simultaneously. That means your doctor can reconstruct your breasts while you're undergoing your mastectomy. Before choosing simultaneous reconstruction, your doctor will need to ensure that radiation will not be necessary. Radiation performed after breast reconstruction can cause hardening and shrinkage of the remaining breast tissue.
Staged Reconstruction
Staged reconstructions are designed for women who require radiation treatment following their mastectomy. If you'll be having radiation, your reconstructive surgery will be performed in stages.
Skin Expander
Following the mastectomy, your doctor will implant a skin expander under the skin. This expander will help stretch the remaining breast tissue and keep it soft for future reconstruction.
Reconstruction
Once you've completed your radiation treatments, your reconstructive surgery will be performed. During the surgery, your doctor will remove the skin expander and reconstruct your breasts. The reconstruction can be done using either saline or silicone implants, or by using fatty tissue from your own body.
Delayed Reconstruction
If you're going to be having a mastectomy, but aren't ready to consider reconstructive surgery, you don't have to make up your mind right away. Delayed reconstruction will allow you to take your time and weigh your options before proceeding with reconstructive surgery.
Once you've decided it's time for reconstructive surgery, your doctor will begin by preparing your breast tissue for surgery. In most cases, your doctor will begin with a skin expander. This is particularly true if it's been years since you had your mastectomy. The skin will have experienced shrinkage and will need to be expanded prior to reconstruction.
If you have breast cancer, and will require a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery will restore the natural look of your breasts. The information here will help you understand the options that are available to you. Be sure to speak to your doctor, such as Center For Plastic Surgery, about any questions or concerns you may have.
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About Me
I used to be skeptical about chiropractic healing. However, that was before I tried it for myself. I was in an accident that did serious damage to my back. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations, did my physical therapy, and still didn’t feel any better. That was when I finally decided to try going to my friend’s chiropractor. It was such a relief when I finally started to feel better thanks to the great chiropractic care I received. That’s when I decided to start researching chiropractic care and how it could be used to treat different conditions. This blog contains the results of that research. If you’re looking for a way to feel better, you too may benefit from chiropractic healing. These articles will help you learn how.