What is the purpose of Breast Reconstruction and which patients does it concern?
Breast reconstruction involves the recreation of the breast that was removed after a partial or total mastectomy. Its purpose is to replace the skin, breast gland, and nipple that were removed, ultimately aiming to create a new breast that is in symmetry with the healthy breast.
Most patients who have undergone or are about to undergo mastectomy—either due to cancer or prophylactically (based on genetic criteria)—are suitable candidates for reconstruction.
When can Breast Reconstruction be performed?
Reconstruction can be performed at two different time points:
• Immediate Reconstruction:
Performed at the same time as the mastectomy. The main advantage is that the woman wakes up from surgery with a new breast already in place, avoiding the psychological impact of amputation.
• Delayed Reconstruction:
Performed at a later stage, weeks, months, or even years after mastectomy and completion of all related treatments. It is usually chosen when chemotherapy or radiotherapy is required.
What are the main techniques for Breast Reconstruction?
The decision for breast reconstruction is highly personal and offers significant benefits:
• Psychological uplift: Improves mood, boosts self-confidence, and reduces anxiety and the feeling of loss.
• Improved body image: Restores natural balance and symmetry, allowing comfortable movement and clothing without external prostheses.
• Long-term solution: Unlike external prosthetics, surgical reconstruction provides a permanent result.
• Oncological safety: The procedure does not increase the risk of cancer recurrence nor negatively affect the clinical course or survival.
What are the advantages of Breast Reconstruction?
The decision for breast reconstruction is a deeply personal one with important benefits:
• Psychological uplift: Improves mood, enhances self-confidence, and reduces anxiety and the feeling of mutilation.
• Improved body image: Restores natural balance and symmetry, allowing the woman to dress and move comfortably without the need for external prostheses.
• Long-term solution: Provides a permanent result compared to external prosthetic options.
• Oncological safety: Does not increase the risk of disease recurrence or negatively impact prognosis or survival.
