Breast Reconstruction After Cancer

Breast reconstruction is a surgical option for women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer. 

Breast reconstruction aims to restore the shape and appearance of the breast as closely as possible to how they looked before surgery.

The decision to have breast reconstruction is a personal one. Some women choose to have reconstruction because it helps them feel whole and feminine after undergoing an emotionally challenging procedure of mastectomy.

It gives them a chance to reclaim control over their bodies and self-image.

There are various techniques and options available, including using implants or tissue from other parts of the body, and the timing of reconstruction can vary depending on the individual case. 

You can consult Dr. Garvit Chitkara, a leading breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai who also excels in oncoplastic breast surgery, to understand the options available and to make an informed decision.

What are the different types of breast reconstruction procedures?

Many different types of breast reconstruction surgery are available for women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy.

You will have to discuss with your doctor which breast cancer reconstruction options are best for you, depending on your medical condition and personal preferences.

The list of reconstructive breast surgery after cancer includes:

• Immediate reconstruction: This procedure is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. The surgeon will remove the breast tissue and then rebuild the breast using an implant or tissue from another part of the body.
• Delayed reconstruction: This procedure is performed after the patient fully recovers from the surgery.
• Autologous tissue reconstruction: This procedure uses tissue from the woman’s own body to rebuild the breast. It can include tissue from the abdomen, back, or buttocks.
• Implant-based reconstruction: The surgeon uses a breast implant to rebuild the breast during this procedure. This can be done with or without a tissue expander.
• Fat transfer or grafting: This procedure uses fat from other body parts to rebuild the breast.
• Flap reconstruction: In this procedure, the reconstructive breast surgeon uses a flap of skin, muscle, and fat from the woman’s own body to rebuild the breast. It can include the TRAM flap, DIEP flap, latissimus dorsi flap, and others.
• Tissue expansion and reconstruction: Here, a tissue expander stretches the skin and creates a pocket for an implant.

Dr. Garvit Chitkara, an experienced reconstructive breast surgeon in Mumbai, explains, “Some women may need a combination of these procedures to achieve the best possible outcome.” 

That’s why a detailed consultation with your oncoplastic breast surgeon is necessary to help determine the best option based on your unique case.

Why do people opt for breast reconstruction after cancer?

The most reliable way to determine how delays affect breast cancer outcomes should, in theory, be through tumor growth and cellular division. The time it takes for cells to multiply or the tumor doubling time should help identify whether a prolonged interval is harmful. Unfortunately, tumor doubling times vary, which makes accurate prognosis more challenging.

Breast cancer specialist, Dr. Garvit Chitkara, explains that breast cancer surgery is not an emergency that needs to be done the very same day. But it must be addressed urgently.

There is no single conclusive information or data about the time of surgery to survival ratio. But it is certain that one must not delay treatment significantly from the time of diagnosis.

• The tumor size is one of the main factors that help determine how soon you should have breast cancer surgery. Please click this link to understand how tumor size impacts the breast cancer stage.
• Some Studies have shown that with every delay of 30 days, patients having stage I and stage II breast cancer can impact survival rates.
• Studies that looked at patients over 65 showed that those who had earlier surgery from the time of a definitive diagnosis had a better survival rate.

A JAMA Oncology study in 2013 of over 9,000 young women discovered the following 5-year survival rates:

If you are concerned about a lump you detected during a breast self-examination, please do not hesitate to consult with the prominent breast oncologist in Mumbai, Dr. Garvit Chitkara, for an expert diagnosis and reliable treatment options.

Things to remember before having breast cancer surgery

Breast reconstruction after cancer can help women feel whole and confident again after breast cancer surgery. 

Some women have breast reconstruction to restore their breast shape and size following a mastectomy, while others opt for reconstruction after a lumpectomy. Reconstruction can also help balance breast asymmetry caused by cancer surgery. 

Additionally, breast reconstruction can aid in the physical and emotional healing process for women who have been through cancer treatment.  Ultimately, the decision to have breast reconstruction is personal and should be made in consultation with your doctor.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women. But remember, breast cancer can also occur in males. Breast cancer treatment delays have been a problem for more than a century, and current quality standards are starting to take this into account.

Thanks to significant investment in research and awareness campaigns, breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have advanced. With early detection, an innovative customized perspective to therapy, and a better understanding and knowledge of the disease, survival rates in breast cancer have improved, and the number of fatalities linked to the early diagnosis of the disease is rapidly reducing.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, please do not delay consulting an experienced breast cancer specialist like Dr. Garvit Chitkara for a correct diagnosis and the best treatment options.

Who are ideal candidates for breast reconstruction after cancer? 

An ideal candidate for breast reconstruction after breast cancer would generally be someone who:

• Has undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy to treat breast cancer

• Is in good overall health and able to tolerate a surgical procedure

• Has realistic expectations for the outcome of the reconstruction surgery

• Is emotionally and psychologically ready for the reconstruction surgery.

When should you consider breast reconstruction: immediate or delayed reconstruction after cancer

The decision of when to undergo breast reconstruction after cancer treatment should be made in consultation with the breast cancer surgeon.

Immediate reconstruction, performed at the same time as breast cancer surgery, allows the patient to heal with a more natural-looking breast shape and size and can also reduce the overall number of surgeries required. However, immediate reconstruction may not be suitable for all patients.

Delayed reconstruction, performed after cancer treatment has been completed, allows for healing and recovery from cancer treatment before undergoing additional surgery. Both options have their own benefits and risks and should be carefully considered.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have immediate or delayed breast reconstruction should be made individually, taking into account the patient’s overall health, the stage of cancer, and the patient’s personal preferences and goals.

What are the risk factors after breast reconstruction?

The risk includes:

• Infection 
• Bleeding 
• Poor wound healing 
• Skin loss or necrosis (tissue death) 
• Changes in sensation in the breast, such as numbness or tingling 
• Fluid accumulation 
• Pain, swelling, and discomfort during recovery

Recovery and aftercare following breast reconstruction surgery 

Recovery and aftercare following breast reconstruction surgery will vary depending on the type of surgery that was performed. However, some general guidelines may include the following:

Pain management: Patients may experience pain and discomfort for several days to a couple of weeks after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to help manage this.

Drainage: Some patients may have surgical drains placed during surgery to remove excess fluid. These will be removed within a few days to a week.

Activity restrictions: Patients will have to limit their physical activity for some time after surgery to allow for proper healing.

Wound care: Patients will need to keep their incisions clean and dry and may have to wear a surgical bra or other compression garments.

Follow-up appointments: Patients will have to return to see their surgeon for follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Patients should also expect to experience some side effects, such as swelling, numbness, and discomfort around the reconstructed breast, but that’s normal and should get better over time.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Garvit Chitkara, an acclaimed surgeon for breast cancer surgery in Mumbai, if you are unsure whether a breast reconstruction is the best option for you.  He is highly skilled in oncoplastic breast reconstruction surgery and will provide in-depth guidance to help you understand your options.

You can visit him at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care in Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai.

Frequently Asked Questions