What to Know About Breast Reconstruction After a Mastectomy

The American Cancer Society estimates that about 311,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year. Of those diagnosed, roughly 65% will require surgical interventions including breast removal by mastectomy (single or double) or breast-conserving surgery (BCS) like a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy. In many women, the surgical trauma is compounded by the breast disfigurement’s effect on their body image and self-esteem.

All women who undergo breast cancer-related surgery should be offered breast reconstruction. Usually requiring more than one surgery, breast reconstruction seeks to restore normal proportions and helps restore confidence with one’s appearance. In choosing a surgical option, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes that breast reconstruction has been proven to “improve self-esteem and aid in positive body image after undergoing breast cancer diagnosis, treatments or other medical conditions.” According to the latest ASPS procedural statistics data, nearly 158,000 women underwent breast reconstruction surgery in 2023, making it the year’s third most-performed reconstructive procedure.

With a longstanding expertise performing breast reconstruction surgery in Southwest Florida, the surgeons of Naples Plastic Surgery understand the emotional trauma women face with a loss of part or all of their breast. They have made it their mission to help women who’ve undergone BCS or a mastectomy, recover their positive body image and self-esteem. If you’re facing or have already undergone breast cancer-related surgery, read on to learn what Naples Plastic Surgery can offer to help restore your pre-operative appearance.

Choosing to Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery

A woman’s decision on whether to have breast reconstruction surgery after surgical breast cancer treatment is highly personal, and surgical options depend on numerous factors. Breast cancer patients can opt to undergo breast reconstruction in conjunction with their mastectomy or BCS or can delay the reconstruction until months or years later. The surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery have a close working relationship with the area’s top breast surgeons, which makes them highly experienced at performing immediate breast reconstruction at the time of the surgical treatment for breast cancer. A discussion about breast reconstruction should always be offered and coordinated with their breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon to ensure women are fully knowledgeable about their reconstructive surgical options.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Our plastic surgeons are highly skilled at performing several types of breast reconstruction surgeries, including:

• Implant-based reconstruction is the most popular type due to its relative surgical ease, faster recovery time, and low risk of complications. Patients can opt for silicone or saline implants, which are placed to restore the volume lost by mastectomy.
• Surgical fat grafting can be highly effective at restoring breast shapes compromised by BCS. Fat transfers are also used to enhance results from other reconstruction techniques, including implant reconstruction
• Autologous reconstruction—also known as flap surgery—removes the patient’s own tissues from other areas of the body to create a new breast mound for the reconstruction. These surgeries are generally more complex, requires significant recovery time, and may have more risk of complications than other reconstruction types. The success of this technique is also dependent on a woman having adequate tissue to utilize as a flap..
• Oncoplastic reconstruction uses breast reduction and breast lift procedures to adjust or fill in defective spaces created by a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy and is tailored to improve breast shape and symmetry.

Determining which type of breast reconstruction surgery would be most appropriate depends on numerous factors, including:

• Type and extent of surgery required for cancer removal.
• Whether additional chemotherapy or radiation will be needed.
• Patient’s surgical history.
• Patient’s aesthetic goals and expectations.
• Surgical timing (during or post-cancer removal).
• Body type considerations.
• Overall health.

Recovering from Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Recovery times for breast reconstruction surgery depend on several factors, such as the extent and complexity of the procedure, how many procedures are required and whether it was conducted in conjunction with breast cancer removal. No matter what type of reconstruction is appropriate, our surgeons prioritize patient safety and comfort with a detailed post-surgery treatment and recovery plan. Our plastic surgeons at Naples Plastic Surgery are dedicated to strategizing the procedure to create the most natural, aesthetically pleasing results possible.

Contact Naples Plastic Surgery to Discuss Your Breast Reconstruction Options

If you expect to undergo or have already undergone BCS or a mastectomy due to breast cancer, we invite you to consult with one of our breast reconstruction experts in Naples, Florida. Our plastic surgeons have established a stellar record of restoring the look of breasts altered from the treatment of breast cancer. To schedule your breast reconstruction consultation, contact our surgical center at 239.566.2611.