Breast Reconstruction: Options for Rebuilding Your Breasts After Mastectomy
Types of Breast Reconstruction
There are several options for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. The most common are implant-based reconstruction and autologous (using your own tissue) reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction involves placing a breast implant under either the chest muscle or under your own chest tissues and skin. Saline or silicone gel-filled implants can recreate a natural breast shape and size. This option generally takes less time to perform than autologous reconstruction. However, the results may not match your other breast as closely as autologous reconstruction. Implants also need to be replaced every 10-15 years.
In Breast Reconstruction your surgeon uses tissues from your body, such as fat, skin and muscle from your abdomen, back or buttocks, to reconstruct the breast shape. This is called a flap procedure. There are several types of flaps but the most common are:
- TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap - Uses skin, fat and part of your abdominal muscle. Gives natural shape, feeling but you'll have a scar on your abdomen.
Get More Insights On, Breast Reconstruction
English
Français
Español
Português
Deutsch
Türkçe
Dutch
Italiano
Russian
Romaian