All About Breast Re-Construction

Being detected with breast cancer can alter your life forever. Though it can be cured by chemo and radio therapy; a lot of women have to undergo partial or complete mastectomy. In a world where breasts - big or small - define femininity, it can be difficult for a breast cancer victim to deal with breast removal physically and emotionally. But, with re-construction surgery, it is possible for her to be her prior self again.

But, what does a re-construction surgery involve? What does one need to bear in mind post surgery? Will you be able to breast feed your baby post the surgery? We talk to experts to tell you everything you need to know about breast re-construction.


What are The Options Available?
“If it is partial mastectomy, the muscle from the lower abdomen is used and a flap is created to cover it,” says Dr De Maio, a plastic surgeon based out of Brazil, who was in Mumbai for a seminar. Muscle and skin from the back is also used, he explains. “But, muscle from the back is usually supported with silicone implants,” Dr De Maio says.

In case of a full mastectomy too, muscle from the abdomen is used to shape breasts from and give a lift to the pectoral muscles. “If the woman desires more volume, we fashion a breast with the help of a silicone implant,” says Dr Jamuna Pai, Mumbai-based cosmetic physician. These are then covered with skin from another part of the body. “The areola or the area around the nipple can also be tattoed using vegetable ink to make it look like the other breast,” Dr Pai says.

Can Anyone Opt for It?
“Re-construction depends on how big the defect is, if sufficient tissue and skin is available and if the patient is otherwise healthy,” says Dr De Maio. So, any woman who has undergone mastectomy can undergo re-construction as well. Women who have been smoking or have undergone heart surgery, should ideally not opt for re-construction. “In fact, re-construction can be done simultaneously with the mastectomy. This will protect the woman from depression and help her cope with therapy post surgery, better,” says Dr De Maio.

However, silicone implants are not recommended if the patient has to undergo radiotherapy as it could cause extrusion. Extrusion is when the implants fall out or come out.

“In fact, women can even have babies and breastfeed them post delivery as the milk ducts are usually not cut off during mastectomy,” says Dr Pai.

Here are a Few Post Surgery Do’s and Don’ts by Dr Jamuna Pai
The wound and the stitches take about a week to heal. In the meantime, here are a few things you should be keeping in mind post surgery:

• Do not workout, do any exercises or yoga asanas especially those that involve raising your arms for three months post surgery.
• Wear cotton supportive bras even while you sleep so that they don’t fall prey to gravity.
• Don’t indulge in any sexual activities for a month.
• Massage your breasts with coconut oil. It will help the wounds to heal quicker.

Apart from these, Dr De Maio says that one should go to the doctor immediately if you notice one of the following symptoms: bruising, if the scar opens up or if there are signs of any infection. “One should consult the doc if you get fever, if the breasts bleed or if you experience swelling,” Dr De Maio says.

Dr De Maio also advices patients to drink a lot of water so that if the patient has to undergo therapy and take any medication post surgery, they are metabolised with ease.

So, undergoing a mastectomy does not have to be a physical/emotional ordeal anymore. Just keep these tips in mind and embrace a new you with breast re-construction.