Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Which of the Two Types is Right For You?

After going through a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, or if you have another past health condition that caused changes in your breasts’ appearance, then it is very understandable that you are considering breast reconstruction surgery.

Scars left behind by such serious illnesses including breast cancer are signs of survival and strength. However, each time you see those scars, it can bring back the traumatic memories of yesterday.

Women who go through breast reconstruction surgery choose to do so when they finally want to move on and live life normally again. They aim to get back on track and that includes bringing their original physical appearance back. Furthermore, a breast reconstruction surgery can help women who went through so much the chance to regain their self-confidence.

There are two major types of breast reconstruction surgery: implant reconstruction and autologous or flap reconstruction. To find out which one is right for you, you must first know more about these two procedures.

Here we are going to review basics about different types of breast reconstruction surgeries, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Implant reconstruction uses an actual implant, just like those used in breast augmentation procedures, which are filled with silicone gel, salt water/saline or a combination of both.

Using tissue that’s transplanted from your belly, thigh or back, an autologous or flap reconstruction procedure can be performed. In some cases, this procedure may also require the use of an implant.

Types of Breast Reconstruction

1. Implant Reconstruction

When getting an implant reconstruction, the procedure is generally easier for the surgeon to perform. Compared to autologous reconstruction, getting an implant is fairly quicker too. Furthermore, the recovery period is a whole lot quicker and easier compared to the other type. In addition, when your doctor explains the procedure to you, it is so much easier to understand because it is just so common. In fact, many medical centers readily offer this procedure to patients who need it.

However, implant reconstruction is not always the most recommended procedure for those who need breast reconstruction surgery. Yes, it is easier for the “now” part; however, you’d have to worry about it later on. There may be further procedures needed in the future.

In conclusion, your implants need further attention over the course of your lifetime. You would have to get checkups every few years or so to ensure your implants are still in perfect shape.

2. Autologous or Flap Reconstruction

Not all medical centers offer flap reconstruction. It takes a whole lot of skill, expertise and extensive experience on the end of the surgeon in order to be qualified to do a flap reconstruction. So if you’re considering this, you may want to check first whether it is available in your area. If not and you insist on getting a flap reconstruction procedure done, you can go on a trip to where it’s available. Ask your doctor about it or do your own research to find out who the best doctors are who can do this for you.

A lot of women opt for flap reconstruction even though it’s complicated in the beginning and would require more time for the procedure and recovery process. Over time, the results are a whole lot better compared to regular implants. If the procedure is done the best way possible, it may no longer need further medical attention for the rest of your life. In the long run, that’s more cost-effective and less time-consuming for you.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Breast Implants

Breast implant procedures are done purposefully to modify the size, shape, and appearance of women’s breasts. Medically, it is a primary reconstructive procedure for patients whose breast tissues have been removed due to cancer, trauma, or abnormalities. But breast implant procedure is most frequently done for cosmetic procedure to increase breast size, to improve, or to correct the result of previous breast surgery.

Benefits

For women who want to improve the size and shape of their breasts, breast implant procedures are a quick way to accomplish it. Aside from the noticeable physical change, breast implant procedures (which is often called as breast augmentation or a boob job) boosts self-confidence and self-esteem of women who have undergone this procedure. A qualifying process is done first for candidates before they undergo the procedure.

They should be physically healthy and psychologically fit for them to qualify. It is an out-patient procedure and patients, after having the procedure, can return to their normal activity. Pain is experienced, especially when the procedure involves muscles being cut for the implants to be placed. Exercise and other strenuous activity is usually restricted for a couple of weeks. The initial recovery is one week, but the complete healing process is approximately up to six weeks

Drawbacks

Although breast implant procedure seems to be an excellent option, there are still drawbacks to it. It is an invasive procedure and anesthesia is required during the operation. It can be a threat to health since it involves the introduction of a foreign material to the body. A number of risks go together with breast implant procedures. The risk of an allergic reaction to any substance used before, during, or after the operation is possible. Other risks include bleeding after the procedure, collection of fluid, infection, and pain.

A possible scarring can be formed after the wound has healed. The most serious complications that can happen after having breast implants are the possible rupture of the silicone implants and the formation of collagen fiber capsules around it. These complications are very painful but can be re-operated, however, this can add long term damage. In addition, the huge amount of money spent in the procedure is also considered to be a disadvantage.

Safe alternatives

The fact remains that breast enhancement comes with risks and value. But there are other alternatives that are a lot better, safer, and cheaper than having breast implants. Breast enhancement creams and pills are also effective to improve the appearance of breasts. These creams and pills are usually made from the finest all-natural ingredients that are considered to be safe. Although the results may take longer than a breast implant procedure, fewer risks and complications are involved in using breast enhancement creams and pills.

Other benefits include a firmer breast, an improved skin of the breast, and a naturally enhanced breast. To add up, most of these breast enhancement creams and pills are not expensive. More women opt for these creams and pills because it is the most natural way of improving their breast.

Summary: Make Your Choice!

Now that you know the basics about these procedures and their advantages and disadvantages, you can make the best choice depending on your situation – or even choose breast enlargement without surgery!