Breast cancer Reconstruction Surgery- Breast cancer Reconstruction procedures provides correction of the absence or abnormality of the breast for whatever reason - be it cancer, infection, trauma or congenital.
2. Ojas Breast Clinic
All You Wanted To Know
About Your Breasts
But Were
Afraid Or Embarrassed To Ask
Compiled by:
Dr.V.K.Srinagesh, a plas c, cosme c and reconstruc ve surgeon, with
over 24 years of experience has been trained by the leaders of the
speciality. He has had a wide experience in trea ng pa ents with
congenital defects, trauma reconstruc on, maxillofacial surgery,
general plas c surgery, cosme c surgery and cancer reconstruc on. His
passion for helping cancer pa ents to lead a near normal life has driven
him to reach out to treat breast cancer pa ents who live with poor self
esteem and pain.
3. History depicts the feminine beauty embossed in pain ngs or sculptures
depicted as females with the beauty of breasts. This is true right from the
th
Medieval Period through the 20 century to the present day. Breasts are a sign
of the feminine gender and serve as representa ves of womanhood. It is a daily
physical reminder that a female is definitely a woman, the aesthe c crea on of
God.
Breasts are an essen al and integral part of a woman's body. The breast differs
from other parts of the anatomy. It plays an important role in mothering and
nourishing the young. This part of her body remains highly important to her as a
connec on to her womanhood/ femininity, sensuality ‐ above all motherhood.
4. Enhancement
Increasing the size of the breast is a process which can be achieved popularly by
using implants. Depending on the body cons tu on and many other factors
type and size of implant can be selected which is inserted under the breast to
give a projec on and desired look. Another be er solu on/ treatment is by fat
transfer which has a double benefit, where the surgeon helps by “Taking fat
from an unwanted area and pu ng it back where you want it”. An extremely
safe procedure when done in experienced hands. Recently there have been
many kinds of medica ons/ inven ons of certain gel injec ons, which give
instantaneous enhancement of your breasts, bu and face. (One should be
aware of these gimmicks being done by some beau cians, hairdressers and
the like. These lead to a lot of complica ons and may require repeated and
frequent hospitaliza on – in simple words the side effects of a quacks
treatment).
Reduction
Decreasing size of breast is a process which is achieved by removing excess
breast ssue, fat and skin and reposi oning the nipple to the right posi on.
Deflated breasts are a result of repeated child births or weight loss causing
sagging of the breasts. Correc on can be achieved either by AFT or ge ng rid of
the sagging and inser ng implants or reposi oning breast ssue to give shape.
6. Post Cancer Reconstruction
Treatment is dependent on type, posi on, extent and grade. Treatment varies from
chemotherapy to radia on to par al removal of the breast or total removal of the
breast. Some mes, a combina on of various procedures needs to be combined.
With advent of newer methods of early detec on of cancer and good outcome in
cancer treatments coupled with increasing evidence of breast cancer in younger age
group, breast reconstruc on is the need of the hour.
A detailed discussion with your Oncologist, Oncosurgeon, Radia on oncologist and
Plas c surgeon can give you op ons of reconstruc ons depending on the grade of
cancer and the treatment scheduled for you. Primary reconstruc on can be
contemplated for early cancers, where radia on therapy is not required or planned.
For those who undergo radia on secondary reconstruc on can be planned.
8. In certain condi ons, some very complex reconstruc on may be required. But
thanks to advancements in surgical techniques, simpler and more aesthe c
results can be achieved without causing further deformity, complica ons and
more mu la ng surgeries. It is almost like “magic” – recrea ng breast with
unwanted fat.
There are many methods of reconstruc ons that are performed according to
the condi on and requirement to correct the problems. Some need volume
addi on, some need volume removal while some need volume adjustment.
Depending on the situa on a detailed discussion and planning is required
between the pa ent and doctor to arrive at the best possible result for each
individual as everybody's physiology is not iden cal.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. I'm otherwise normal. Am I the right candidate for the procedure?
Any woman above the age of 17 years otherwise healthy or inves gated
properly with realis c thoughts is right candidate for breast surgeries.
2. Will correc ve surgeries affect breast feeding in future?
In an otherwise normal woman, breast enhancement surgeries can be done
without affec ng lacta on. In breast reduc on and reconstruc ve
procedures the op ons need to be discussed in detail at the me of
counseling.
3. What are the different procedures normally done and what is right for me?
Breast implants, breast reduc on, mastopexy (a procedure where the
volume is ok but sagging is pronounced need to be corrected to give shape
and size. Some mes an implant has to be added to the procedure if volume
is deficient). However you could discuss with your doctor and get
inves gated thoroughly before taking a decision.
4. Are implants safe?
There are a variety of implants available in the market. Please choose the
right doctor who will use only approved implants. Never compromise on
quality.
10. 5. I'm suffering from breast cancer. What should I discuss with my doctor
with regard to breast reconstruc on?
Ask your doctor details about the type of surgery and possibility of
radia on. If you are in the early stages then procedures like lumpectomy,
nipple sparing and skin sparing surgeries are possible which will greatly help
in giving you a more natural and normal appearance.
6. I have a family history of cancer. Can I undergo breast correc ve surgery?
Recent trend shows that many women a er discussing with their
Oncologist/ Oncosurgeon are undergoing prophylac c mastectomy and
reconstruc on. Immediate reconstruc on is a possibility one can consider
and those interested should get in touch with a qualified and experienced
Plas c surgeon regarding the op ons.
11. 7. I am presently undergoing treatment for cancer and am interested in
undergoing breast reconstruc on. When is the right me?
If radia on is not planned for you then immediate or early correc ve
surgery can be considered within 6‐8 weeks. If you are undergoing radia on
then reconstruc on should be planned 3‐6 months a er comple on of
radia on.
8. Will radia on affect the outcome of my reconstruc on?
In fact, with the newer techniques done by us, the ill effects of radia on on
the skin and breast are grossly reduced and the condi on will improve
drama cally and we are trying to extend this benefit for pa ents who are
ge ng affected by radia on at other sites too.
9. Is it a one stage procedure?
We believe in giving the best outcome with an a empt to restore the loss in
toto. Though every a empt is made to minimize the number of surgeries we
do not make false promises or assurances. The end jus fies the means.
Consistent, con nuous, comprehensive consulta on with the doctor will be
of great help.