Is breast reconstruction a major surgery? Breast reconstruction is major surgery that can require several days in the hospital, followed by weeks of recovery at home. The length of recovery depends on the type of reconstruction performed. After surgery, patients may have: Limited activity for up to two months.
Can a breast be reconstructed after cancer? Surgery to reconstruct the breasts can be done (or started) at the time of the mastectomy (which is called immediate reconstruction) or it can be done after the mastectomy incisions have healed and breast cancer therapy has been completed (which is called delayed reconstruction).
Is it better to have breast reconstruction after mastectomy? Advantages. You will have your new reconstructed breast when you wake up after your mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. You usually have fewer operations, so fewer anaesthetics. Your finished breast might look better because the surgeon is usually able to use the breast skin already there.
What is reconstruction surgery breast cancer? Most often, breast reconstruction happens after surgery to treat or prevent breast cancer. Providers use it to reshape breasts and rebuild damaged or missing tissue. They may also perform this surgery to restore symmetry. This means they make both breasts the same size and shape.
Is breast reconstruction a major surgery? – Additional Questions
How painful is breast reconstruction surgery?
Right after the surgery, you will probably feel weak, and you may feel pain for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.
What type breast cancer has the highest recurrence rate?
Research suggests that estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is more likely to come back more than five years after diagnosis. In this study, the researchers looked at the risk of late breast cancer recurrence, meaning the breast cancer came back 10 or more years after diagnosis.
How long does it take to recover from reconstructive breast surgery?
Most women can start to get back to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Certain types of reconstruction surgery do not restore normal feeling to your breast, but in other types some feeling might return over time.
What are the benefits of breast reconstruction?
The benefits of breast reconstruction potentially include improved body image, self-esteem, well-being, and a possible survival advantage. Breast cancer surgery is a complex process of decision-making involving the patient, surgeon, and plastic surgeon. In the end, it is the patient’s choice how she should proceed.
Is reconstruction necessary after lumpectomy?
Although not always necessary, oncoplastic or partial breast reconstruction at the time of lumpectomy can be considered before surgery. Some patients are better off waiting until after their cancer treatment is complete while others will benefit from immediate reconstruction done in conjunction with a plastic surgeon.
What is the safest breast reconstruction?
Both saline and silicone implants are safe and effective, although silicone implants are associated with higher patient satisfaction. In unilateral cases, symmetry procedures on the contralateral breast are usually performed at this time.
What is the best option for breast reconstruction?
The pre-pectoral procedure is the most minimally invasive breast reconstruction option. Your doctor can perform a mastectomy by removing breast tissue through a small incision underneath the breast. Through this incision, a tissue expander can be placed on top of the muscle to create a breast mound.
What will my breasts look like after a lumpectomy?
With lumpectomy, the breast looks as close as possible to how it did before surgery. Most often, the general shape of the breast and the nipple area are preserved. Lumpectomy is also called breast-conserving surgery, partial mastectomy and wide excision.
How soon do you start radiation after a lumpectomy?
Radiation after Lumpectomy
A course of radiation starts between six and 12 weeks after lumpectomy surgery. Most frequently, we target the entire breast (whole-breast radiation). In some cases, we also treat nearby lymph nodes.
How long do I have to wear a bra after lumpectomy?
If you wear a bra, it should be well-fitted and supportive. You should wear it during the night, for 1 week. You will probably be able to go back to work or your normal routine in 1 to 3 weeks after the surgery.
Can I skip radiation after lumpectomy?
A new study suggests some low-risk breast cancer patients can omit radiation after lumpectomy. After surgery, some cancer patients can safely skip radiation or chemotherapy, according to two studies exploring shorter, gentler cancer care.
What happens if you decide not to do radiation?
Missed Radiation Therapy Sessions Increase Risk of Cancer Recurrence. Patients who miss radiation therapy sessions during cancer treatment have an increased risk of their disease returning, even if they eventually complete their course of radiation treatment, according to a new study.
Is radiation worth the risk?
Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is a highly effective cancer treatment with wide-ranging uses. Radiation therapy leads to cancer cure in many patients (either alone or with other treatments) and relieves symptoms or prolongs survival in more advanced cancers.
What happens if you refuse radiation?
Patients who refuse recommended adjuvant radiation therapy have unacceptably high rates of local recurrence. Omission of radiation for advanced age alone is associated with local recurrence rates comparable to those for younger patients.
Which is harder on the body chemo or radiation?
Since radiation therapy is focused on one area of your body, you may experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. However, it may still affect healthy cells in your body.
Do all breast cancers need radiation?
Most women with breast cancer in stages I, II, or III are treated with surgery, often followed by radiation therapy. Many women also get some kind of systemic drug therapy (medicine that travels to almost all areas of the body). In general, the more the breast cancer has spread, the more treatment you will likely need.
What can you not do during radiation treatment?
Avoid raw vegetables and fruits, and other hard, dry foods such as chips or pretzels. It’s also best to avoid salty, spicy or acidic foods if you are experiencing these symptoms. Your care team can recommend nutrient-based oral care solutions if you are experiencing mucositis or mouth sores caused by cancer treatment.
