Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
Reconstruction of a breast that has been partially removed (lumpectomy) or completely removed (mastectomy) for cancer treatment or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Frequently, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (immediate reconstruction), or delayed following completion of radiation or chemotherapy (delayed reconstruction).
But bear in mind, post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County is not a simple procedure. There are often many options to consider as you and your doctor explore what’s best for you.
The Best Candidates for Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
The best candidates for Breast Reconstruction are women whose cancer, as far as can be determined, seems to have been eliminated by mastectomy, although most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for Breast Reconstruction.
Still, there are legitimate reasons to wait. Some women are not comfortable weighing all the Breast Reconstruction options while they’re struggling to cope with the diagnosis of breast cancer. Others simply don’t want to have any more Breast Reconstruction surgery beyond what is required to eliminate the cancer. Some patients may be advised by their surgeons or oncologists to wait, particularly while finishing radiation or chemotherapy. Women with other health conditions, such as obesity, heart and lung problems, high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, may also be advised to wait.
In any case, being informed of your Breast Reconstruction options before surgery can help you prepare for a mastectomy with a more positive outlook for the future.
All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk
In general, the usual problems of surgery, such as bleeding, fluid collection, excessive scar tissue, or difficulties with anesthesia, may occur during Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County, although they are relatively uncommon. As with any surgery, smokers are advised that nicotine can delay healing. Occasionally, these complications are severe enough to require further re-operations.
Infections can develop, usually within the first two weeks following surgery. If an implant gets infected, removal may be necessary, and a new implant can be reinserted several months later after the infection has cleared.
With implants, capsular contracture can occur if the scar or capsule around the implant begins to tighten. This squeezing of the soft implant can cause the breast to feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated in several ways, and sometimes requires removal of the scar tissue and replacement of the implant. This is more common in women who have undergone Radiation Therapy.
Breast Reconstruction does not affect breast cancer recurrence, detection, or treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. Continuation of periodic mammograms on the normal breast is often recommended.
Women who postpone Breast Reconstruction may go through a period of emotional readjustment. Just as it took time to get used to the loss of a breast, a woman may feel anxious and confused as she begins to think of the reconstructed breast as her own.
Planning Your Surgery for Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
You can begin talking about Breast Reconstruction as soon as you’re diagnosed with cancer. Ideally, you’ll want your breast surgeon and your plastic surgeon in Ventura County to work together to develop a strategy that will put you in the best possible condition for breast reconstruction.
After evaluating your health, your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County will explain which reconstructive options are most appropriate for your age, health, anatomy, tissues, and goals. Be sure to discuss your expectations frankly with your plastic surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing your options and the risks and limitations of each. Breast Reconstruction can improve your appearance and renew your self-confidence — but keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.
Your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County should also explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs. In most cases, health insurance policies will cover post-mastectomy breast reconstruction in Ventura County.
Preparing For Your Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
Your oncologist and your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for Breast Reconstruction surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications.
Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your Breast Reconstruction surgery and to help you out for a few days, if needed.
Where Your Breast Reconstruction Will Be Performed
Breast reconstruction in Ventura County usually involves more than one operation. The first stage, whether done at the same time as the mastectomy or later on, is usually performed in a hospital.
Follow-up breast reconstruction procedures may also be done in the hospital. Or, depending on the extent of surgery required, your Plastic Surgeon may prefer an outpatient facility.
Types of Anesthesia for Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
Most stages of your Breast Reconstruction are performed under general anesthesia.
Types of Implants for Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. As of February 2007, the FDA has re-approved the use of silicone implants in all cosmetic and Breast Reconstruction procedures.
If you have further concerns about implants, please refer to www.breastimplantsafety.org and discuss these with your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County.
The Surgery
There are many options available for Breast Reconstruction, you and your Plastic Surgeon in Ventura County will discuss the best one for you
1) Breast Implants
The most common technique combines skin expansion and subsequent insertion of an implant.
Click here to view a 3D animated video of this procedure.
2) Flap Reconstruction
Click here to view a 3D animated video of this procedure.
Follow-up Procedures
Most breast reconstruction in Ventura County involves a series of procedures that occur over time. Usually, the initial reconstructive operation is the most complex. Follow-up surgery may be required to replace a tissue expander with an implant or to reconstruct the nipple and the areola. Many surgeons recommend an additional operation to enlarge, reduce, or lift the opposite natural breast to match the reconstructed breast. But keep in mind, this procedure may leave scars on an otherwise normal breast.
After Your Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
Depending on the extent of your breast reconstruction surgery, hospital stay is about one to five days. Surgical drains are typically used to remove excess fluids from surgical sites following the operation, and are removed about a week after surgery.
Getting Back to Normal
It may take you about six weeks to recover from a flap reconstruction. If implants are used, your recovery time will be significantly less.
Breast Reconstruction cannot restore normal sensation to your breast, but in time, some feeling may return. Most scars will fade after a year, but they will never disappear entirely.
Follow your Plastic Surgeon’s advice on restarting exercises and normal activities. Generally, you want to refrain from any overhead lifting, strenuous sports, and sexual activity for three to six weeks following reconstruction.
Your New Look following Breast Reconstruction in Ventura County
Chances are your reconstructed breast may feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than your natural breast. It may not have the same contour as your breast before mastectomy, nor will it exactly match your opposite breast. But these differences will be apparent only to you. For most mastectomy patients, breast reconstruction dramatically improves their appearance and quality of life following surgery.