Breast Reconstruction Surgery, What Is It And How It’s Done

Procedure preparations

A breast reconstruction procedure is a type of surgery that’s performed to recreate one or two breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy, and it can be used to correct certain congenital defects. Breast reconstruction surgery has two types: implant-based reconstruction, like those that are used in breast augmentation, and flap reconstruction, in which a tissue from another area in the body is used to shape the new breast.
There are several types of breast reconstruction with flap surgery depending on which area the tissue is taken from and whether it’s only skin and fat or contains muscle as well.
In a breast reconstruction procedure, the patient could be sedated or under general anesthesia, and the flap surgery takes more time than the implant-based one. The patient might need to stay in the hospital for a week.
After healing from breast reconstruction surgery, you could have a nipple and areola reconstruction surgery, if needed.

Procedure preparations

Some blood tests.
The patient must stop smoking before the procedure.
The patient must stop taking blood thinners (anticoagulant medications), ibuprofen, and any other medications or herbs that the surgeon mentions two weeks before the procedure.
The patient mustn’t eat anything for 8-12 hours before the procedure.

Procedure complications

Anesthesia problems.
Slow healing of the incisions.
Infections.
Bleeding.
Blood clots.
Scarring.
Problems in the shape and feeling of the breasts.
In flap-based reconstruction surgery: fat necrosis (death of transplanted tissue) and weakness, pain, and loss of feeling in the site where the tissue has been taken from.
In implant-based reconstruction surgery: wrinkling or rupture in the implants and some implants might increase the risk of a certain type of lymphoma.

Procedure instructions

It’s important to be realistic and acknowledge that although the breast reconstruction procedure gives you the most natural look possible, it doesn’t restore the same old shape of the breast, and you can’t feel them the same way you used to before.
You must stick to the medications prescribed by the surgeon and the regular visits.
You must wear a specific, supportive bra for a period of time, as the surgeon recommends.
You must clean the incisions regularly.
Immediately contact your surgeon when any sudden, odd problem or symptom emerges.
The doctor will tell you when you can return to your normal daily routine and when you can exercise and do heavy lifting.
With flap-based breast reconstructive surgery you won’t need any further surgeries in the future, but with the implant-based one you might.
Flap-based reconstruction surgery gives a more natural look than the implant-based one, but it takes more time to recover from.
Breast cancer can return after a breast reconstruction procedure; therefore, you must do regular checkups.

Frequently asked questions about Breast Reconstruction Surgery

What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Syria: " A breast reconstruction procedure is a type of surgery that’s performed to recreate one or two breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy , and it can be used to correct certain congenital defects. Breast reconstruction surgery has two types: implant-based reconstruction, like those that are used in breast augmentation , and flap reconstruction, in which a tissue from another area in the body is used to shape the...

How do I prepare for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

" Some blood tests. The patient must stop smoking before the procedure. The patient must stop taking blood thinners (anticoagulant medications), ibuprofen, and any other medications or herbs that the surgeon mentions two weeks before the procedure. The patient mustn’t eat anything for 8-12 hours before the procedure. "

What are the aftercare instructions for Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

" It’s important to be realistic and acknowledge that although the breast reconstruction procedure gives you the most natural look possible, it doesn’t restore the same old shape of the breast, and you can’t feel them the same way you used to before. You must stick to the medications prescribed by the surgeon and the regular visits. You must wear a specific, supportive bra for a period of time, as the surgeon...

Which specialty is Breast Reconstruction Surgery related to?

Breast Reconstruction Surgery is related to: Plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

Where can I get Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Syria?

You can get Breast Reconstruction Surgery at clinics and hospitals in Syria. To find specialists in Plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, see suggested doctors on this page or Click here

What are the possible complications of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

" Anesthesia problems. Slow healing of the incisions. Infections . Bleeding. Blood clots. Scarring. Problems in the shape and feeling of the breasts. In flap-based reconstruction surgery: fat necrosis (death of transplanted tissue) and weakness, pain, and loss of feeling in the site where the tissue has been taken from. In implant-based reconstruction surgery: wrinkling or rupture in the implants and some implants...