Breast Reconstruction Indianapolis
Indianapolis Indiana Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction
For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, mastectomy, or breast removal, is often required. Women who have undergone this surgery can choose to have breast reconstruction. This surgery recreates the size and shape of the patient's natural breast and can renew a woman's sense of beauty and femininity. Immediate breast reconstruction can be performed at the time of the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction can be performed months or even years after the mastectomy.
Many techniques are available for breast reconstruction. The determination of the procedure used is based upon many factors. During a consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you determine the best technique for your situation.
The Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Tissue expansion (using an inflatable device placed beneath the chest muscle) and various muscle flap procedures are two types of plastic surgery used for breast reconstruction.
Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction
In tissue expansion, an inflatable device is placed beneath the chest muscle. Over a period of weeks, the plastic surgeon injects saline solution into the expander through a tiny valve that lies just below the skin's surface. Once the skin has stretched sufficiently, the doctor removes the expander and replaces it with a permanent breast implant. In some cases, no tissue expansion is required and the permanent implant can be inserted during the initial surgery. Nipple reconstruction is performed in a separate operation.
Muscle Flap Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction can also be accomplished through a technique called flap reconstruction. In one approach, the plastic surgeon creates a flap of chest tissue (skin, fat, and muscle still attached to its blood supply) that serves as a pocket for an implant or as the chest mound itself. Dr. Turkle uses the latissimus muscle from the back to create flap tissue and relocates it to the chest area. If more fullness is needed, a breast implant is placed. A final operation reconstructs the nipple and areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).
Breast reconstruction generally involves multiple procedures, and it is performed under general anesthesia, usually with a 23-hour hospitalization.
Cessation of all nicotine products is strongly urged three weeks pre and post operatively. Smoking before following surgery increases the visibility of scarring and causes problems with healing.
After Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Following the surgery, patients experience some fatigue and soreness for several weeks. Postoperative conditions such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort are typically reduced through medication.
Contact Turkle & Associates plastic and reconstructive surgery in Indianapolis to find out about breast reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction
- How much does breast reconstruction cost?
The cost is usually covered by insurance. - Where is the incision?
It varies depending on the type of breast reconstruction chosen. - How long would I be off work after breast reconstruction?
It depends on the patient and the type of work. Some people are back in a couple of weeks but for others we can justify four to six weeks off if you need time to regroup. - How long before I could exercise or swim after breast reconstruction?
You can swim in three weeks or when your wounds are completely healed.
You can start walking immediately.
You can begin cardio and lower body exercise in two weeks.
No push/pull exercise for six weeks. - What type of implants do you use for breast reconstruction?
We use all three breast implants available on the market today: saline, silicone gel and cohesive gel (gummy bear) implants. - How many of the breast reconstruction surgeries has she done?
Thousands.
