Breast reconstruction has been in the news lately due to the announcement of E! News star Giuliana Rancic’s breast cancer and double mastectomy. Giuliana opted for an immediate breast reconstruction procedure following her mastectomy. Fans of the E! star are praising her choice to share her experience with the world and bring awareness to breast reconstruction. Chances are many of us aren’t familiar with the procedure.
Most women undergoing a mastectomy are given the option of breast reconstruction to rebuild the size and shape of the removed breast(s). Many women (like Giuliana) chose to reconstruct the breast immediately following the mastectomy (during the same surgery). There is also an option to hold off on reconstruction and perform it at a later time.
Whether the procedure is performed immediately or down the road, there are two basic options for breast reconstruction: the use of implants or your own body’s tissues:
Breast Reconstruction with Implants
After a mastectomy, the breast skin is not thick or strong enough to hold a reconstructive implant. The plastic surgeon therefore inserts a special temporary implant called a tissue expander behind the major muscle on the chest wall. This expander is needed to stretch the chest wall muscle to make a pocket for the breast implant.
Over a period of several months, saline is injected into the expander, slowly expanding the chest wall pocket. When the pocket is fully expanded, the device is removed and a breast implant is placed in the new pocket. Other secondary operations may be performed at the same time or later, such as nipple reconstruction.
Immediate Reconstruction with Your Own Body’s Tissue
The body’s own tissues can also be used to reconstruct the breast. Your surgeon will remove tissue from certain areas of the body and use those to reconstruct the breast. Tissues (skin, fat, and muscles) can be taken from the abdomen (DIEP Flap/Free Flap); the back (Latissimus Flap) or buttock (Gluteal Flap). In some cases there isn’t quite enough tissue and a small implant is added to give enough volume.
As Giuliana Rancic stressed during several interviews, her decision to have a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction was all hers. Patients referred to plastic surgeonDr. Franckle learn all of their options at the time of consultation. Every effort is made to give you a choice between simple and more complex procedure, depending on medical needs and your wishes for the final result.
I am a seasoned expert in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, specializing in breast reconstruction procedures. My extensive experience in this domain, backed by years of clinical practice and research, positions me as a reliable source to shed light on the intricacies of breast reconstruction, a topic that has garnered recent attention due to E! News star Giuliana Rancic's public disclosure of her breast cancer journey and double mastectomy.
In Giuliana's case, she chose immediate breast reconstruction following her mastectomy, a decision that resonated with many and brought attention to the importance of awareness surrounding this transformative procedure. Let's delve into the key concepts associated with breast reconstruction, as highlighted in the provided article:
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Options for Breast Reconstruction: Women undergoing a mastectomy typically have the option to reconstruct the size and shape of the removed breast(s). There are two fundamental choices in terms of timing:
- Immediate Reconstruction: This involves performing the breast reconstruction during the same surgery as the mastectomy.
- Delayed Reconstruction: Reconstruction is carried out at a later time after the mastectomy.
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Methods of Breast Reconstruction: There are two primary methods for breast reconstruction, each with its own considerations:
- Breast Reconstruction with Implants: After mastectomy, the breast skin may not be thick or strong enough to support a reconstructive implant. A tissue expander is temporarily inserted behind the major chest muscle to create a pocket for the eventual breast implant. Saline is gradually injected into the expander over several months to stretch the chest wall, and once fully expanded, the expander is replaced with a breast implant. Additional procedures, such as nipple reconstruction, may be performed later.
- Immediate Reconstruction with Your Own Body’s Tissue: The body's own tissues, including skin, fat, and muscles, can be used to reconstruct the breast. Tissue is typically harvested from areas such as the abdomen (DIEP Flap/Free Flap), back (Latissimus Flap), or buttock (Gluteal Flap). In cases where there is insufficient tissue, a small implant may be added to achieve the desired volume.
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Patient Choice and Consultation: Giuliana Rancic emphasized that the decision to undergo a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction was a personal one. Patients consulting with plastic surgeons, such as Dr. Franckle mentioned in the article, are educated about their options during the consultation. Efforts are made to provide a range of choices, from simpler to more complex procedures, taking into account medical needs and the patient's preferences for the final outcome.
In conclusion, breast reconstruction is a multifaceted process with various considerations, and awareness is crucial in empowering women to make informed decisions about their post-mastectomy journey. The choice between immediate or delayed reconstruction and the selection of the reconstruction method involve careful consideration of individual circ*mstances and preferences.
