04/28/2025
Since the breast is an essential component of a woman's body, losing it, even partially, can feel like losing an aspect of one's femininity. Dr. Varsha Bundele, Senior Consultant – Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon at Eternal Hospital, explains how breast reconstruction is more than just a surgical procedure for many women who have had breast cancer. It's a crucial step toward emotional healing and regaining confidence.
Breast reconstruction, which can be done immediately after mastectomy (surgical removal of breast tissue) or even months or years later. It gives a ray of hope and a sense of restoration to women who may have had a mastectomy because of cancer or choose an elective (prophylactic) mastectomy to lower their cancer risk. Surgeons can use silicone implants, the patient's own tissue, or a combination of these two to recreate the breast mound. Later, the nipple and areola can be reconstructed to enhance the natural look. The opposite breast can be reshaped for better symmetry, which ensures both aesthetic and emotional satisfaction.
Women may embrace rehabilitation with dignity and strength at Eternal Hospital with expert care and advanced techniques.
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is the process of reconstructing the breasts following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It may involve multiple surgeries. There are various approaches to reconstructing the breasts, including using saline or silicone breast implants or a flap of your own tissue (e.g., lower abdomen tissue).
It can be done right after breast cancer surgery (immediate reconstruction) or months or years later (delayed reconstruction). You may have surgery to reconstruct both the breasts. Or your provider may replace one breast and reshape it to match the other. Your provider may recommend multiple surgeries over several stages. Both of your breasts may need to be surgically rebuilt. Alternatively, your doctor could replace one breast and reshape the other to match. Your doctor may recommend multiple surgeries over several stages.
Many women do not choose for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, but some do. Therefore, the decision for undergoing breast reconstruction is very personal.
What is the Significance of Breast Reconstruction in Today’s Scenario?
In the current medically advanced world, breast reconstruction is extremely significant—not just as a surgical procedure, but also as a representation of recovery, strength, and healing. With the rising awareness regarding breast cancer, the number of preventative mastectomies is also growing. More women are looking for post-operative strategies to regain their bodies and self-esteem. In order to assist women regain their self-esteem and body image following the pain of losing a breast, breast reconstruction provides a route to physical completeness. The use of natural tissue, implants, or a combination of both has improved surgical procedures, making restoration more accessible, safer, and customized. It is significant because it promotes psychological rehabilitation, enabling women to proceed with prestige, self-assurance, and redoubled power.
What are the Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
| Type of Breast Reconstruction | What to expect during the surgery? |
| Flap Reconstruction | In this method, the surgeon uses tissue from your own body (called autologous tissue) to create a new breast. Common donor sites include the lower abdomen, thigh, back, or bottom. The flap may include fat, skin, blood vessels, and sometimes muscle. The flap can be moved while keeping its original blood supply intact (pedicled flap) or detached and reconnected to blood vessels in the chest (free flap). |
| Implant Reconstruction | Surgeons use saline or silicone implants to recreate breast tissue. In some cases, a combination of implants and your own body tissue is used. This reconstruction can be done at the time of mastectomy or afterward. It is generally less invasive than flap reconstruction. |
| Oncoplastic Reconstruction (after lumpectomy) | Combines lumpectomy with plastic surgery techniques like breast reduction or lift to reshape the breast and fill in the area where tissue was removed. Suitable for patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery. Radiation therapy is usually required after lumpectomy. Surgery on the opposite breast may be needed to achieve symmetry. |
What are the Advantages of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction surgery can boost confidence. Many women report feeling better about the fit of their clothing after breast reconstruction. Following a mastectomy, many patients decide against having their breasts rebuilt. Rather, they wear a prosthesis (breast shape) within a customized bra. Additionally, they could decide not to wear prosthetic breasts and "go flat." The choice is very subjective and differs from person to person.
What are the Risks of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Breast reconstruction carries the same risks as any surgical procedure: bleeding and infection. The type of surgery and the amount of tissue left over after radiation and surgery for breast cancer affect the outcome. Your freshly restored breasts will most likely feel little to nothing after surgery. You could eventually regain some skin feeling. However, it won't feel the same as it did previously.
Other complications you may expect after the surgery are:
- Blood clots
- Breasts that are a different size or shape
- Bruising or scarring around the reconstructed breasts
- Fat necrosis
- Problems with the implants (for implant reconstruction)
- Weakness, pain or sensitivity at the donor site after a flap reconstruction procedure
Conclusion
After a mastectomy or lumpectomy, breast reconstruction surgery can enhance one's sense of self and body image. Reconstruction of the breasts is a very personal decision. If you choose to have this surgery, discuss the best procedure for you with your cosmetic surgeon. Be honest and open about your objectives, way of life, and desired look. Over the course of many months, you could require multiple surgeries. Throughout your recuperation, heed the advice of your surgeon. If you experience significant pain or see any indications of infection, get in touch with them immediately.
Explore the personalized key insights on breast reconstruction from our expert Dr. Varsha Bundele, Sr. Consultant - Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, at Eternal Hospital. Book your consultation now!
FAQs
Q1: When is the right time to get breast reconstruction done?
A: Your medical condition, treatment plan, and personal preferences will determine whether breast reconstruction should be done immediately after a mastectomy or later (delayed reconstruction).
Q2: How can I determine which reconstruction type is best for me?
A: Your plastic surgeon and breast surgeon will work with you to choose the best course of action depending on your objectives, body type, cancer treatment plan, and overall health.
Q3: Will the appearance and feel of my breast reconstruction be natural?
A: With flap reconstruction in particular, breast reconstruction may appear very natural. They might not, however, feel as good as your natural breast. For the greatest outcomes, surgeons try to match look, size, and form as nearly as possible.