If you’ve had a mastectomy, you’re not alone. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. If you’ve had a mastectomy, you may be considering breast reconstruction.

While the decision to have breast reconstruction is personal, there are many benefits of breast reconstruction after cancer. Reconstruction can restore your breast’s appearance, improve your self-confidence, and give you a sense of closure after cancer.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction, read about the top 3 benefits after cancer.

Restoring Your Breast’s Appearance

One of the main benefits of breast reconstruction after cancer is that it can restore the appearance of your breast. Whether you choose to have implant-based reconstruction or autologous reconstruction, your surgeon will work to create a new breast that looks natural and similar to your other breast.

In implant-based reconstruction, an implant helps to create a new breast. Your surgeon will place the implant in a pocket created either under your chest muscle or under your breast tissue. The implant is usually silicone and filled with either saline or silicone gel.

In autologous reconstruction, your tissue works to create a new breast. The most common type of autologous reconstruction is the latissimus dorsi flap, which uses tissue from your back to create a new breast. Other types of autologous reconstruction include the pedicled TRAM flap and the free TRAM flap.

Improving Your Self-Confidence

Having breast reconstruction after cancer can also improve your self-esteem. Many women feel self-conscious and anxious after a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can help you feel like yourself again and boost your confidence.

After reconstruction, you may feel more comfortable in your skin and wear the clothes you want. You may also feel more confident in your relationships and social situations.

Giving You a Sense of Closure

Breast reconstruction after cancer can give some women a sense of closure. After a mastectomy, you may feel like you’re not finished with your cancer journey. Breast reconstruction can help you feel like you’ve put cancer in the past and that you’re moving on with your life.

If you’re considering breast reconstruction, talk to Dr. Andrew Trussler about your options and what you can expect. Give us a call at 512-450-1077.

The post The Top 3 Benefits of Breast Reconstruction After Cancer appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.

These days, there are many options available to women who choose breast reconstruction following breast cancer treatment. The first step every patient should take in the reconstruction process is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, who will guide the patient through the best options to suit their individual needs and desired outcome. Breast reconstruction is a deeply personal decision, and needs to be considered with the utmost care.

Women whose cancer is removed with mastectomy are the best candidates for breast reconstruction. Since each patient is unique, there are a number of surgical options that can be performed immediately following mastectomy, or delayed for a period of time following the procedure. Many patients opt to postpone reconstruction to give their bodies time to heal, explore their options in more depth, or consider alternatives.

There are several methods by which breast reconstruction can be performed, with or without implants. The decision to use implants will depends on each woman’s anatomy, as well as their personal preference. The goal of the plastic surgeon is to recreate a new breast and nipple that closely resemble the patient’s natural breast as accurately as possible.

Contact Dr. Trussler To Learn More About Options For Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Are you considering breast reconstruction? Contact Dr. Andrew Trussler today. We are located in Austin, Texas  and can be reached directly at 512-450-1077. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Breast Reconstruction Surgery: When Is The Right Time? appeared first on Andrew Trussler, MD, PLLC.