- Just what are your options?
- Can you get breast implants immediately?
Contrary to popular belief, the fact is that mastectomy reconstruction is in many instances an option that can be undertaken as the actual breast surgery is performed. Granted this option is contingent on several factors, but none the less under optimal circumstances it is possible.
Let the keyword here be “optimal” because as a general rule, the above scenario involves a breast removal where cancer is not involved, and the reason for this preclusion is that a foreign object like a breast implant would interfere with radiation therapy.
Also in most cases where cancer is the reason for the breast surgery far more actual tissues tend to be removed than, say in an elective mastectomy that’s performed as a preemptive measure in a high breast cancer risk patient. Greater tissue removal means more healing.
Breast hypertrophy, also known as macromastia, is yet one more be it rare reason for removal of one or more breasts that involves the removal of minimal tissue, thus leaving to door open for implants at the time of the actual procedure.
Still another thing to consider, is that in any type of breast surgery that involved the removal of a large quantity of tissue, there simply may not be enough room to accommodate an implant. In this case an inflatable tissue expander must be used beforehand.
At the same time, it’s important to be aware that even in instances where mastectomy reconstruction involving implants is performed in conjunction with breast surgery, followup procedures are the norm. These can include post healing nipple reconstruction, and, or further work to adjust placement of the implants.
Post Operative Mastectomy Reconstruction
Although women tend to dread the idea of being left flat chested and disfigured after breast surgery, in most instances it really is the only option. This particularly holds true in procedures that involve the removal of large amounts of tissue.
Now as stated above, when radiation therapy is involved one simply has no choice in the matter, but what wasn’t mentioned, is that chemotherapy also factors in heavily as well. So what does chemo have to do with breast implants?
The problem is that the drugs that are used during chemo to thwart the growth of cancers, and tumors also inhibit the healing process as a side effect. So while the risk of post operative problems is always there with regards to breast implants, chemotherapy drugs only heighten the risk.
Lastly even when all breast surgery matters have been taken into account and the best of post operative mastectomy reconstruction plans, and strategies have been worked out between a patient, and her doctor, there is always the psychological implications that should never be ignored.
Don't go it alone
Now a lot has been learned over the years, so there’s loads of information out there on the subject that revolves around women helping other women to get through the experience.
Be prepared both physically as well as mentally and keep in mind that toughing it out alone is just asking for trouble. Join a support group, and get to the meetings no matter how good, or bad you feel.
