Process For A Breast Reconstruction
Practice locations in Toronto and Whitby
At our practice locations in Toronto and Whitby, a breast reconstruction surgery typically involves five major steps:
- Saline is used to gradually fill a breast expander that will stretch the skin and prepare it to accept an implant underneath the pectoral muscles. The expander will be slowly filled during incremental visits.
- A TRAM flap is created using muscle, fat, and skin from the abdomen to help reconstruct the breast. Depending on the anatomy, the flap can remain attached to the original blood supply or become completely detached and form a breast mound.
- A Latissimus Dorsi flap is made with the muscle, fat, and skin from the back. It remains attached to the donor site with an intact blood supply and is tunneled to the chest for reconstruction purposes.
- To further add support to the reconstructed breast, excess tissue may be taken from the back and tunneled to the chest wall.
- The tissue forms a flap that can accept a breast implant, or it may have enough structural integrity to form a breast mound without an implant.
How to prepare for a breast reconstruction surgery
Alongside the oncologist, we provide all our patients with specific instructions regarding how to best prepare for their breast reconstruction surgery. These instructions will include guidelines on nutrition, medications, vitamin supplements, and avoidance of smoking. When preparing, make sure to have arrangements for transportation and one or more people you can count on for help with daily activities while healing.
Who are suitable candidates for breast reconstruction surgery?
Most patients who are medically eligible for breast reconstruction surgery in Toronto and Whitby are individuals who have undergone a mastectomy. The ideal candidates are patients whose breast cancer has been eliminated completely through a mastectomy and additional treatment.
Although some patients prefer a breast reconstruction surgery immediately following a mastectomy, there are legitimate reasons to wait as well. Many people find it uncomfortable and difficult to think about the options associated with a breast reconstruction surgery while coping with the diagnosis of cancer. Other people simply want to avoid surgeries unless they are necessary. Some have been medically advised to wait before moving forward with a breast reconstruction if the breast that is being rebuilt requires a more complicated approach.
In any case, our enhancement team at Avenue Plastic Surgery will help you to be informed and confident in preparation for a breast reconstruction surgery.
I have seen Dr. Golger for various cosmetic procedures in the past year and have been very impressed by him and his staff. He is professional, bright, funny, and kind; most importantly, the results have been better than I could ever imagine. I would recommend him to anyone and everyone.
Individual results may vary