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After I finished having my kids, I knew that I wanted a mommy makeover. My stomach was in terrible shape, my arms looked completely destroyed, and my legs had been carrying weight for years. I wanted a full body overhaul, so I started by doing what I could to look and feel younger. I started exercising each and every day, and then I worked hard on doing my hair and makeup better. It was amazing to see the difference it made, but I wanted something more. I consulted with a cosmetic surgeon, and I scheduled the surgery that changed my life for the better. Check out this blog for more information on looking and feeling younger.

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Post-Mastectomy Breast Augmentation Options

20 May 2022
 Categories: , Blog

Mastectomies are usually done as a prophylactic procedure for women with a high risk of breast cancer or as part of a treatment plan for women who currently have breast cancer. For many women, having a mastectomy can have a significant emotional impact on their self-esteem and body image. There are various options that can be used to augment the breasts after a mastectomy.

Implants

Breast implants are the most common way a breast is reconstructed. The option for breast implants will depend on the residual tissue available to support the implant. Women with less extensive and less aggressive forms of breast cancer may receive a mastectomy designed to conserve as much tissue as possible. This leaves more skin and tissue available and the process of breast augmentation may only require the placement of the implant. When a mastectomy is extensive, additional procedures may be necessary to increase the available tissue to receive the implant. For example, tissue expanders can be used to stretch the residual skin and create a "pocket" where the implant will be placed.

Tissue Transfer

Tissue transfer is a more complex way to reconstruct the breast. Sometimes tissue transfer may be done in conjunction with implants. The process involves finding fat, skin, and sometimes muscle, elsewhere on the body that can be harvested. For many women, the easiest place to find donor tissue is on the abdomen and it may be easier to conceal the residual scars. Women who are thinner may gain weight specifically for the purpose of having tissue to harvest. To prepare for the surgery, the surgeon will need to determine the shape and size of the recipient area. This will dictate the shape and size of the incision from the donor area. The surgeon will prepare the recipient area by removing skin and scar tissue in the area. Once the tissue is harvested, it is placed in the recipient area and sutured in place. The donor area will also be closed. Less commonly, donor tissue can be harvested from the back, inner thigh, or buttocks.

Fat Transfer

Fat transfer is another option that might be used to refine the aesthetic of a reconstructed breast. This can involve improving the shape of the breast to make it more round or match the other breast. Fat transfers are not done to reconstruct the entire breast. The process involves using liposuction to obtain fat. In many cases, the fat is gathered from the abdomen, but it can be taken from other areas where enough fat exists. Once the fat is liposuctioned and processed, it is injected into the breast. The surgeon will put the fat into specific areas where the breast may be uneven or dimpled to help create a smoother appearance.

Various breast augmentation procedures can be used post-mastectomy to help reconstruct the breasts. Your unique situation will guide the decision regarding which approach will yield the best results.