Benefits of breast reconstruction after fighting cancer
Breasts have always been a very important part of women’s image as they appear to be a symbol of femininity. Losing one or both breasts can be a very traumatic procedure for a woman’s psychology and a great mental shock to her, as she can feel less attractive and in general less of a woman.
Fighting Cancer Breast Surgery
The experience of dealing with cancer, which is usually followed by more unpleasant and stressful procedures (chemotherapy, laser treatment etc.) can cause a deep psychological wound. There are two types of surgeries associated with breast cancer:
Lumpectomy: where a lump is removed from the patient’s breast, altering its shape and size.
Mastectomy: where one or both patient’s breasts are removed partially or entirely.
Although these procedures are necessary and lifesaving, the changes produced by them can lead to self-consciousness about breast appearance and scars.
Benefits of breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy
Breast reconstruction has numerous advantages for a woman recovering from mastectomy. First of all, it can help boost the patient’s psychological self-confidence and improve her quality of life. Secondly, any asymmetry and lack of balance in her body can be restored. In addition, breast reconstruction can eliminate the need of wearing specialized prosthesis, which would also require the use of specialized bras or adhesives. Lastly, creating new breasts will feel like a natural part of the woman’s body.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy
There are three methods of breast reconstruction:
- using silicone implants,
- using a segment of tissue from the abdomen and
- using fat.
The procedure can be performed alongside the mastectomy or afterward (immediate or delayed reconstruction), depending on the seriousness of the patient’s condition, as well as on the completion of the supplementary treatments. Best candidates for surgery, tend to be generally healthy, nonsmokers, who have undergone a lumpectomy or mastectomy and want to restore the shape and size of their breast.
In any case, the breast reconstruction surgery can be customized to each patient’s individual needs and situations so that the final result should bring the woman a sufficient psychological lift and confirm that having it, was a good choice.
