Delayed Breast Reconstruction

The vast majority of breast reconstruction operations are performed months or even years after the mastectomy. This allows the skin and scar tissue to soften and become more malleable. During this time, a foam rubber external prosthesis may be worn inside your bra, if desired, to simulate the lost breast. Some women start to focus on other areas of life, no longer worrying about the removed breast or its significance and becoming quite comfortable with the external breast prosthesis. Others still do not feel whole, find the external prosthesis bothersome, and wish their breast to be restored.

Unlike immediate reconstruction, a separate operation is planned to restore the breast mound. The procedure chosen will depend upon the quality of remaining chest tissues (skin, fat and muscle). The reconstructive choices are similar to that discussed for immediate reconstruction. Frequently this, too, will be staged, necessitating more than one operation to complete the total process. An advantage of the delay is that is allows the unsure woman time to think about her desire for reconstruction and focus on one procedure, rather than two. The disadvantages lie in having an additional operation apart from the mastectomy and waiting a number of months for the chest tissues to heal prior to the commencement of the restoration.

With reconstruction, these women now pass through another stage in their overall treatment. The sense of bodily loss experienced with the mastectomy is diminished. This change is not just a physical alteration, as the new breast can bring psychological benefits by improving self-esteem body image. Women have reported that within months the reconstructed breast is accepted by the mind as being a natural, integral part of the body.

If you have opted for a delayed breast reconstruction, now is the time to meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss which procedures will give you the best results. Many of these decisions will be based upon your physical examination which will determine the tissues that are available to enhance your new breast. Your expectations and wishes will be discussed and the major complications identified. The probable number of operations needed, recovery time, and the aspects of healing are also important parts of this discussion. This meeting should aim to prepare you for the surgery, both physically and mentally.