Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction after lumpectomy or mastectomy can be a crucial part of healing for many women, helping them reclaim their sense of self. However, some women choose to go flat, embracing their post-op appearance and finding strength and confidence without reconstruction. Each path, whether opting for reconstruction or going flat, reflects courage and self-love.
Breast cancer is a complex disease and treatment is often multilayered – effecting reconstruction options. Many of the decisions leading up to reconstruction are one-directional because of the permanent long term consequences of those decisions and their side effects. Thus it is imperative for the best outcome to play the long-game for reconstruction from the beginning.
BCA wants women to have a clear understanding of the consequences of treatment decisions and their effect on their treatment options before they undertake them because as we said earlier many of the decisions are one-directional. Sometimes its not the treatment itself but its side effects that impact a woman’s reconstruction options. It is crucial that you discuss an cancer treatments you are considering with your Reconstruction Surgeon so that you are clear on their effect on your reconstruction options and outcomes.
Breast Reconstruction, or not, requires deeply personal decisions that only a woman can make for herself – and unwavering emotional support. Women should never face these choices alone. Having the guidance and non-judgmental support of others and some who have walked this journey also is invaluable, empowering each woman to make the best choices for herself.
Healing from breast cancer is not just a physical journey; it’s a profound emotional one also. Reconstruction is a big part of healing, don’t sell it short in the beginning, look at this as a whole package deal – cancer treatment + reconstruction together because they are inseparably intertwined.
BCA is here to help you make these decisions. Together, we can navigate this journey, embracing every woman’s unique path to healing and self-empowerment.
Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery
Lumpectomy
This surgery may or may not require reconstruction to restore a good cosmetic result. It is directly related to how much tissue the breast surgeon removes and where that tissue is in the breast and how close to the surface of the breast skin the tissue is along with the skill of the breast surgeon in removing the tissue. All of that will impact your cosmetic result and if you will need any reconstruction afterward to restore your breast to a pleasing look.
Mastectomy
Make no mistake about it – this is a significant amputation surgery and requires major reconstruction for normal looking breasts, whether single or bilateral mastectomy. It leaves both visible physical and emotional scars. Opting for reconstruction helps many women blossom on the other side of this trauma, allowing them to see their reflection in the mirror without a constant reminder of their cancer diagnosis.
Going Flat
Some women choose no reconstruction after mastectomy and are perfectly comfortable embracing themselves without reconstruction. If you choose to go flat make sure you choose a reconstruction surgeon that will give you the final flat result – the look – that you want. This is also a surgical art and takes a skilled surgeon to give you a pleasing look.
Empower Yourself Now!
More Resources
- Implant Based Reconstruction →
- Flap Based Reconstruction →
- Going Flat →
- Lymphdema →
- Survive & Thrive Society→
- Roxann’s Journey→
- Book a Consult with Roxann→
Emotional Support is critical to your healing. Even if everything goes smoothly with your treatment a cancer diagnosis is stressful. Reach out to your support network to help you emotionally on a regular basis.
And then use Duality to fill in the gaps!
References
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, Covers various reconstruction methods,& symmetry procedures for lumpectomy patients.
- The Breasties Guide to Breast Reconstruction, in-depth look at implant-based reconstruction, emphasizes personal choice and self-reflection in selecting the best option.
- Susan G. Komen, explains aesthetic flat closure.