How do breasts feel after reconstruction?
Changes in breast sensation: When your reconstructed breast is touched, it will feel much like your natural breast to you or whoever else is touching it. Still, you probably won’t feel much sensation in your breast while it’s being touched.
Is Delayed reconstruction better?
Conclusions. Compared with immediate techniques, delayed reconstruction following mastectomy was associated with lower rates of overall and major complication, while providing equivalent patient satisfaction and quality of life benefits.
What percentage of mastectomy patients get reconstruction?
Less than half of all women who require mastectomy are currently offered breast reconstruction surgery, and fewer than 20% elect to undergo immediate reconstruction. Studies have revealed that 23% of women understand the wide range of breast reconstruction options available.
What is the most common complication after implant reconstruction?
Risks of capsular contracture The most common problem with breast implants is capsular contracture. A scar (or capsule) can form around the soft implant. As it tightens, it can start to squeeze the implant, making the breast feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated.
How long is hospital stay after breast reconstruction?
The length of your hospital stay depends on the type of operation and how your recovery goes. If you got implants, the average hospital stay is 1 to 2 days. Flap procedures may require a stay of 5 to 6 days.
Can I sleep on my side after breast reconstruction?
Sleeping on your side or stomach immediately after breast reconstruction is not permitted. These positions put unnecessary pressure on your healing breast tissue and incisions. If you had implant-based reconstruction, side and back sleeping during recovery may result in malposition.
How long do you have to wait for breast reconstruction?
Some surgeons advise patients to wait until after radiation and chemotherapy are finished before having reconstruction. This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired.
How long can you delay breast reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction can be done immediately after a mastectomy during the same operative session or within 2 weeks in a separate operative session or can be delayed until months, if not years, later. The decision of “when” is highly personal with factors to consider with your treating physicians.
How long after a mastectomy can you have reconstruction?
This means reconstruction might be done 6 to 12 months after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Reconstruction also can be done years later if desired. Some women aren’t ready to have the surgery sooner, or they change their minds about their initial decision to “go flat” or wear a prosthesis.
What is the recovery time for mastectomy with reconstruction?
There are steps that you can take to prepare for mastectomy and reconstruction and help with recovery. Average recovery time after mastectomy and reconstruction is about 3-4 weeks, but may be up to 6-8 weeks.
Do and don’ts after breast surgery?
Refrain from getting your breasts wet – either in a bath, shower or pool, for the first weeks after your surgery. Don’t smoke. Smoking negatively impacts your body’s ability to heal after a surgery. Don’t wear an underwire bra, which can not only be painful but also prevent your breast implants from settling properly.
What are the benefits of immediate breast reconstruction?
The benefit of immediate reconstruction is that breast skin is often preserved, which can produce better-looking results. Women also do not have to go without the shape of a breast. While the first step in reconstruction is often the major one, many steps are often needed later to get the final shape or appearance.
What was the positive impact of the Reconstruction period?
These are some of the positive and negative impacts of reconstruction period in the United States. One could argue that it would be another 50 to 70 years before African Americans became emancipated in every sense of the word.
Is it possible to get breast reconstruction after a mastectomy?
However, Medicare may cover breast reconstruction surgery as well as external breast prostheses (including a post-surgical bra) after a medically necessary mastectomy. Medicaid benefits vary by state; a woman should contact her state Medicaid office for information on whether, and to what extent, breast reconstruction is covered.
What kind of reconstruction is needed for breast cancer?
Autologous tissue breast reconstruction is usually reserved for after radiation therapy, so that the breast and chest wall tissue damaged by radiation can be replaced with healthy tissue from elsewhere in the body. Another factor is the type of breast cancer. Women with inflammatory breast cancer usually require more extensive skin removal.
