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Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed after a mastectomy, which involves the removal of the breast as part of cancer treatment. This procedure is a vital step in the postoperative period, providing women with psychological stability and restoring self-confidence.
Breast reconstruction is also performed for women whose one breast did not develop during the growth and development process.

Why is breast reconstruction important?

Breast reconstruction provides not only aesthetic satisfaction but also emotional comfort to women who have undergone a mastectomy due to cancer or have congenital anomalies. Our goal is to help you feel beautiful and confident in your body.
Breast reconstruction can be performed using various techniques, including the use of implants or autologous tissue (tissue taken from other parts of the body). The choice of method depends on several factors, including the patient’s preferences, anatomical condition, previous cancer treatments, and the surgeon’s recommendations.

When is breast reconstruction planned?

Breast reconstruction is planned in consultation with your surgeon. The choice of procedure depends on the extent of the mastectomy and how much tissue is removed. In cases where a radical operation is required due to highly invasive cancer, breast reconstruction is typically scheduled only after completing treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and others.

Breast reconstruction surgery does not necessarily need to be performed immediately after finishing oncology treatments. It can be done when the woman feels ready for the procedure, which may be several months or even years after the mastectomy.

How to prepare for breast reconstruction surgery?

The most important part of preparing for breast reconstruction surgery is a clinical examination and consultation with the surgeon. After a thorough assessment, the surgeon will present the surgical options available and recommend the most suitable one for your case. Together, you will decide on the shape and size of the reconstructed breast.

All preoperative preparations are conducted at our clinic and are included in the cost. This includes:

  • Laboratory tests: Complete blood count, basic biochemistry, coagulation factors, blood group, and Rh factor.
  • Other examinations:
    • Internal medicine and cardiology evaluation with ECG.
    • Chest X-ray with a radiologist’s report.
    • Clinical evaluation by an anesthesiologist.
    • Breast ultrasound or mammography.
    • Consultation with an oncological surgeon and an oncologist’s report.

If you are a smoker, it is essential to stop smoking at least two weeks before the surgery, as smoking negatively affects circulation and wound healing, prolonging recovery time.

If you are taking aspirin, vitamin C, or other supplements, you should stop taking them seven days before the procedure.
It is crucial to avoid consuming any food or drink for at least 6–8 hours before the scheduled surgery. Additionally:

  • Remove nail polish or gel polish from your fingernails.
  • Remove all makeup, piercings, and jewelry.
  • Do not apply body lotion for 4–6 hours before surgery.


You should bring:
 

  • Personal hygiene items.
  • A photo ID (ID card or passport).
  • Your complete medical documentation.
  • Any medications you take as part of your chronic therapy.

How is breast reconstruction performed?

There are two primary methods for breast reconstruction, and the choice of technique depends on the extent of the oncological surgery that involved removing part or all of the breast. Both procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

  • Implant-based reconstruction:
    When only a portion of the breast is removed, and there is sufficient remaining skin, it is often possible to insert an implant.
  •  Tissue taken from the abdomen is used to reconstruct the breast.
    • Latissimus dorsi flap: Tissue from the back is used, including skin and the underlying muscle.Tissue flap reconstruction:
      This method involves using the woman’s own tissue, typically taken from the abdomen or back (and sometimes from the thigh or buttocks), to create the structure needed for breast reconstruction.
    • DIEP flap: This involves transferring skin and subcutaneous fat from the abdomen to the chest as a free flap for breast reconstruction, using advanced microsurgical techniques.

In the tissue flap method, a skin flap (along with its associated muscle) is carefully relocated to the chest area where the breast was removed, using precise microsurgical techniques to ensure proper blood supply and integration. These methods allow for a natural reconstruction that closely resembles the original breast.

How long does breast reconstruction surgery take?

The duration of breast reconstruction surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. If the surgery involves the placement of an implant, it is relatively simpler and usually takes up to 2 hours. The other type of procedure, which involves tissue reconstruction, can take up to 6 hours.

What results can you expect?

After breast reconstruction, you can expect:

  • A contoured breast that resembles the natural appearance of a breast.
  • No noticeable difference between the breasts under clothing or swimwear.
  • A sense of comfort in your body, with the feeling that both breasts appear natural.
  • A boost in self-confidence, as you will feel complete again as a woman.
  • Reduced sensitivity compared to a healthy breast.

Recovery after breast reconstruction surgery

On the first day after breast reconstruction surgery, the patient is advised to remain in bed, moving only their arms. By the second day, they can start standing and walking.

  • If the procedure involved implant placement, the patient typically stays in the hospital for one day.
  • For reconstructive surgery using the patient’s own tissue, a hospital stay of 1–3 days is usually required.


In the first few days after surgery, most patients experience pain in the operated area, which subsides quickly with pain medication. Swelling and bruising are common side effects but generally resolve within 2–3 weeks.
Most women can return to their usual activities within 6–8 weeks after surgery. However, it is important to wait at least three months before resuming exercise or engaging in physically demanding activities.

Risks of breast reconstruction surgery

As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, or allergic reactions to anesthesia. However, when the procedure is performed in a fully sterile operating room by an experienced surgeon following established protocols, these risks are minimized.

FAQ

Will the reconstructed breasts have a natural appearance?

The goal of breast reconstruction is to achieve the most natural look and feel possible. While implants can provide excellent aesthetic results, autologous reconstruction often offers a more natural feel as it uses the patient’s own tissue. The final aesthetic results will also depend on the surgeon’s skill and the patient’s individual characteristics

Recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of surgery performed.

The scars from breast reconstruction vary depending on the type of surgery performed. Over time, they will diminish and become less noticeable, although complete scar disappearance is rare. Your surgeon will aim to make the scars as discreet as possible.

Like any surgical procedure, breast reconstruction carries risks, such as infection, bleeding, wound healing issues, scar formation, and reactions to anesthesia.

Yes, reconstruction can be performed on only one breast to replace a lost breast or to achieve symmetry with the healthy breast.

A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the entire breast or a portion of it, most commonly as part of breast cancer treatment.

Yes, one of the most common methods of breast reconstruction involves the use of implants. An implant can be used to shape the breast after tissue removal.

Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or months, even years later (delayed reconstruction), depending on the patient’s health and oncological treatments.

No, breast reconstruction does not interfere with future oncological treatments. However, your oncologist and surgeon will collaborate to plan the procedure, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all treatments.

A reconstructed breast will not have the same sensation as a natural breast. There may be reduced sensitivity, particularly with methods involving implants.

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