There are two ways to have breast surgery: A woman can either have breast reconstruction with implants or her own tissue. For an autologous reconstruction, the doctor can use the woman's lower abdominal wall segment or back muscle and fat to create new breast tissue. A mastectomy can be done on a woman who is nipple or skin-sparing. Both procedures can leave scarring. Breast surgeries are not right for everyone.
Breast reduction surgery
Most breast-reduction surgeries can be done as an outpatient procedure. Patients may experience swelling and discoloration immediately after the procedure. This swelling will gradually disappear. After the procedure, stitches and bandages are removed. The patient is advised to refrain from strenuous activities for at least a month. While a breast-reduction procedure can cause some discomfort, your breasts will eventually become more natural. Six months to one year will pass before you can see the results.
The surgeon will then make incisions in the skin near the natural creases in the breasts. These incisions will allow for the removal of excess skin and fat. Some women may also have the areolae lifted. The surgeon will close off the incision by using dissolvable external and internal sutures. The surgical recovery period may require an overnight stay. Afterwards, the patient will be released from the hospital. It takes between 2 and 5 hours to perform the surgery.
Nipple-sparing mastectomy
A Nipple-sparing mastectomy is an alternative to radiation treatment for breast cancer. This procedure preserves breasts that are naturally beautiful and minimizes radiation exposure. Even though not all women who are undergoing this surgery will do so, about 30% of those who are new to the procedure may not be required to undergo radiation treatment. This type of surgery can be done for women with small or large breasts.
Although it is not common, the results of this surgery are very good. It preserves the entire breast envelope, including the nipple skin and the darker skin circle around it. The NSM is typically followed by a breast reconstruction. It is still not used widely for mastectomy but has become a popular alternative to other breast cancer treatments. Its many benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
A skin-saving mastectomy
A skin-sparing mastectomy refers to a surgery in which all of breast skin is preserved, with the exception of the nipple, areola and nipple. This allows the surgeon reconstruct the breasts without scarring. To replace the volume lost, the surgeon will use a flap/implant. There are two types. The TRAM and Latissimus versions of skin-sparing breastectomy. Each one uses the tissues and muscles of the body in order to reconstruct the breast.
Skin-sparing mastectomy has many advantages, including the preservation and protection of the native skin envelope and inframammary fold. The cosmetic results of a breast reconstruction are improved by the preservation of the native skin and inframammaryfold. It can also reduce the need for contralateral simetrizing surgery. However, skin-sparing matectomies come with a variety of risks.
Modified radical mastectomy
A modified radical mastectomy may be an option for you if you are concerned about the potential risks involved in undergoing a mastectomy. A modified radical breastectomy takes out only the breasts and most of the lymph nodes. The lining around the chest muscles is also removed. This type is also good for breast tissue preservation. Not all surgeons are qualified to perform these types of procedures. Before deciding on which procedure to have, you should consult your doctor.
Although most hospitals now use a traditional modified mastectomy, it is still not widely used. Traditional modified radical mastectomy techniques place emphasis on the protection of the anterior thoracic and intercostobrachial nerves. The goal is to preserve the nerves for their pure sensory functions. These techniques are comparable to the ones used by Halsted, Meyer, and Patey. Moore61 in 1867 described a similar approach.