Breast surgery is a deeply personal decision, and each patient comes with a unique set of goals, anatomy, and circumstances surrounding their decision to have a breast procedure. Whether you are considering breast reconstruction after cancer treatment or simply looking to enhance your natural shape, plastic surgery offers a variety of options that are designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in your body.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is performed to restore breast shape and contour following a mastectomy, lumpectomy, trauma, or other medical conditions. Reconstruction plays an important role in a patient’s physical and emotional healing process.
There are several approaches to breast reconstruction, and the right option depends on factors such as overall health, previous treatments, body type, breast anatomy, and personal preferences. Reconstruction may involve breast implants, the patient’s own tissue (flap reconstruction), or a combination of techniques to achieve the patient’s desired results.
Some patients are candidates for immediate reconstruction, which is performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Other patients may benefit from a delayed reconstruction timeline, which occurs after the completion of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or later. Your plastic surgeon will work closely with your breast and oncology team to coordinate care and determine the best approach to reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction may also involve additional procedures to improve symmetry, refine breast shape, or reconstruct the nipple and areola. These procedures are often performed as part of the staged reconstruction process.
Other Common Breast Procedures
Other common breast procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, and breast implant revision or removal. Breast augmentation can increase breast volume and improve symmetry, using either breast implants or fat transfer. During your consultation, your surgery can discuss implant options, size, shape, placement and incision location based on your anatomy and goals. A breast lift (mastopexy) can address sagging and reposition the breasts to create a more youthful contour. A breast lift can be performed on its own or in combination with a breast augmentation if a patient desires additional volume. Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue and skin to alleviate back, neck and shoulder discomfort, as well as create a more proportionate appearance. Breasts naturally change over time as we age and due to fluctuations in weight. Patients who have undergone previous breast surgery may eventually consider revision surgery. Breast revision procedures can help address concerns with implant position, changes in breast shape, asymmetry, capsular contracture, or changes resulting from aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. Some revision procedures include implant replacement, implant removal, breast lift, or a combination of techniques depending on a patient’s individual needs.
The Importance of Breast Awareness & Self-Exams
Regardless of whether you have had breast surgery or not, becoming familiar with how breasts normally look and feel is an important part of women’s health. Breast self-awareness means knowing your breasts and paying attention to any changes that are unusual to you.
Some people choose to perform regular breast self-exams as part of their everyday routine. During an exam, you should look for the following changes in the breasts:
- A new lump or thickening
- Skin dimpling or irritation
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Changes in the nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Swelling
It is important to remember that not every breast change is cancer, and breast self-exams are not meant to act as a substitute for recommended screening mammograms and evaluations. If you notice a new or concerning change, contact your healthcare provider to ensure proper, timely evaluation.
Patients who have undergone breast reconstruction or breast implant surgery should also follow their surgeon’s recommendations for ongoing breast health and screening. Be sure to tell your imaging provider about any breast implants or reconstruction when scheduling breast imaging.
Your Breast Surgery Journey
Choosing to undergo breast surgery, whether for cancer reconstruction or cosmetics, is an important decision. A personalized consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, review your past medical and surgical history, evaluate your anatomy, and explore available treatment options.
The goal of breast surgery is not simply to change breast size. It is about creating a shape that complements your unique body and contour while addressing your specific goals and concerns.
Whether you are exploring breast reconstruction, augmentation, a breast lift, reduction, or revision surgery, an experienced, highly trained plastic surgeon can walk you through your options and develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your goals.
Your journey is unique, and your surgical plan should be, too.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Our team will take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and discuss the options available to you.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward achieving results that feel right for you.
Kachare Plastic Surgery
(P): 252-262-7511
2459 Emerald Place, Suite 106B, Greenville, NC 27834
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