Breast Reconstruction

For expertise in breast reconstruction surgery, turn to Torrance Memorial. You’ll have access to fellowship-trained surgeons who’ve performed thousands of successful procedures, using less-invasive techniques that will improve your experience and outcome. When you choose Torrance Memorial, you can look forward to the highest level of personalized breast reconstruction care.

What is Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Women who undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy as part of their breast cancer treatment may choose breast reconstruction surgery to rebuild the shape and look of the breast. Breast reconstruction is a personal journey to help you feel confident about how you look. That’s why it’s important to learn about all your options and what to expect before and after your surgery.

Should I Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, it is best to discuss your options with your breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon experienced in breast reconstruction before you have surgery to remove the tumor or breast.

Ideally, you would meet with a plastic surgeon shortly after meeting with your breast surgical oncologist (also known as a breast surgeon). You may also meet with a hematology oncologist regarding chemotherapy and/or a radiation oncologist regarding radiation treatments. These specialists will work together to determine the best treatment plan and timing for your treatments.

Meeting with a plastic surgeon is often helpful even if you decide not to have reconstructive surgery right away, because decisions made early on can affect your reconstructive options in the future.

When Can I Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Some breast reconstruction procedures can be performed or started at the time of your mastectomy or lumpectomy. However, breast reconstruction can also be performed later. Your breast surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon can help you determine the right timeline for you.

Breast Reconstruction Options

There are different types of breast reconstruction procedures. Some are done (or started) at the same time as your mastectomy or lumpectomy, while others are done later. If you are interested in breast reconstruction, your breast cancer care team will meet to discuss the best option for you based on your condition, preferences, treatment plan and goals.

Breast reconstruction options include:

• Lumpectomy with an oncoplastic breast lift or reduction. Patients who have a lumpectomy procedure may choose to have an oncoplastic procedure to reshape the breast(s).
• Implant reconstruction. Implant reconstruction is typically a two-stage procedure that may be started during your mastectomy or later. After your breast tissue is removed, your plastic surgeon will insert an adjustable implant known as a tissue expander. The expander is gradually inflated during a series of office visits to make room for your permanent breast implant. When the desired size is reached, you will have a second procedure to insert your permanent breast implant.
• Tissue (flap) reconstruction. A tissue reconstruction, also known as a flap reconstruction, involves shaping a new breast using your own tissue. It can be performed during your mastectomy or later.

Nipple- and Areola-Sparing Techniques

Mastectomy surgery traditionally involved removal of the nipple and areola as well as removal of the breast skin and breast tissue. More recent techniques allow breast surgical oncologists to preserve the breast skin, nipple, and areola while removing only the internal breast tissue. There are still rare cases when the nipple and areola need to be removed, such as when the cancer is too close to these structures. In these rare cases, the nipple and areola can be reconstructed later by your plastic surgeon.

Alternatives to Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Choosing whether to have breast reconstruction is a personal decision. Some women may decide not to have breast reconstruction surgery, or they may choose to wear a breast prosthesis. If you choose to wear a breast prosthesis, your plastic surgeon or breast surgical oncologist can refer you to a professional who can measure and order a custom prosthesis.

What to Expect

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and breast reconstruction may seem less important than your oncologic surgery to treat your tumor. However, planning for both your oncologic and reconstructive procedures is critical to meeting your long-term treatment and cosmetic goals.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind if you are diagnosed with breast cancer:

• Consult with a plastic surgeon before surgery or radiation treatment. This will ensure that you have access to all possible reconstructive options. Even if you don’t go through with breast reconstruction or decide to wait, it is important to understand your options and make an informed choice.
• Timing is important! Your breast cancer care team will work together to determine the timeline for your reconstructive procedure, and how many stages your reconstruction will require. Most breast reconstruction procedures can be done any time after a mastectomy or lumpectomy — even many years later.

Preparing for Surgery

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with the information you need to prepare for breast reconstruction surgery. Some breast procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, but others require a hospital stay. Your surgeon will let you know if you will need to stay in the hospital.

Going Home

Most patients feel back to normal within 3-6 months after their breast reconstruction procedure. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions for your recovery. Here are a few things you can expect:

• Drains. Depending on the type of procedure you have, you may have 1-4 drains near your incisions to collect excess fluid as you heal. Drains typically remain in place for 1-3 weeks after your procedure and will be removed in your surgeon’s office.
• Pain management. Your surgeon will use pain management techniques during surgery to minimize your discomfort after the procedure. Your surgeon may also instruct you to take prescription or over-the-counter pain medications to manage discomfort during your recovery. Watch for signs of constipation while taking narcotic pain medications. Discuss taking a stool softener with your surgeon, if needed.
• Activity. For the first few months after surgery, you will have activity limitations on exercise, reaching, lifting and other activities. No lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavier than five pounds (the weight of one gallon of milk or one full bag of groceries). As with any surgery, your surgeon may instruct you not to drive for a period of time afterward. Never drive while taking narcotic medication.
• Recovery. You will experience some swelling and discomfort after your surgery. If you experience massive swelling, redness, bleeding, fever, significant discharge from the incision site, extreme discomfort or any other symptoms that concern you, contact your surgeon immediately.