Breast Reshaping After Partial Mastectomy

After partial mastectomy, breasts may lose their natural appearance and an aesthetically unsatisfactory look may occur for the patient. For patients who have undergone mastectomy, breast reconstruction or breast repair procedures can be applied to restore the breast's natural and aesthetic appearance. Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana, explained how breast reconstruction is performed after partial mastectomy.

What is Mastectomy?

Mastectomy operation is a surgical procedure applied for the treatment of breast cancer cases. When breast tissue is completely removed, it is called total mastectomy, and when a part of it is removed, it is called partial mastectomy. In the radical mastectomy method, it may be necessary to remove the entire breast tissue, lymph nodes, and underlying chest muscles. Whether after total or partial mastectomy, some aesthetic problems may occur. These aesthetic problems can be eliminated with breast reconstruction and reshaping procedures.

Mastectomy surgeries can be applied for either one breast or both breasts. After the operation, breast reconstruction or breast repair can be performed, taking into account the patient's condition and preferences. This ensures that the patient feels better aesthetically.

Why is Breast Reshaping Performed? 

Breast reshaping (breast reconstruction) is performed in women who have undergone partial mastectomy surgery for breast cancer treatment to improve their quality of life, help them feel psychologically better, and increase their motivation for recovery. The patient feels less breast loss.

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Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy

When performing breast reconstruction after partial mastectomy, there are two main methods: creating breast tissue or using a breast prosthesis. The patient is informed about these two options. Subsequently, one of these two methods is chosen considering the patient's needs and expectations. The criteria considered for breast reshaping after partial mastectomy are as follows:

• Patient's age and general health condition
• Details of the mastectomy operation the patient underwent
• Whether the patient received radiotherapy during the treatment process
• Patient's body characteristics, including height and weight
• Proportion of both breasts to each other

Breast Reconstruction with Prosthesis (Breast Reshaping)

Breast reconstruction using a prosthesis is a simpler and faster procedure compared to other methods. During the procedure, a prosthesis with an outer silicone layer is placed in place of the breast removed during mastectomy. Generally, two different types of prostheses are used in breast reconstruction with prostheses: round or teardrop prostheses. Round prostheses are preferred for aesthetic reasons rather than breast reconstruction. However, after partial mastectomy, anatomical, i.e., teardrop prostheses, are usually preferred. In anatomical prostheses, the outer surface of the prosthesis is covered with silicone, and the inside is filled with saline or gel.

Breast prostheses can be used for fifteen to twenty years. This period may be longer or shorter depending on the patient's condition. In breast reconstruction with a prosthesis, some risks may rarely occur. If we were to list the possible risks that may arise during breast reshaping with a prosthesis:

• Deflation of the prosthesis
• Infection
• Hardening of the tissue around the prosthesis, and the breast's natural appearance may be lost.

Breast Reconstruction with the Patient's Own Tissue

Breast reconstruction performed using the patient's own tissue is a highly complex procedure requiring surgical experience. This method is generally preferred for patients who have not undergone breast reconstruction after mastectomy and have received chemotherapy or radiotherapy before mastectomy.

Because breast prostheses may not always yield successful results in areas that have received radiotherapy. Therefore, breast reconstruction is performed with the patient's own tissue. To enable the patient to regain a natural and aesthetic breast appearance, tissue is taken from the abdomen, back, leg, or hip region, and breast reconstruction is performed with this tissue.

Partial Mastectomy Breast Reshaping Prices

Breast reshaping prices and costs after partial mastectomy are shaped according to the nature of the procedure to be applied and the method to be used. Numerous factors such as the technical equipment of the clinic where the operation will be performed, the surgeon's expertise and experience, and the quality of the prosthesis to be used are decisive on prices. To get clear and up-to-date information about breast reshaping prices after partial mastectomy, you can contact Op. Dr. İbrahim Çolhan, who serves his patients in Adana.