Reconstructive surgery for breast cancer After mastectomy, some women find it difficult to feel comfortable with your body and are not satisfied with the prosthetic options. If you can identify with this statement, perhaps you should take into account the possibility of breast reconstruction. The breast reconstruction can be an effective way to help improve your self-esteem and feel more confident about your body, in addition to permanently eliminate the need for a prosthesis.

The reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most successful surgical procedures today. New surgical techniques and devices have enabled plastic surgeons create a breast that closely resembles in form and appearance to a normal breast. 

Frequently, reconstruction is performed immediately following breast removal (mastectomy), so the patient wakes from anesthesia with an established breast without being hit and the bad experience of losing her. 

But keep in mind that post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is not a simple procedure. There are several options to consider and they would discuss them with your surgeon you select the best for each case. 

Most mastectomy patients are medically unfit to undergo this procedure. However, the best candidates are those whose cancer has been eliminated by mastectomy. 

Some women choose to wait to undergo this surgery and to explore all options. Others simply do not want the surgery more than is really necessary. Some patients with certain health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, smokers should be advised to differ reconstruction for some months. 

Regardless of the case, if you receive good information about reconstruction options, this will positively help you prepare for a mastectomy with a better vision for their future. 

There are risks associated with any surgery and specific complications inherent to this procedure. In general, problems such as bleeding, unsightly scars or difficulties with anesthesia can occur but are not common. 

Patients who smoke should be alerted that nicotine delays the healing period, bringing in a prolonged recovery and unsightly scars. Sometimes these complications are so severe as to warrant a second operation. 

If a breast implant is used, there is a remote possibility of developing an infection, usually within the first two weeks after surgery. In some of these cases, the implant should be removed for several months until the infection process and yield a new implant can be placed later. The most common problem is the contracture of the capsule surrounding the implant and causing pain and hardening of the breast. This contracture can also be treated by breaking the capsule or in some cases by removing the implant. 

Reconstruction has no known effect on the recurrence of breast disease. Your surgeon however will recommend periodic mammograms in normal breast and in the reconstructed.