Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Surgery to make a new breast is an important part of the treatment following a diagnosis of breast cancer or DCIS. The exact technique can vary depending on the wishes of the woman concerned and the advice of the plastic surgeon. Dr Rajan Uppal will discuss the best option for you having taken into consideration your thoughts and aspirations.

The choices and information that you are given can at first be confusing and even frightening. However, you will get a lot of support from the nurses and doctors in the clinic. Please ask as many questions as you need. Sometimes we forget things we are told, so don't be scared to ask again.

Breast reconstruction can be an important step to getting back to a truly normal life and can signal the end of cancer treatment.

Breast reconstruction does not make a woman’s body just as it was before the mastectomy. Even a reconstructed breast that looks completely natural will not have the original sensation and is not a real breast. It can, however, look and move naturally and feel to the touch like a soft, natural breast. Women who have had successful breast reconstruction are therefore much closer to their original physical state than are those who have not had breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction can go a long way toward making patients feel better and most patients who undergo breast reconstruction are able to return to the lifestyles they enjoyed before being diagnosed with breast cancer.

A DIEP operation uses spare skin and fat from the tummy. This operation takes about 6 hours to perform and does not need a breast implant. The new breast does not change if radiotherapy is required afterwards. There is however a 5% chance that the new breast may not keep the blood supply that is connected using microsurgery with a microscope. If this happens a breast implant may be used to make a new breast.

You may also have surgery to the other breast, if you wish, to get a more even appearance. Nipple reconstruction is also performed. All this extra surgery can be performed at the same time or, as is more common, it is done a few months later to give the best results in the end.

You will be offered a chance to see photographs and meet a patient if you wish.

All operations carry risks as well as benefits which Dr Rajan Uppal will discuss with you in detail.

See www.RajanUppal.com for picturesn

3 Choices to discuss with the Team:

1. Implant only - the operation takes only 1 hour with about 2 days in hospital. This is a good choice if you want to look normal in a bra.

2. Implant with back muscle - the operation takes 4 hours with about 4 days in hospital. This is a good option if you want a more natural shaped breast .

3. DIEP flap- this operation takes the longest time - 6 hours and you will be in hospital about 6 days. There is a 5% chance that enough blood may not reach the new breast and it will fail. An implant will then be used.

See www.RajanUppal.com for pictures