Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a remarkable surgical procedure in a patient's life, as it involves improving self-esteem and quality of life.

It becomes necessary after mastectomy, which is a surgical treatment against breast cancer, and consists of the total removal of the breast. To perform the reconstruction, according to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), it is necessary to take into consideration the shape, size and appearance after mastectomy.

In addition, it can be performed at the same time as the breast removal surgery or after the patient's recovery from treatments such as chemotherapy.

It is important to remember that it is not possible to compare the natural breast with the reconstructed one. Some differences that may be noted are:

Sensitivity. The reconstructed breast may have a reduced sensitivity.

Scars. The presence of visible scars occurs in reconstructive and mastectomy surgery.

If any surgical graft technique is used, scars will be noted elsewhere in the body from which the grafts were removed.

There are some precautions to take before surgery. According to SBCP it is necessary to:

To do laboratory tests or medical evaluation;

Fazer ajustes na medicação atual;

To make adjustments to the current medication;

To make mammography before and after surgery;

To quit smoking in advance of surgery;

Avoid taking certain medicines, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatories and natural medicines, as they can influence the blood clotting.

It is imperative that the patient see a specialist doctor to solve all doubts and take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of surgery.

Source: Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery