Patients who want to restore symmetry of the breast following a lumpectomy should consider partial breast reconstruction. Partially reconstructing your breasts can be done in a variety of ways, based on the specifics of your situation, your breasts’ contour and volume, and the quantity of tissue extracted. Modifying the residual breast tissue during surgery and inserting a breast implant are some of the choices available.
This method of reconstruction frequently entails a combined breast reduction or breast reduction lift on both the afflicted and opposite breasts. Sometimes an implant-based breast reconstruction is necessary. This results in improved symmetry and overall physical attractiveness of the breasts.
What Should You Anticipate?
Partial breast surgery, when getting a lumpectomy, can be discussed preceding surgery. It is particularly necessary if a patient has already had cancer treatment. Whereas, others will need to wait until after treatment.
To get ready for the procedure, you’ll consult with a breast surgeon first. Following that, you’ll visit with your cosmetic surgeon to ensure that your treatment is well-coordinated. The length of time it takes to complete this cosmetic operation varies greatly depending on your health, cancer stage, and the location and size of the lump. It is also influenced by the volume and shape of your breasts, as well as any additional therapy required. The surgical team will make decisions that will benefit you the most. The following are some additional things to expect:
- Based on the manner of reconstruction, surgery can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours.
- The majority of patients are sent home the same day.
- Recovery time frame is typically three to four weeks.
- Radiation therapy normally starts four to six weeks following the procedure.
Are There Possible Complications?
After a lumpectomy, partial breast surgery has only minor subsequent risks. When having a lumpectomy in the absence of reconstruction, many of the risks are similar. Possible adverse effects are a reduced feeling in the nipples and/or lingering asymmetry, especially if radiation is part of your cancer treatment plan.
Who is a Candidate?
The patient along with the breast surgeon must decide how to treat breast cancer. Breast conservation is not appropriate for every woman, so sometimes a mastectomy may be the best treatment. A lumpectomy is not a suitable choice, if the breast cancer is huge or the cancer is located at several sites.
Presurgical consultation with a cosmetic surgeon is helpful for patients who prefer breast conservation, yet are concerned about an unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome. Ladies with huge tumors, bigger or droopy breasts, or those who need substantial skin resection as part of their lumpectomy, may fall into this category. A woman with huge breasts is one of the greatest candidates for a partial breast technique. The treatment is similar to a breast reduction, however, the tumor is deliberately placed within the breast tissue that will be eliminated.
Benefits of the Partial Breast Procedure
- Reduces the likelihood of breast deformation after a lumpectomy.
- Breasts are reshaped for a more younger and perkier look.
- Scars can often be camouflaged more effectively.
- Allows the surgeon to remove additional tissue, reducing the necessity for subsequent re-excision.
- Patient satisfaction is really substantial.
- It is possible to do this procedure in an outpatient facility.