What are the different types of Breast Reconstruction Procedures?
Autologous Breast Reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction involves the creation of a breast mound with the patients own tissues, most commonly from the abdomen or the back. Excess fatty tissue and skin are transferred to the chest to create a breast based upon the blood supply to the abdomen or back. The primary advantages of autologous breast reconstruction are that the breast is reconstructed from the patient’s own tissue and it is often softer and can have a degree of “droop” to match the opposite breast. The trade-off is that these operations are longer, more technically demanding procedures with increased postoperative pain, a more difficult recovery period, and a higher complication rate.
Implant Breast Reconstruction
The first stage of this technique involves the placement of a tissue expander beneath the pectoral muscles which gradually stretches the skin and pectoral muscle creating a breast mound. The second stage , which occurs around 3-6 months later, involves the removal of the expander and placement of a permanent breast implant. Oftentimes the patient would benefit from a procedure on the opposite breast for symmetry including; mastopexy, breast reduction or breast augmentation as indicated. In the third stage, a nipple is reconstructed which is later pigmented to match the opposite breast with tattoo.