What is the best option for breast reconstruction?

The pre-pectoral procedure is the most minimally invasive breast reconstruction option. Your doctor can perform a mastectomy by removing breast tissue through a small incision underneath the breast. Through this incision, a tissue expander can be placed on top of the muscle to create a breast mound.

How long do breast reconstruction implants last?

On average, today’s implants are designed to last more than a decade, with the chance of rupture increasing by one percent each year. So, the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications. In many cases, breast implants can remain in good shape for 20 years or more.

Do implants feel better than expanders?

The surgery to exchange your tissue expander to implant is relatively straightforward and is usually done as a same day surgery. Once your implants are placed, you will likely feel more comfortable than you did with the tissue expander.

What is the most common complication after implant reconstruction?

Risks of capsular contracture The most common problem with breast implants is capsular contracture. A scar (or capsule) can form around the soft implant. As it tightens, it can start to squeeze the implant, making the breast feel hard. Capsular contracture can be treated.

Why does breast reconstruction fail?

In about three-fourths of patients, the initial reconstruction failed due to scarring around the implant (capsular contracture) causing pain or deformity. Other patients had infections or other implant-related complications, or were dissatisfied with the appearance of the reconstructed breast.

What are the dangers of silicone implants?

Silicone implants can increase a woman’s risk of arthritis, stillbirth and even skin cancer, a new study suggests. Researchers found that women had a 4.5-fold increased risk of having a stillbirth and a four times greater risk of developing melanoma after their procedures.

What to expect after breast reconstruction?

If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Reconstruction does not restore normal feeling to your breast, but some feeling may return over a period of years. It may take up to about 8 weeks for bruising and swelling to go away.

What are the stages of breast reconstruction?

Stages of reconstruction can include the initial mastectomy with lymph node dissection and radiation, followed later by breast mound reconstruction either by silicone implant, tissue expander, or flap reconstruction of autologous tissue followed by nipple and areolar reconstruction by skin grafts or flaps.

What are the benefits of breast reconstruction?

The benefits of breast reconstruction include improved body image and self-esteem, as well as the lack of need for a prosthesis to replace the missing breast.