Breast
Reconstruction
Many women undergo a partial, total, or
modified radical mastectomy for different
types of malignant tumors.
Most of these women are referred
to plastic surgeons even before their mastectomy,
for a breast reconstruction consult, and
depending on the type of mastectomy that
is planned and the condition of the opposite
breast, we will decide on what type of reconstruction
the patient will benefit from.
The
choices for breast reconstruction are many,
and the patient is provided with all the
information necessary to make the right
choice. These choices range from tissue expansion followed by insertion
of a permanent prosthesis (implant) and
nipple areola reconstruction, to the TRAM
flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous
flap) which uses the skin and fat from the
lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast from
the patient's own tissues.
Studies
have shown that breast reconstruction plays
a significant role in the psychological
management and well-being of women with
breast cancer or other problems which may
require reconstruction.
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