Recovering from breast cancer is one of the hardest things you can do. It is a distressing experience that can have a lasting impact on the rest of your life. Thankfully, due to advancements in plastic surgery technology, there are a lot of options if you are considering breast reconstruction surgery. Read on to get all the information you need right from the surgery to recovery during your breast reconstruction procedure.

What to consider before choosing breast reconstruction surgeries?

One of the most plaguing problems regarding breast cancer and recovery is the lack of awareness. An overwhelming majority of the women are not aware of the options that they have when it comes to breast reconstruction.

Though it is not required that you choose breast reconstruction, it is certainly a viable option that you can consider.

Battling and recovering from breast cancer is a hard thing to do. This can create an overwhelming atmosphere with a lot of uncertainty and stress. It is important to surround yourself with family and loved ones in order to make the recovery a smooth experience.

Here are some things that you need to consider before opting for breast reconstruction.

• Physical health – Can you take up another surgery? Will your medical history affect your recovery or surgery? Are you physically fit to undergo surgery?


• Emotional health – A breast reconstruction surgery can affect the way you see your body or your sexuality. It is important to make sure that you are in sound emotional health and ready to take up the surgery.


• Insurance coverage – Going through multiple surgeries can be an expensive affair. Though breast surgeries are covered by insurance plans, it is important to talk to the associated teams in order to get more relevant coverage information and details.


• Recovery time – If you are planning a breast reconstruction surgery after your mastectomy, this may prolong your recovery time. Are you ok with the longer recovery time? You can even put off your reconstruction surgery to a later point of time after you have healed completely from your mastectomy.


• Preferences – Breast reconstruction may involve multiple surgeries and steps before achieving the final result. You may have to consult with numerous doctors and make several appointments for surgeries. It is important to educate yourself regarding the procedure and associated tasks in order to make an informed decision.

You can discuss with your surgeon to get more details regarding your available options. You can also understand expectations, recovery, and other associated aspects of breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast reconstruction options

There are a few options that you can consider when it comes to breast reconstruction.

Immediate reconstruction

This means that your reconstruction surgery is done along with the mastectomy. This can help you recover from both surgeries at the same time. Additionally, this reduces the number of surgeries required and improves the ability of your body to recover faster. This also gives more breast tissue for the surgeon to work with for the reconstruction process. All things considered, immediate reconstruction has a lot of benefits and advantages for the patient.

Delayed reconstruction

Delayed reconstruction basically means that you put off your reconstruction surgery to a later point in time. This can help you focus more on your cancer treatment and recover effectively. However, the downside is that you may have to live with no breasts during your recovery period.

Reconstruction with implants

Breast reconstruction with implants makes use of surgical implants in order to enhance the size and shape of your breasts.

Reconstruction with flaps

Reconstruction with flaps utilizes tissue from other parts of your body such as abdomen, back, thigh, or buttocks. This may result in more scars on your body. However, it is an effective option when it comes to breast reconstruction.

Avoid breast reconstruction

While recovering from mastectomy, you can also choose not to opt for breast reconstruction. This means that you have to live with no breasts. While some do this for personal reasons, others find it easier to live without breasts. You can still opt for surgery at a later point in time in case you decide to change your mind. No matter what your choice is, it is important to understand the benefits and impacts that can help you make an informed decision when choosing the right option for you.