Can You Have a Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction at the Same Time?
When a mastectomy has been recommended for cancer treatment, many women begin to wonder about their options for breast reconstruction or mastectomy reconstruction.
With a staged reconstruction procedure, both the mastectomy and the staged reconstruction can be done at the same time. Dr. Michael Streitmann will place the tissue expander in at the time of mastectomy, then replace it with a breast implant. This dual procedure may improve your recovery time and the cosmetic outcome.
What to Expect During Mastectomy Reconstruction Surgery
Both the mastectomy and reconstruction are done under general anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision over the nipple and remove the breast tissue as well as the lymph nodes if necessary.
The next steps depend on the best type of reconstruction for your situation. With prosthetic reconstruction, the surgeon will place saline Tissue Expander implants under the skin and/or muscle.
Another reconstruction option is Tissue flap reconstruction which uses your tissue to reshape the breasts, often from the abdomen, thighs, or back. Drainage tubes are added with both procedures to remove excess fluid from the body.
Though silicone gel implants are designed to feel like real breasts, many women find that their reconstructed breasts feel more natural with tissue than they would with an implant.
Mastectomy Reconstruction Recovery Time & Process
After the procedure, your breasts will be bandaged, and you will need to remain in the hospital for a short period. This is usually one or two nights for implant reconstruction or up to a week with tissue flap reconstruction.
In the days and weeks following the procedure, you may experience pain, pressure, or numbness; however, your surgeon will prescribe pain medication for these instances. Once you are released from the hospital, you will be able to walk around normally but should refrain from driving or lifting heavy objects.
As you recover, avoid sleeping on your stomach or side and make an effort to consume high-protein foods to facilitate the healing process. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy to help you regain strength in the chest.
Am I a Candidate For Mastectomy Reconstruction?
Your surgeon can recommend whether immediate breast reconstruction surgery is right for you. It may not be an option if you are a smoker, obese, diabetic, or have cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, you may be required to quit before undergoing the procedure because of the increased risk for heavy bleeding.
In some cases, you may need to complete radiation treatment after the mastectomy and before the performance of a reconstruction. The timing of your reconstruction influences your treatment and recovery and will depend on the recommendations of your medical team.
Generally, immediate reconstruction is available for women with stage I or II breast cancer who do not need radiation treatment after mastectomy. For women with stage III or IV disease, reconstruction is often delayed by the need for additional chemotherapy or radiation.
Delayed-Immediate Breast Reconstruction
Sometimes the surgeon will perform part of the reconstruction immediately and the remainder in a later procedure. With this option, an implant or tissue expander will be inserted at the time of the mastectomy. After radiation treatment, the implant or expander is replaced with your tissue.
Breast Mastectomy & Reconstruction in Houston, TX
If you are facing mastectomy surgery and want to learn more about the options for breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Michael Streitmann for a consultation in Houston or Conroe, Texas. You can schedule an appointment online or call our office at 713-667-4600.