Immediate or Delayed | Breast Reconstruction after mastectomy

Topics covered in this Article:

1. What is a Mastectomy
2. Difference between Immediate & Delayed Mastectomy
3. Advantages & Disadvantages of Immediate & Delayed Mastectomy
4. Who is a better Candidate
5. Which one is a Better Option

Author

Before knowing about immediate or delayed breast reconstruction, first, let’s understand

A mastectomy is a process in which the breasts are surgically removed. You may use it to treat breast cancer and to avoid getting it in the first place. Surgery will always be a component of the treatment regimen for breast cancer.

A preventative mastectomy may be recommended for women at a higher risk of getting breast cancer. Some mastectomies remove both breasts, while others remove just one. 

Also know about, What is a Prophylactic Mastectomy & Who Needs It, in this video

If you are looking for a breast cancer surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Jay Anam is the person you are looking for. Dr. Jay Anam has Completed his M.Ch. Surgical Oncology training from Tata Memorial Centre. He did his Fellowship in Breast Oncology from Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France.

Immediate Breast Reconstruction :

If you’re having a mastectomy, it may be combined with immediate reconstruction. Your breast cancer surgeon will collaborate with your medical team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Doctors will rebuild your new breasts once malignant tissue has been removed. You can have a synthetic implant placed or your tissue used in the repair.

Combining a mastectomy with breast reconstruction at the same time may help you avoid having further operations. There are several potential advantages to using this approach, including the following:

• Lower medical expenses over time
• Fewer scars
• Better appearance
• Reduced emotional and social effect

Surgeons often recommend immediate reconstruction to maintain the original breast’s size and contour as much as possible. Keeping your breast skin in good condition will reduce the number of necessary touch-up procedures.

Delayed Breast Reconstruction :

Delayed reconstruction involves having the reconstructive surgery done on a different occasion following a mastectomy.

The typical time frame for delayed breast reconstruction is six to twelve months after the completion of adjuvant treatment, which may be chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The time it takes for some women to get from having a mastectomy to undergoing reconstruction might vary considerably.

Extra steps are included in the reconstruction process when your mastectomy and reconstruction are scheduled at different timeframes. There are disadvantages to the prolonged treatment duration, such as:

• More scarring
• Increased medical expenses overall
• Increased duration of the entire recovery

Your doctor may advise you to wait until you’ve completed any further treatments you’re currently doing, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Although these therapies may be continued after an initial reconstruction, they may alter the final look of your breasts. Because of the risk of surgical problems, patients needing to resume chemotherapy fast should not undergo reconstruction immediately.

You’ll need to thoroughly evaluate your breast reconstruction surgery eligibility to ensure the risks are acceptable and the procedure is in your best interest.

Those who are suitable candidates for immediate breast reconstruction typically:

• Do not smoke
• Possess little to no health issues outside of their cancer.
• Maintain healthy breast skin
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Are pleased that their restored breasts will be the same size as their natural ones
• Are emotionally ready for breast cancer treatment, which often involves mastectomy and reconstruction.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer at a very early stage are often considered the greatest candidates for immediate reconstruction.

This is because they have a lower chance of requiring additional therapies like chemotherapy or radiation, which might compromise the surgical result.

Treatment for breast cancer often includes breast reconstruction. 

Immediate reconstruction refers to breast reconstruction at the same operation as a mastectomy.

Immediate breast reconstruction has the best aesthetic outcome, psychological impact, and cost.

It’s essential to make as many decisions as possible on time while preparing for a mastectomy since many options exist.

Although your doctor wants to get rid of cancer as quickly as possible, they want you to be aware of all potential outcomes and adverse effects.

Planning might seem overwhelming when you factor in the time limitations and the range of feelings and worries you address.