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AFTER TREATMENT > Breast reconstruction and prosthesis
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AND PROSTHESIS
Breast cancer treatment may require a mastectomy, which is surgery to remove the breast.
After such a significant change in physical appearance, many women choose to have breast reconstruction or wear a breast prosthesis. At some point you and your health care team will discuss your options. You may also choose to take no action to restore or change the appearance of your breasts. Only you can decide what option is right for you.
Breast reconstruction
In breast reconstruction, a surgeon performs an operation to create a new breast. A reconstructed breast can be created in two ways: using artificial materials (an implant) or using your own tissue.
An implant is a sac that is filled with silicon or saline (a water-based liquid). Through an operation, the implant is placed under the chest muscles to create a breast that approximates the desired shape and size. If necessary, a tissue expander may be used to stretch the skin before the implant is inserted. A tissue expander is an empty sac that is surgically inserted. Over the course of several weeks, the sac is injected with saline through a small tube. The sac expands with each injection until it reaches the desired shape and size. It may then be replaced with a more permanent implant.
In breast reconstruction using your own tissue, some skin and fat is taken from another part of your body, usually the abdomen, back, or buttocks. There are different techniques for creating a new breast. This method does not require any silicon or saline-filled devices. Once your breast has been reconstructed, it is possible to undergo a procedure to reconstruct a nipple. A new nipple can be formed from a bit of skin from the breast or another part of the body. A tattoo procedure can be used to darken the reconstructed nipple and areola. The resulting nipple will not have the sensation of a natural nipple.
Breast reconstruction is not an emergency surgery, so you can take time to make a decision about what action, if any, you wish to take. You may not want to accept the risks of having more surgeries after breast cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about what to expect.
Prosthesis
A prosthesis, or breast form, is an artificial breast worn either inside a bra or attached to the body with special adhesive. Prostheses come in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials that are designed to simulate the weight, feel and shape of a natural breast. You can also have a custom prosthesis made for better symmetry.
A prosthesis may be the preferred option for women who do not want to have the surgeries that are required for breast reconstruction, or who want to take time to decide what is right for them.
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