What Women Should Know About Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Breast cancer can be devastating. Fortunately, however, there are a number of options in treatment. Moreover, if this issue is caught and addressed early on, the prognosis can actually be very positive. Among some of the more common treatment options is a procedure called a mastectomy. This involves the partial or total removal of breast tissues in the affected area. Best of all, once women have been deemed as being cancer-free, they also have the option of receiving breast reconstruction. Following is everything you want to know about these restorative procedures.

Many insurance companies do not consider this treatments to be elective, even thought hey are performed as a means for improving physical aesthetics after having had a single or double mastectomy. As such, women who have had some or all of their breast tissues removed can often receive this level of care without having to pay out of pocket. That's because reconstructive procedures are believed to boost patient morale and to give people a much better chance at staying well.

These procedures are often performed in several stages. Depending upon the level of damage that has been done during a mastectomy, a woman may receive between two and four reconstructive procedures. The very first of these will usually be started immediately after her mastectomy has been completed so that there is no need to undergo a number of separate surgeries. This is often a relief for those who have had a long battle with cancer.

One thing to note about these treatments is that they will not be started until the patient has been deemed as being cancer-free. This is to ensure that there is no need to perform any additional cutting in the targeted area. By waiting until the cancer has been cleared and the patient is considered in remission, doctors can ensure long-lasting benefits from these restorative measures.

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During the initial phase of this process, one or both breasts will be reconstructed using either saline or silicone implants. In some cases, a patient may wish to have the breasts reconstructed via fat transfers. This is is when fat is selectively removed from one area of the body and brought to the chest area. This type of augmentation is only possible when the patient has sufficient stores of fat to spare.

When choosing an implant size, many patients prefer to return to their own natural breast sizes. This is great for regaining a sense of normalcy after and extensive and multi-pronged cancer treatment. For patients who want larger breasts, however, this is also a chance to get the augmentation that they have always wanted.

Once the breast has been constructed, a second treatment can be scheduled to ensure better balance and a more seamless and natural look overall. In many instances, this is also the phase at which nipple reconstruction can be started. This is the finishing touch for creating a whole and natural-looking finish. There are times, however, when reconstruction of the nipple is schedules as its own, separate procedure.

Although these treatments are not classified by insurance companies as being elective, women can certainly choose to not undergo them. There are, however, a number of noted, psychological benefits that can be gained by restoring the body back to its former, pre-cancer condition. For patients, this can provide a tremendous boost in morale, a better mindset and higher levels of confidence among many other things.