Breast Oncoplasty…!

When cancer surgery (oncological surgery) and plastic surgery are collectively present in a single operation, then it is mentioned as oncoplastic surgery. The main aim of oncoplastic surgery is to eliminate the portion of the breast covering the cancer (Mastectomy), and then restructure the patient’s remaining breast tissue into a normal-appearing breast (Lumpectomy).

Lumpectomy means is the surgery which removes the cancer and other abnormal tissue from your breast. At this time  the surgical oncologist will eliminates the tumor and the lymph nodes. The plastic surgeons will perform a mutual breast reduction or removing tissues from the cancerous breast as well as modifying the normal breast. The procedures generally involve a slit around the nipple and areola, a vertical cut from the nipple to the lower fold of the breast, and a horizontal slit in the fold of the breast.

Breast reconstructions can be done as an autologous tissue reconstruction, which uses the patient’s own tissues to reconstruct a new breast mound, with a breast implant, or a combination of the two.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry risks. In addition to risks associated with anesthesia, the risks vary greatly between the different procedures, but all procedures are considered major surgery. Not every person is a candidate for breast reconstruction, and your risks may be greater or different than those of other patients. The plastic surgeon will review all potential risks and complications with them prior to surgery.

Before the Procedure

The plastic surgeon will speak with you about your goals, take an in-depth history of your cancer diagnosis, and perform a detailed physical examination to help you arrive at a decision about which breast reconstruction method is best for your situation.

Some of the specific advices you’ll receive about preparing for surgery include:

Ø  Smoking cessation

Ø  Medications to avoid

Ø  When to take your prescribed medications

Ø  Proper washing techniques

Ø  Restrictions regarding eating and drinking the night before surgery.

After Breast Reconstruction

Most of the women feel tired and tender for more than a few weeks after the breast reconstruction surgery. The surgeon or plastic surgeon will prescribe the medications to comfort the pain. Take advices from the surgeon after the surgery about clothing, food and lifestyle.

Pain and Discomfort After Surgery

You will be having some pain after surgery. For most of the people, the pain is temporary. The bruising and swelling from the surgery may take up to 8 weeks to give relief. Learn about managing pain from the surgeons after surgery.

Getting Back to Your Normal Routine

Overhead lifting, strenuous sports and other works should be avoided for 4-6 weeks after reconstructive surgery. Most women can continue normal activity within 8 weeks. Talk with your health care provider about activities to avoid and when you can get back to your normal routine.

Expectations

Although breast reconstruction techniques continue to recover, a reconstructed breast will never look or feel the same as your natural breast. Reconstruction outcomes differ and might depend on the quality of the material left after a mastectomy. How your reconstructed breast will look, and texture depends on several factors including your natural breast structure and your treatment plan. Sometimes, the sorts of treatments you will have (for example, if you need radiation therapy) limit your reconstruction options and can affect the final look and feel of your reconstructed breast. Although this can be offensive, keep in mind your treatment is intentional to get clear of your breast cancer and keep it from coming back. The plastic surgeon will help you choose the reconstruction that will give you the best results.

To know more about this topic please visit the link: https://breast-cervical.cancersummit.org/