Breast Reconstruction Surgery
For many women, breasts are closely associated with femininity, motherhood, sexuality, and personal identity. Therefore, the removal of breast tissue through a mastectomy can have a significant physical and emotional impact.
Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure designed to restore the shape and appearance of a breast following a mastectomy or other breast tissue removal.
The procedure aims to recreate breast volume, shape, and position while achieving the best possible symmetry with the opposite breast.
Breast reconstruction can play an important role in helping women regain body confidence and improve their quality of life following breast cancer treatment.
Preparation: Mutual Understanding Is Essential for Successful Results
Your initial consultation includes a detailed discussion with our surgeon about your medical history, previous illnesses, lifestyle habits, personal goals, and expectations regarding breast reconstruction.
Open and honest communication with your surgeon is essential for developing an individualized treatment plan and ensuring that you are well prepared for both surgery and recovery.
With their extensive experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr Dario Lizatović and Dr Dimitrije E. Panfilov will answer your questions and explain the available reconstructive options.
Once you decide to proceed with surgery, your surgeon will provide detailed preoperative instructions, including recommendations regarding nutrition, smoking cessation, medications, and supplements that may affect surgery or healing.
Necessary laboratory tests and a comprehensive medical evaluation will also be performed to assess your suitability for the procedure.
For patients undergoing breast reconstruction following cancer treatment, the surgical plan should also be coordinated with their oncology team, taking into account previous or planned treatments.
Surgical Technique: How Is Breast Reconstruction Performed?
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the selected surgical technique and complexity of the procedure, surgery may take approximately 1 to 6 hours.
At Clinic Olymp, we offer two main approaches to breast reconstruction:
- Breast reconstruction using silicone implants
- Breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi muscle flap
Breast Reconstruction with Silicone Implants
Implant-based breast reconstruction involves placing a silicone breast implant to restore breast volume and shape.
In certain cases, a tissue expander is first placed beneath the chest muscle or in another appropriate anatomical plane to gradually create sufficient space for a permanent implant.
The tissue expander is progressively filled with sterile saline solution over several weeks or months, allowing the surrounding skin and tissues to stretch gradually.
Once the desired expansion has been achieved, a second surgical procedure is performed to remove the expander and replace it with a permanent breast implant.
The exact technique depends on the patient’s anatomy, the condition of the remaining tissues, and any previous cancer treatments.
Breast Reconstruction with the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flap
The latissimus dorsi flap technique uses tissue from the back, including part of the latissimus dorsi muscle, to reconstruct the breast.
During the procedure, the tissue is transferred from the back to the chest, usually through a tunnel beneath the skin near the armpit, while preserving its blood supply.
This technique can be particularly useful for patients who have undergone a mastectomy or whose chest tissues have been affected by radiation therapy.
Depending on the amount of tissue available and the desired breast volume, the transferred flap may be used alone or combined with a breast implant.
Nipple Reconstruction
Regardless of the breast reconstruction technique used, nipple reconstruction may be performed as an additional procedure once the reconstructed breast has healed and settled into its new shape.
The nipple may be reconstructed using local tissue flaps or tissue obtained from another suitable donor area, including the opposite breast when appropriate.
In selected cases, an innovative nipple reconstruction technique developed by Dr Dimitrije E. Panfilov may also be considered.
Dr Panfilov presented this reconstructive approach at an international congress of plastic surgeons.
The most suitable method is determined individually, with the goal of creating a natural-looking nipple and improving the overall aesthetic appearance of the reconstructed breast.
Recovery and Precautions
During the first few weeks after breast reconstruction surgery, patients may experience pain, swelling, tightness, and discomfort in the reconstructed breast.
When reconstruction involves tissue transferred from another part of the body, such as the back, discomfort may also occur at the donor site.
Recovery following flap-based breast reconstruction is generally longer than recovery after implant-based reconstruction because the procedure involves additional tissue and a second surgical area.
Postoperative pain can usually be managed with prescribed medication and appropriate medical care.
Depending on the type and extent of surgery, patients may need to remain at our clinic for approximately 1 to 7 days under professional medical supervision.
Most patients can gradually return to light daily activities within approximately 4 to 6 weeks, depending on their recovery and the surgical technique performed.
Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and other demanding physical activities should generally be avoided for approximately 8 to 10 weeks, or until your surgeon confirms that it is safe to resume them.
Breast reconstruction itself has not been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence. However, the timing and type of reconstruction should be carefully coordinated with your oncology treatment and follow-up plan.
If breast implants are used, it is important to inform your radiologist or mammography technician about the presence of implants before future breast imaging examinations.
Breast reconstruction aims to restore a natural-looking breast contour, but perfect symmetry between the reconstructed breast and the opposite breast cannot be guaranteed.
In some cases, an additional procedure on the opposite breast may be recommended to improve symmetry. This may include breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation.
As with any major surgical procedure, breast reconstruction carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, implant-related complications, flap complications, and changes in sensation.
Our medical team will provide detailed postoperative instructions and monitor your recovery through scheduled follow-up appointments.
How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Cost?
For more information about breast reconstruction surgery prices, please visit our price list.
