Gangnam Station Breast Cancer Breast Reconstruction: Necessity, Types, and Recovery – A Comprehensive Guide!

Gangnam Station Breast Cancer Breast Reconstruction: Necessity, Types, and Recovery – A Comprehensive Guide!

Hello. I am Dr. Kim Ju-won, the chief representative director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

Melon Plastic Surgery is a medical institution that performs breast reconstruction, so we see quite a few patients seeking reconstructive surgery.

Breast cancer is a profound shock just by the fact that one has been diagnosed with cancer, but it is also a disease where a woman's sense of identity can be shaken during the treatment and recovery process. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain one's self-esteem as a woman.

The psychological sense of loss encountered during the treatment process deepens most when a mastectomy is involved. This is especially true when facing a changed body after the mastectomy.

Breasts that are different from before can lead to a loss of confidence and make one withdraw from familiar places or enjoyable activities. In severe cases, some individuals may even fear appearing in public.

‘Can I return to my former self?’‘Can I reclaim my life as a woman?’

Cancer is a major event that comes as a shock to anyone's life. As such a significant event, each person's reaction to it differs. Some remain in deep sorrow, while others wish to move on to the next stage as quickly as possible.

Both emotions are natural parts of the recovery process. This is because both the pitiful feelings towards oneself and the desire to move oneself forward stem from the desire to protect oneself.

Today, we will begin to summarize the necessity, timing, methods, recovery process, and management of breast reconstruction surgery. We hope this information will be useful for those considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

After Mastectomy | The Necessity of Breast Reconstruction

Mastectomy is a process to treat cancer, but the actual impact it has is greater than expected. This is because the breasts are one of the body parts that symbolize a woman's identity.

Many who undergo mastectomy report feeling that they are not their former selves after the surgery. This type of loss can cause withdrawal in relationships or daily life, but more importantly, it can lead to a loss of vitality in everyday life.

The imbalance in the chest can also cause shoulder pain or spinal strain, and the way clothes fit changes, leading to unfamiliar feelings.

Considering these aspects, breast reconstruction surgery is not only a procedure to restore the breasts but also a process to restore physical balance and overcome unfamiliar emotions.

When we ask those who have undergone reconstructive surgery what the most positive aspect was, many give feedback that they gained the courage to live authentically again.

Thus, when surgical improvement and psychological recovery can be achieved together, we can expect not only the reconstruction of the breasts but also the reconstruction of daily life.

Breast Reconstruction | Timing and Methods

‘Can I have cancer surgery and breast reconstruction at the same time?’‘Can I have breast reconstruction after radiation therapy is over?’

Breast reconstruction surgery is divided into two types based on the timing of the reconstruction: immediate reconstruction and delayed reconstruction.

Immediate reconstruction is ‘reconstruction performed immediately,’ meaning it is performed concurrently with breast removal. Since it is done at the same time as the mastectomy, there is no sense of loss from having no breasts, and it also has the advantage of reducing the number of surgeries. However, there may be limitations in choice if chemotherapy or radiation therapy is still pending.

Delayed reconstruction is performed when the body has stabilized to some extent after all cancer treatments are completed. While it certainly reduces the burden on the body, patients may experience emotional difficulties because they have to live without breasts during the cancer treatment period.

There are two methods of reconstruction: using autologous tissue and using implants.

Autologous tissue reconstruction involves taking tissue from the abdomen, thighs, or back for reconstruction. It offers the advantage of a more natural feel and shape but has the disadvantage of a larger surgical area and longer recovery. The fact that scars remain at the tissue harvesting site also needs to be considered.

Implant reconstruction has the advantage of allowing patients to choose their desired size and shape, and the surgery time and recovery are relatively faster. However, if radiation therapy has been received, breast tissue is often hardened, which can affect skin thickness and elasticity, thus limiting breast shape and size.

There is no fixed answer as to which timing and method of reconstruction is better. It is most important to discuss your concerns, worries, and surgical history in detail with the medical team and make the best choice for your body and mind.

Breast Reconstruction | Recovery Process and Management

The recovery process following breast reconstruction surgery is a crucial journey to regain both physical recovery and psychological stability.

After surgery, functional bras are worn for a certain period to stabilize the breast shape. Device management for swelling, texture, skin stability, and shape improvement is also included. Scars are cared for with ointment and managed through laser treatment.

In the early stages after surgery, it is best to avoid actions that heavily use chest muscles, such as large arm movements or lifting heavy objects, and to start light stretching and breathing exercises according to the surgeon's guidance. The timing to start exercising, using saunas, or wearing regular bras will be directly advised by your surgeon after monitoring your progress.

While it is natural to feel impatient during the recovery process after surgery, given the earnest desire to return to daily life, please remember that recovery improves more clearly with time and dedicated effort.

Melon Plastic Surgery's post-operative program, ‘Safe & Secure Melon Care,’ involves the chief surgeon, anesthesiologist, dedicated manager, and all medical staff in the ‘breast surgery journey.’

Breast Reconstruction | Restoring Confidence as a Woman

The true expertise in breast reconstruction surgery does not lie in the technique of restoring lost breasts. The genuine expertise lies in helping to uplift the spirits that have been lowered during the process of losing breasts and assisting in continuing life positively.

This is because breast reconstruction is a surgery that aims not only for external appearance but also for the reconstruction of self-esteem and daily life.

It is perfectly fine to slowly recover from the painful experience of cancer or to wish to move on to the next stage immediately. Both require courage and are necessary processes.

Please consult us with any concerns about your breasts. Breast reconstruction surgery is a breast journey to forget the pain of loss and face the beginning of a new daily life. Everyone at Melon Plastic Surgery is with you throughout your breast journey.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is breast reconstruction necessary?

Breast reconstruction is necessary to resolve physical imbalance after mastectomy, overcome the sense of loss and withdrawal as a woman, and regain vitality in daily life. It is a process of not only breast restoration but also psychological recovery to regain confidence.

When can I undergo breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is broadly divided into two timings: immediate reconstruction and delayed reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction is performed concurrently with breast removal, while delayed reconstruction is performed when the body has stabilized after all cancer treatments are completed.

What are the methods for breast reconstruction?

There are two methods for breast reconstruction: using autologous tissue and using implants. Autologous tissue reconstruction can offer a natural feel, while implant reconstruction has relatively faster surgery time and recovery.

How should I manage recovery after breast reconstruction?

After breast reconstruction, functional bras are worn for a certain period, and device management, ointments, and laser treatment are used for swelling and scar management. It is advisable to start light stretching and breathing exercises as directed by your surgeon.

What are the pros and cons of immediate versus delayed reconstruction?

Immediate reconstruction results in less breast loss and can reduce the number of surgeries, but there may be limitations if chemotherapy/radiation therapy is required. Delayed reconstruction places less burden on the body, but there can be emotional difficulties from living without breasts during cancer treatment.