Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer Surgery in Gangnam: How We Do It

Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer Surgery in Gangnam: How We Do It

Hello, I'm Dr. Joowon Kim, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery.

For women, breast cancer is a disease that affects even psychological well-being. Especially after undergoing a mastectomy, the sense of loss women feel can lead to a decrease in self-esteem, causing many difficulties in daily life.

Today, I'd like to talk in detail about breast reconstruction surgery, which helps women who have undergone breast cancer surgery recover physically and psychologically.

Why Breast Reconstruction is Necessary

The breasts are an important symbol of femininity.

When a breast is removed due to breast cancer, patients not only experience a sudden change in their appearance but can also suffer from psychological depression and withdrawal from social life. Furthermore, if only one breast is removed, the body's balance can be disrupted, potentially leading to imbalances in the shoulders or spine.

Breast reconstruction surgery is an effective way to resolve these issues, providing both physical balance and psychological stability. Every time I see patients restore their breasts and regain confidence through breast reconstruction, I feel a great sense of reward.

Timing and Methods of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery is broadly divided into immediate reconstruction and delayed reconstruction.

Immediate Reconstruction – A method performed simultaneously with breast removal surgery to minimize physical and psychological burden.

Delayed Reconstruction – A method performed after cancer treatment is completed and a certain degree of recovery has occurred.

In terms of methods, it is largely divided into implant reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction. Implant reconstruction is relatively simpler, has a shorter recovery period, and is easier to predict in terms of shape and size. On the other hand, autologous tissue reconstruction uses tissue harvested from the patient's own abdomen or thighs, offering the advantage of a more natural feel and results, but it has the disadvantage of longer surgery and recovery times compared to implant reconstruction.

Differences Between General Breast Augmentation and Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction surgery and general breast augmentation surgery might seem similar, but the two surgeries differ significantly in their approach and process. General breast augmentation surgery focuses on aesthetic purposes, while breast reconstruction surgery focuses on repairing physical damage and defects.

Breast reconstruction surgery requires a meticulous assessment of the implant size and position, and skin condition, depending on the remaining tissue after breast cancer surgery. If necessary, it may require a complex design process including lift surgery, nipple reconstruction, or the additional use of artificial dermis. It can be seen as a very important surgery that requires the surgeon's skill and delicate approach.

Are there cases where breast reconstruction is difficult?

Breast reconstruction surgery is possible for most patients, but the timing and results of the surgery can vary depending on the amount of remaining tissue, skin condition, and whether radiation therapy has been performed.

Radiation therapy, in particular, is essential for removing cancer cells, but it can affect normal tissues, negatively impacting the engraftment rate of reconstructed tissue, and the elasticity and recovery of the skin after surgery.

Therefore, if you are considering reconstructive surgery, it is absolutely necessary to consult closely with an experienced specialist to establish the optimal surgical plan.

Melon Plastic Surgery's Customized Breast Reconstruction

Melon Plastic Surgery develops surgical plans tailored to each individual's condition and characteristics.

Specifically, breast reconstruction surgery focuses not only on restoring shape but also on maximizing physical balance and psychological satisfaction. Recently, a patient who had undergone immediate reconstruction in the past visited us after a long time. I remember thinking that breast surgery was a good decision when she told me she had ‘found her confidence’.

As such, Melon Plastic Surgery proposes the most suitable reconstruction method for each patient's condition and strives to achieve the best results through meticulous care and continuous monitoring even after surgery.

If you have any questions regarding breast reconstruction surgery, please feel free to contact us at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is breast reconstruction surgery necessary?

Breast reconstruction surgery is necessary to address physical imbalance, psychological depression, and social withdrawal caused by breast removal after breast cancer surgery. It helps restore confidence by providing both physical balance and psychological stability.

When can breast reconstruction surgery be performed?

Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed in two main ways: ‘immediate reconstruction’, which is done simultaneously with breast removal surgery, and ‘delayed reconstruction’, which is performed after cancer treatment is completed and recovery has occurred.

What are the methods for breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgery is broadly divided into two methods: ‘implant reconstruction’ and ‘autologous tissue reconstruction’. Implant reconstruction is simpler with faster recovery, while autologous tissue reconstruction uses the patient's own tissue for a more natural feel.

How do breast reconstruction surgery and breast augmentation surgery differ?

Breast reconstruction surgery focuses on repairing physical damage and defects after breast cancer surgery, while general breast augmentation surgery focuses on aesthetic purposes. Reconstruction surgery requires complex planning depending on the condition of the remaining tissue.

Are there cases where breast reconstruction surgery is difficult?

Yes, breast reconstruction surgery is possible for most patients, but the timing and results of the surgery can vary depending on the amount of remaining tissue, skin condition, and whether radiation therapy has been performed. Radiation therapy, in particular, can affect tissue engraftment rates.

Is the choice of specialist important for breast reconstruction surgery?

Yes, the surgeon's skill and delicate approach are very important for breast reconstruction surgery. Especially if there is a history of radiation therapy, it is essential to consult closely with an experienced specialist to establish the optimal surgical plan.