Gangnam Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction Implant Types and Characteristics

Gangnam Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction Implant Types and Characteristics

Hello. I am Dr. Kim Joo-won, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

The incidence of breast cancer in women is on the rise. A breast cancer diagnosis itself is a huge shock, but when accompanied by radiation therapy and mastectomy, patients often go through a difficult time due to not only physical and breast changes but also emotional scars and a loss of confidence resulting from breast loss. Therefore, some choose ‘breast reconstruction’ to regain their lost breasts.

‘I feel self-conscious due to body changes after a mastectomy.’‘When I take off or put on clothes, the changes in my breasts are too noticeable.’

Today, regarding breast reconstruction, I will explain why breast reconstruction surgery is necessary after breast cancer surgery, the timing of the surgery, and the pros and cons of each surgical method. I hope this information will be of some help to those struggling with the changes in their body and mind after a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.

Breast Reconstruction | The Necessity of Restoring Lost Breasts

Breast reconstruction surgery is not simply a procedure to restore the shape of the breast. When a breast is lost, physical asymmetry can occur, increasing the burden on the spine and shoulders. This can lead to pain or discomfort.

More importantly, the psychological sense of loss and decreased confidence resulting from mastectomy often affect interpersonal relationships and social life, with many cases experiencing a decline in quality of life.

This is why I say that breast reconstruction surgery is not just about restoring the shape of the breast. Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure to restore a lost breast, but in a broader sense, it can be seen as the final stage of breast cancer treatment that helps patients recover from psychological difficulties and return to daily life more comfortably.

It reconstructs the breast, but it also restores a positive self-image. Improving body image can be a positive choice in reducing psychological burdens such as depression, withdrawal, and sleep disorders.

In fact, I have met many people who say that their activity levels increased after breast reconstruction surgery, and their relationships with those around them became more comfortable.

Breast Reconstruction | What is the appropriate timing for surgery?

One of the questions people considering breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery often ask is about the timing of the surgery. The timing of breast reconstruction surgery varies depending on whether ‘immediate reconstruction’ or ‘delayed reconstruction’ is chosen.

‘Can I have cancer surgery and reconstructive surgery at the same time?’‘Is reconstruction possible even after completing chemotherapy?’

‘Immediate reconstruction’ is a method where breast cancer mastectomy and reconstruction surgery are performed simultaneously.

In the case of immediate reconstruction, the advantage is that reconstruction can proceed immediately after cancer resection, reducing the number of surgeries and shortening the recovery period. On the other hand, if chemotherapy or radiation therapy must be combined, it is generally recommended to perform delayed reconstruction after all treatments are completed and the tissues have fully recovered.

‘Delayed reconstruction’ is a method where breast reconstruction is performed after all chemotherapy or radiation therapy is completed and the body has fully recovered.

In the case of delayed reconstruction, the medical team carefully checks the condition of the skin and breast tissue that received radiation therapy, as well as surgical scars, to suggest the appropriate timing. Additionally, a surgical plan is made after considering the patient's health status, cancer stage, and treatment response.

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, thorough communication with the medical team is paramount.

Breast Reconstruction | Surgical Methods and Implant Characteristics

There are two surgical methods for breast reconstruction: using implants and using autologous tissue.

Implant reconstruction is a method of restoring breast volume and shape by inserting an implant suitable for the body's condition. The advantages of this method are shorter surgery time, faster recovery, and relatively free choice of size and shape.

Autologous tissue reconstruction is a method of reshaping the breast using the patient's own skin and fat tissue from the abdomen, back, or buttocks. It has the advantage of less foreign body sensation and long-lasting shape retention, but the downside is that scars may remain at the tissue harvesting site, and longer surgery and recovery times are required.

The choice of breast reconstruction surgical method is paramount and should be made after thorough communication with the medical team, considering individual circumstances and expectations.

Breast Reconstruction | Recovering Body and Mind

Breast reconstruction surgery, which restores breasts lost to breast cancer, is one of the treatment processes that can help restore the body, as well as daily life, social activities, and psychological stability.

Domestic and international studies consistently report that quality of life, self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and social confidence significantly improve after breast reconstruction surgery. In particular, the recovery of body image and self-esteem has been shown to have a positive impact on rehabilitation after cancer treatment.

Regular follow-up observations, self-care, proper exercise, and nutritional intake after reconstructive surgery also greatly contribute to surgical satisfaction and recovery. It is also important to encourage oneself through the process of gradually recovering body and mind.

I hope that you can achieve healthy healing of your body and mind, which suffered from breast cancer, through breast reconstruction surgery 😊

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is breast reconstruction necessary?

Breast reconstruction is not merely a surgery to restore the shape of the breast. The physical asymmetry caused by breast loss can lead to spinal or shoulder pain, and it helps to recover from psychological loss and low self-confidence, thereby improving the quality of life.

When is the appropriate time for breast reconstruction?

The timing of breast reconstruction is divided into 'immediate reconstruction' and 'delayed reconstruction'. Immediate reconstruction is performed simultaneously with breast cancer mastectomy, while delayed reconstruction is performed after all chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been completed and the body has fully recovered.

What is the difference between immediate and delayed reconstruction?

Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of reducing the number of surgeries and recovery time by performing breast cancer mastectomy and reconstruction simultaneously. Delayed reconstruction is performed after all cancer treatments are completed and the body has recovered, with the timing decided considering factors such as whether radiation therapy is needed.

What surgical methods are available for breast reconstruction?

There are two main surgical methods for breast reconstruction: using implants and using autologous tissue. It is important to decide after sufficient communication with medical staff, considering the individual's physical condition and expectations.

What are the advantages of implant-based reconstruction?

Implant-based reconstruction generally has a shorter surgery time and faster recovery. Additionally, it offers the advantage of being able to choose the size and shape of the breast relatively freely.

What are the advantages of autologous tissue reconstruction?

Autologous tissue reconstruction uses the patient's own skin and fat tissue from areas such as the abdomen, back, or buttocks, resulting in less foreign body sensation. It also has the advantage of maintaining its shape for a long time.