Gangnam Breast Reconstruction: From Implant Types to Pain and Side Effect Prevention at a Glance

Gangnam Breast Reconstruction: From Implant Types to Pain and Side Effect Prevention at a Glance

‘How much restoration can I expect from reconstruction?’‘Is it always better to use implants?’

Breast reconstruction differs in nature from general breast augmentation. For instance, while breast augmentation focuses on ‘shape and size’, breast reconstruction centers on the ‘degree of restoration’.

Implants are a consideration for almost any type of breast surgery, and breast reconstruction is no exception. Breast reconstruction using implants is a widely chosen surgical method due to its advantages in facilitating easier asymmetry adjustment and more detailed shape restoration.

Breast reconstruction should be viewed as a process of re-adjusting the balance of the breast after breast cancer treatment and restoring a woman’s sense of self, making the ‘degree of restoration’ crucial. Today, I’ll discuss what to consider when choosing implants for breast reconstruction, why post-reconstruction pain occurs, and what management is needed to prevent side effects.

I am Dr. Joowon Kim, the chief director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist with solutions.

Gangnam Breast Reconstruction | When considering implants, we first look at the tissue condition.

Choosing an implant is a step encountered during any breast augmentation consultation.

However, the criteria for choosing implants in breast reconstruction differ from those for general breast augmentation. This is because the purpose of the surgery is different. Breast reconstruction is not about making the breasts larger and prettier, but rather about restoring the shape of the breast on the breast tissue that has undergone breast cancer treatment.

If a mastectomy was performed, the process begins by checking the extent of the excision, the skin elasticity if radiation therapy was received, how much skin tissue remains, and the difference in height and volume between the two breasts. For example, if the skin strength has weakened or tissue has become insufficient as a result of cancer treatment, there may be limitations to the breast shape that can be restored surgically. This process can be understood as assessing the degree of restoration.

Therefore, when considering implants for reconstruction, we do not emphasize brand, size, or popularity. For reconstruction, the best implant is one that can function most stably with your tissue condition and maximize the degree of restoration.

Gangnam Breast Reconstruction | How wonderful it would be if pain could be completely blocked.

Breast reconstruction does not necessarily cause greater pain. Like other breast augmentations, some reconstruction cases are pain-free, while others experience pain. The reasons for pain are the same across all types of breast augmentation.

When breast augmentation is performed, a space is created inside the breast for the implant, which involves stretching or pulling surrounding tissues. Since this is an artificial change to the body, this ‘space creation’ often leads to pain. Discomfort when moving your arm or turning your body sideways after surgery is also related to this.

However, in the case of reconstruction, the recovery experience may vary depending on whether the mastectomy performed for cancer treatment was extensive, if there is a history of radiation therapy, or if you are particularly sensitive to pain. In the early stages after surgery, it is best to avoid sudden movements that involve raising the upper body or extensive arm use. Even if the pain subsides, it is necessary to adjust the level of activity according to the body's recovery speed, rather than resuming normal activities immediately.

Pain is a consideration in both surgery and procedures. No one likes to be in pain. Medical institutions also make great efforts to control pain. At Melon, we manage pain immediately after surgery using pain-relief injections, and if necessary, we may use intercostal nerve block to reduce pain signals originating from the nerves between the ribs.

Gangnam Breast Reconstruction | Post-recovery management is as crucial as the surgery itself.

In the surgical journey at Melon, ‘breast reconstruction’ is an area where the recovery process must be carefully monitored. Particularly in reconstruction surgery, the likelihood of capsular contracture is higher compared to general augmentation. This can be caused by the body’s reaction to breast cancer treatment. Breast cancer surgery often damages microvessels, leading to reduced blood circulation and slower recovery in most cases.

If the mastectomy was extensive, a significant portion of breast tissue or fat may be removed. As a result, skin remains, and if reconstruction is performed in this state, there may be insufficient tissue to cover the implant, increasing the pressure on the implant.

If radiation therapy was received, the probability of capsular contracture may increase further. Radiation has a powerful ability to eradicate cancer cells. However, this cancer-eliminating power can affect the skin, leading to fibrosis. Consequently, the capsule surrounding the implant can become firm.

During the recovery process of reconstructive surgery, follow-up observation is extremely important. This is why it is essential to find a medical institution that meticulously monitors your progress even after surgery. Reconstruction patients often have experience overcoming difficult stages like breast cancer treatment, so many remain calm even with considerable pain or symptoms. If, after surgery, one breast becomes abnormally swollen, feels intensely hot, or experiences severe pain, do not dismiss it as mere discomfort; you must contact the hospital immediately.

In retrospect, reconstruction can also be seen as a process of the body healing. While the body and breasts need time to recover, the mind also needs time to accept the changes. If you are considering breast reconstruction, please do not hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. We will listen deeply and broadly to any concerns you may have.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does breast reconstruction differ from general breast augmentation?

Breast reconstruction focuses on ‘restoring’ the shape of the breast after breast cancer treatment, unlike general breast augmentation which focuses on improving ‘shape and size’. The degree of restoration is a crucial consideration.

Is it always necessary to use implants for breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction using implants is a widely chosen surgical method due to its advantages in facilitating easier asymmetry adjustment and more detailed shape restoration. It is important to select the most stable implant based on the tissue condition.

How much pain can be expected after breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction does not necessarily cause greater pain; like general breast augmentation, pain can occur during the process of creating space for the implant. Pain can be managed with pain-relief injections or intercostal nerve blocks.

How can capsular contracture be prevented after breast reconstruction?

Capsular contracture after breast reconstruction can occur due to microvessel damage from breast cancer treatment or fibrosis from radiation therapy. Meticulous post-operative follow-up is extremely important, and you should contact the hospital immediately if any unusual symptoms arise.

What are the criteria for choosing implants in breast reconstruction?

In breast reconstruction, it is more important to choose an implant that functions most stably with the patient's tissue condition and maximizes the degree of restoration, rather than focusing on brand, size, or popularity. The extent of excision, history of radiation therapy, and skin elasticity are all comprehensively considered.

What precautions should be taken during the recovery period after surgery?

In the early stages after surgery, it is best to avoid sudden movements that involve raising the upper body or extensive arm use. Even if the pain subsides, it is necessary to adjust the level of activity according to the body's recovery speed, and it is crucial to monitor progress for any abnormalities.