Q:) What patients should consider breast reconstruction?
A:) If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should consider discussing your case with a reconstructive plastic surgeon. Dr. Schneider believes that patients should be well informed about their reconstructive options before they make an educated decision about their cancer treatment. Reconstruction can be performed following a mastectomy or lumpectomy and Dr. Schneider has extensive experience with both types of surgeries. Additionally, it is never too late to consider breast reconstruction! Whether you undergo immediate reconstruction or decide you want to pursue restorative breast surgery twenty years after your breast cancer treatment, Dr. Schneider is happy to help you reach your surgical goals!
Q:) Does insurance cover breast reconstruction?
A:) Currently, all insurance companies cover breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction is a process and is rarely completed in one surgery. Insurance companies cover these subsequent operations as well as asymmetry procedures for the unaffected breast. Not all insurance companies cover reconstruction after a lumpectomy, however, this is currently under the legislation.
Q:) What are the types of breast reconstruction?
A.) There are two main types of breast reconstruction: implant-based and autologous tissue-based reconstructions. An implant-based reconstruction is often a two-staged approach that initially involves the use of a tissue expander. The tissue expander is serially expanded in clinic and allowed to stretch the mastectomy skin. Once the mastectomy pocket is stable, the tissue expander is exchanged for a permanent implant, usually between 3-6 months later. Select women with favorable cancer characteristics may be eligible for a one-staged implant reconstruction. Autologous flap breast reconstruction most often involves harvesting abdominal flap tissue, known as the DIEP flap. This tissue is transferred to the chest and the blood vessels are reconnected using microsurgical techniques. This often produces a more natural looking and feeling result. Additionally, flap reconstruction does not require implant maintenance. A hybrid breast reconstruction involves the use of an implant and a flap to reconstruct the breast.
Q:) What is the recovery process like?
A:) Your recovery will depend on which type of reconstruction you undergo. Implant-based reconstruction is a much simpler surgery with less recovery time. Your main limitation will be from the actual mastectomy. However, implant maintenance is required throughout the patient’s lifetime. Autologous flap breast reconstruction is a longer operation, which essentially involves a tummy tuck and breast augmentation with the patient’s own tissue. You will remain in the hospital a few days after surgery to make sure the flaps are healing well. There is no maintenance required with a flap.
Q:) How long will my results last?
A.) Dr. Schneider recommends routine surveillance of breast implants, which can be combined with your cancer surveillance. Typically, patients require implant exchange every 10-15 years. Flaps act and look like native breast tissue. Your flaps will grow as you gain weight and shrink as you lose weight. You may require small outpatient surgeries to fine tune as you age.
