Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery is performed to improve the shape or size of the breasts following trauma, breast cancer treatment, or medical conditions resulting in the loss of breast tissue. For trauma survivors, cancer patients, and cancer survivors, breast reconstruction surgery offers the possibility of restoring a more natural and feminine contour to the chest, improving patients’ self-confidence. Breast reconstruction surgery is intended for those who have lost a breast due to cancer or other medical issues. This procedure is performed to restore a natural silhouette. One or both breasts can be restored during a breast reconstruction procedure. This procedure is among the most rewarding offered by plastic surgeons.

What You Should Know about Breast Reconstruction

During breast reconstruction surgery, tissue is added to the chest area in order to increase the volume of the breasts. The natural tissues in this area are also sculpted by the surgeon in order to maximize the appearance of the breasts. Breast reconstruction aims to recreate a natural appearance in the breast area following the traumatic loss of breast tissue.

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How is Breast Reconstruction Surgery Performed?

Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed immediately after the initial mastectomy (or surgical removal of the breast) or at any point after the loss of breast tissue. The breast tissue may be formed using silicone or saline breast implants, such as those used for cosmetic breast augmentation procedures. This procedure may also be performed using donor skin, muscle, and fat from the back, buttocks, or other areas of the body. Using donor tissue can replicate a more natural tissue texture, though it also requires a donor site and additional healing time.

Breast reconstruction surgery usually takes two to six hours and is performed with general anesthesia. A flap or incision is created in the skin to allow the surgeon to place implants or donor tissue in the chest region. This tissue is then sculpted into natural contours.

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Breast Reconstruction Recovery

Following breast reconstruction, you may need to spend a few nights in the hospital, depending on your overall health and the extent of the surgery. Most patients experience pain, soreness, or tenderness, in addition to bruising and swelling. All are common side effects following any invasive surgical procedure, and can be expected to subside within two weeks. During this time, a compression garment or surgical bra must be worn to promote healing and reduce post-operative swelling. Most patients return to their normal activity level within two to four weeks following breast reconstruction surgery.

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How Much Does Breast Reconstruction Cost?

The average surgeon’s fee for breast reconstruction surgery is about $3,000 to $4,000. This figure does not include anesthesia or facility fees, which result in a total cost averaging $5,000 to $8,000. Unlike most cosmetic procedures, however, breast reconstruction is usually covered by health insurance. The 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act requires health insurance providers who cover mastectomy procedures (the surgical removal of breast tissue) to also cover breast reconstruction for these patients. If your surgery is not covered by insurance, most surgeons do offer an affordable financing option.

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