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3 Common Questions About Breast Reconstructive Surgery

30 July 2015 by Julia Gregory

After a women receives a mastectomy, she will likely want to have her breast reconstructed by a professional such as Sam W Huddleston IV, MD. This will help her to feel more like herself again, and can be a wonderful self confidence booster. However because breast reconstructive surgery isn't quite as common as breast implants, women often times have a lot of questions about exactly how it works. This article will discuss 3 common questions that women have about breast reconstructive surgery.

How Is The Breast Reconstructed?

First, your breast tissue will need to be stretched out to better house the implant. To do this a balloon-like structure is placed beneath the muscle of your skin to slowly stretch it out. Once your skin is stretched enough, it can then house the implant. The implant will be placed under the breast muscle and tissue, and then the breast tissue will be reconstructed around the implant. Most of the time, you will not have a nipple reconstructed until your breast tissue has had more time to heal. At this time, you can then have a nipple that is created from your own skin and dyed to match the darker skin color of your other nipple. You also have the option of getting a prosthetic nipple created that will be glued into place.

How Long Does Surgery and Recovery Generally Take?

The breast constructive surgery itself can generally take around 6 hours. However, it may take 1-2 hours to prep for the surgery, and then another 2-3 hours for recovery. Once you are awake and recovering well from the surgery, you will be moved to your own room within the hospital. You will then stay in the hospital for the next few days to ensure that you make a full recovery and to ensure that your breast tissue begins to heal properly. After this, you will then care for your breast(s) at home by cleaning it and applying medications to the surface of your skin You can expect a full recovery within about 6-8 weeks. 

What Will My Breast Look Like Once It Is Reconstructed?

Your breast will look very similar to a normal breast, and your surgeon will do their very best to ensure that is matches your other breast. At first, your breast may not look perfect due to swelling and the absence of a nipple, but overtime the swelling will go down, and the shape of your breast will begin to improve. Your nipple will then be created as well, helping to give your breast a very normal look that compares to what it used to look like before your mastectomy. 

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