Reconstructive Breast Surgery Brings New Meaning to Life
by Maria Vitale

It's one of the most painful decisions a woman can make-the decision to lose a portion of her breast in an effort to rid herself of cancer. But there is life after a mastectomy and the latest surgical techniques can help a woman reconstruct her body and her life.

Breast reconstruction is surgery done following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, in an effort to restore the shape of a breast. The new breast is formed with the help of an implant inserted underneath the skin, or a muscle and/or tissue taken from another part of the body. The surgical technique used depends on a number of factors, including whether you've had radiotherapy on your breast, your health and body type, the amount of tissue that has been taken from your breast, and your personal preferences. It is also possible to reconstruct the nipple, including tattooing to restore a more natural pigmentation, as part of an additional operation.

Nearly one-half of all women who undergo a mastectomy also choose to have a breast reconstruction operation performed. These women have weighed the risks and the benefits and decided that any drawbacks are secondary to the advantages. Here are just a few of the things to consider when determining whether breast reconstruction is right for you:

The chief benefit is the change it will make in your appearance. When clothed, you will appear to be much the way you were before your mastectomy. The operation may also boost your self-confidence and increase feelings of femininity and attractiveness. Reconstruction also means that you will not have to wear an external prosthesis for the rest of your life. Ask your doctor whether or not the operation will interfere with any future breast cancer treatments you might undergo, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Do keep in mind there are some drawbacks to reconstruction. Even the best techniques will not result in a breast identical in shape and form to your natural breast. The new breast will also lack a degree of sensitivity. Finally, if you have children following your bout with breast cancer, you will not be able to nurse them with your reconstructed breast, although you should still be able to breast feed with the other breast.

Physicians have mixed opinions about when is the optimum time for having breast reconstruction. Some opt to do it at the same time as breast cancer surgery; others endorse the idea of waiting a year or so to give the chest area time to re-adjust. In the case of radiotherapy, it is advisable to wait a few months until the skin in the affected area has recovered.

If you think you are a candidate for breast reconstruction, it is imperative that you consult with your surgeon before your mastectomy. This information is vital for the physician to determine how to proceed with the breast removal. Together, you and your doctor can determine whether it would be best for you to have the reconstruction immediately or to wait a while.

One important thing to keep in mind is the emotional fall-out from losing a breast to cancer. You may find that breast reconstruction is an important part of the healing process. You may even seek out the assistance of a psychologist or other therapist to help you assess your feelings about the issue of reconstructive surgery.