Choosing Between Immediate or Delayed Breast Reconstruction
There is no shortage of important decisions to be made for women considering the possibility of breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. The first and most obvious choice is, do they want to undergo breast reconstruction at all? If so, they must then consider all of their options including if they want to choose breast implants or undergo autologous breast reconstruction using their own natural tissue during their surgery. To help guide prospective patients on their breast reconstruction journey, I want to focus on another important decision they will have to make: whether to undergo immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.
Immediate breast reconstruction describes when the reconstruction procedure is performed at the same time as the breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or lumpectomy). In these cases, both the breast cancer surgery and the breast reconstruction act as components of the same procedure. Some breast recon patients are drawn to the idea of waking up from their initial surgery with their breast(s) already rebuilt. However, this approach may not be an option for some patients. For example, if additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are required, breast reconstruction will have to wait.
Some women wait to have their breasts reconstructed. This is known as delayed reconstruction. In addition to waiting on additional treatment, some women may not be ready to have an additional surgery. Others who initially decide against having breast reconstruction done may change their minds over time. Delayed reconstruction can help in these cases. In some cases, delayed reconstruction can be performed even years following the completion of breast cancer surgery and additional treatments.
In the video below, I explain both approaches and discuss how they can both help women after breast cancer surgery:
Undergoing a breast reconstruction procedure can help women feel whole again following their breast cancer battle. Whichever reconstruction option is ultimately chosen, the end goal is the same: to help the patient begin their new post-cancer life with a fresh start and the repaired breasts they desire. For more information on breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. Don’t forget to follow along with me on Facebook and Twitter for additional tips, news, videos, and much more.