Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction in Toronto is most commonly conducted following mastectomy in order to regain the natural contour of the breast with the help of implants, natural tissue, or a combination of both. The procedure is considered an integral part of breast cancer treatment and is mostly or completely covered by health insurance. Surgery may be conducted immediately following the mastectomy or at a later date; multiple surgeries may be required to achieve the optimal results.

To find out more about breast reconstruction, request a complimentary consultation online or call (888) 546-8179. 

Choosing to Get Breast Reconstruction:  Who's a Good Candidate?

A mastectomy often causes asymmetry of the breasts that many women find psychologically difficult to accept. They may feel a loss of femininity or power. Breast reconstruction can help mitigate some of these negative side effects, but candidates for surgery should also demonstrate that they are mentally ready for surgery. If not, it is recommended that the reconstruction be delayed.

The most significant preconditions for breast reconstruction are that the individual has undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy and that the cancer has been eliminated.

Your Breast Reconstruction

If your breast reconstruction involves breast augmentation with implants in Toronto, you will first undergo surgery in which a tissue expander is inserted. This apparatus is inserted beneath the chest muscle and is gradually filled with saline over the course of a several weeks in order to expand the skin. Once the skin has expanded sufficiently, the expander is removed and the implant is inserted. The breast mound is restored during this procedure, and the nipple is usually reconstructed later.

Alternatively, the latissimus dorsi flap can be used to create a pocket for the implant. With this approach, the latissimus dorsi muscle from the back is tunneled under the skin to the front of the chest. A pocket is then created for the implant.

Autologous tissue, or tissue from the patient's body, can also be used to reconstruct the breast by creating flaps from the back, abdomen, or buttocks.  Some flaps are transferred with their blood supply, others are not.

With the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) flap, skin, fat and blood vessels from the lower abdomen are used to reconstruct the breast.  One abdominal muscle must be removed to form the base of the breast mound.

The DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap does not involve removal of abdominal muscle. Instead, the blood vessels are dissected out of abdominal muscle and reconnected to new blood vessels in the chest wall.

The buttocks provide the autologous tissue for the SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator). This is an ideal option for thin women who cannot spare tissue from the abdomen.

Results and Aftercare for Breast Reconstruction

It is common to feel tired and sore for about two weeks following breast reconstruction. You will be given medications to help alleviate the pain. Any stitches that were used during surgery are removed within seven to ten days. Future procedures may be needed to restore the nipple, change breast shape or size, or to achieve symmetry with the opposite breast.