Raising awareness about breast reconstruction

A breast cancer diagnosis brings with it many questions. One of the most difficult choices is whether or not to have a mastectomy – a surgical procedure in which the entire breast tissue is removed to prevent the recurrence of cancer.

In recently years, many women have been opting to have a mastectomy not just on the breast where cancer is detected, but also on the other breast where there is no sign of cancer. Recently, celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Christina Applegate have opted to have double mastectomies after genetic testing showed they were at a high risk for breast cancer.

While a mastectomy can give women the peace of mind that they are significantly less likely to have a recurrence or diagnosis, it too raises difficult questions. Namely, whether or not to have breast reconstruction.

Breast Reconstruction Day (BRA) was started in 2011 to help make sure all women are offered information about the options for reconstructive breast surgery prior to undergoing breast cancer therapy, and are provided access to breast reconstruction in a safe and timely manner.

What is breast reconstruction?

There are several plastic surgery techniques that aim to restore a breast to its normal appearance after a mastectomy, including using implants, using an individual’s tissue, and a combination of both implant and tissue.

Results can vary, but women considering breast reconstruction should know that reconstructed breasts do not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces, and incision lines will be visible, either from reconstruction or mastectomy.

Why have breast reconstruction?

The decision to have breast reconstruction is a personal decision between a woman and her loved ones. Most women who have breast reconstruction experience emotional and physical benefits, including feelings of regained wholeness and femininity, and the practical benefit of not needing to wear awkward breast prosthesis.

What are the risks?

Because breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure, there are risks including, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, and anesthesia risks.

In addition, women should know:

• Using your own tissue for breast reconstruction can result in loss of the tissue and a loss of sensation at both the donor and reconstruction site.
• Implants have a risk of breast firmness (capsular contracture) and implant rupture; however, breast implants have not been shown to impair breast health. Research by independent groups such as the Institute of Medicine has found no proven link between breast implants and autoimmune or other systemic diseases.

Find out more

Griffin Hospital will host a free talk on breast reconstruction Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 at 6 p.m.
Plastic Surgeon Mark Melendez, M.D., will host “Breast Reconstruction – Know Your Options,” a free discussion about the different types of breast reconstruction, including perforator flap breast reconstruction in which a patient’s abdominal tissue is used to form a more natural breast. This talk will be especially beneficial to individuals considering or have had a mastectomy.

To reserve your spot or for more information, call 203.732.1511 or the event listing on the calendar section at griffinhealth.org

In addition, the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital offers breast cancer screening, genetic counseling and breast surgery options. For more information, visit breast-center.griffinhealth.org or call 203.732.1300.