Breast Reconstruction

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction restores the appearance of the breast for women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer. During the procedure, the surgeon rebuilds the breast contour, nipple, and areola.

Surgeons can perform reconstruction immediately after mastectomy, allowing the patient to wake up with a reconstructed breast already in place. They use several techniques to complete the reconstruction.

Reconstruction does not affect the risk of breast cancer recurrence, and it does not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation if cancer returns.

Doctors often recommend periodic mammograms for both the reconstructed breast and the remaining natural breast.

Indications of Breast Reconstruction

Doctors typically recommend breast reconstruction Sydney when a patient needs to restore breast shape, volume, or symmetry after medical or surgical treatment. Common medical indications include:

1. Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction

The most frequent indication is the need to restore the breast after removal of breast tissue for breast cancer treatment. Reconstruction helps rebuild the breast mound following:

• Total mastectomy
• Skin-sparing mastectomy
• Nipple-sparing mastectomy

2. Post-Lumpectomy Deformity

Some patients develop contour irregularities, volume loss, or asymmetry after breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy). Reconstruction corrects these defects using implants or autologous tissue.

3. Congenital Breast Conditions

Reconstruction may be indicated for congenital chest-wall or breast deformities such as:

• Poland syndrome
• Tuberous (constricted) breasts
• Breast agenesis (absence of breast development)

4. Traumatic Breast Injury

Breast reconstruction may be required after accidents, burns, or significant trauma that disrupts breast form or tissue integrity.

5. Correction of Previous Surgeries

Some patients require reconstruction to address deformities caused by prior breast surgery, implant complications, or radiation-induced tissue changes.

Benefits of Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction Sydney provides several functional, anatomical, and psychosocial benefits supported by medical evidence.

1. Restores Breast Contour and Symmetry

Reconstruction recreates a natural breast mound, helping restore balance between the chest and torso. This can improve posture, clothing fit, and body mechanics.

2. Improves Long-Term Chest Wall Integrity

Autologous (tissue-based) reconstruction can reinforce soft tissue quality, especially after radiation therapy. It helps protect the chest wall, maintain skin elasticity, and prevent contractures or contour deformities.

3. Reduces Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome (for some patients)

Replacing missing tissue can reduce tightness, nerve discomfort, and chest wall adhesions that sometimes follow mastectomy. While not guaranteed, many patients experience improved comfort.

4. Enhances Psychological and Emotional Well-Being

Reconstruction helps many patients regain a sense of wholeness after cancer treatment or trauma. Clinically, it is associated with:

• Improved self-esteem
• Reduced body-image distress
• Better sexual well-being
• Improved overall quality of life

5. Supports Clothing Fit and Functional Activities

Reconstruction provides natural contour support, reducing the need for external prostheses. This makes physical activity, swimwear, bras, and everyday clothing more comfortable for many patients.

Planning The Surgery

The surgery involves 3 stages:

Stage1: Insertion of Breast Expander

The surgeon will place an expander under the skin and muscle to help stretch the tissue. This makes room for the breast implant to be inserted. This procedure is usually done under General anaesthesia or Local anaesthesia and some sedation (twilight sleep). Surgery time is 1 hour.

Stage 2: Insertion of Breast implant

This generally occurs 8-12 weeks after, and involves replacing the expander with a proper breast implant. This procedure can be done under General anaesthesia or local + sedation. Surgery time is 1 hour.

Stage 3: Nipple & Areola Reconstruction

This is the final stage of Breast reconstruction and usually occurs 4-6 weeks after placement of the breast implant. It is done in the office under local anaesthesia only. Surgery Time: 30min.

Candidates For Breast Reconstruction

Most mastectomy patients are medically appropriate for reconstruction. The best candidates are those whose cancer has been completely eradicated through mastectomy, chemotherapy or radiation.