If cancer or another disease has required a breast to be surgically removed, a breast reconstruction procedure can create a new breast that will appear to be natural. If your natural breasts are excessively large, a breast reduction procedure can help resolve both physical and emotional problems that may result from such a condition.
Breast Reconstruction
Reconstruction of a breast that has been surgically removed due to breast cancer or other disease process is one of the most rewarding procedures available. It is possible to create a breast that resembles the appearance of a natural breast. It can be performed at the same time as removal of the breast (immediate reconstruction) or at a later stage (delayed reconstruction). Fortunately, when a patient has immediate reconstruction, she is spared the distress of seeing herself with significant asymmetry or absence of a breast.
Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is not a simple procedure. It often requires several operations to complete a fully reconstructed breast. There are several options to consider as you and your surgeon explore the best choice for you.
New medical techniques and devices have made it possible to reconstruct a breast which resembles the shape and appearance of the opposite natural breast. The surgical options will depend on a number of factors which include: the size and shape of the opposite breast, the desire to use your own tissue (autogenous) versus tissue expansion with an implant, your body size, the availability of your own tissue, and any preexisting medical conditions. Your surgeon will be glad to review all of the options in depth in addition to the associated risks and benefits of each option. After examining you and understanding your expectations, she will be able to assist you in determining the option that is best suited for you.
Breast Reduction
Overly large breasts can cause some women to have both health and emotional problems. In addition to self image issues, you may also experience physical pain and discomfort.
The weight of excess breast tissue can impair your ability to lead an active life. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness often associated with having large pendulous breasts is as important an issue to many women as the physical discomfort and pain.
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this procedure removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.
Breast reduction is a good option for you if:
* You are physically healthy * You have realistic expectations * You don't smoke * You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large * Your breasts limit your physical activity * You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts * You have regular indentations from bra straps that support heavy, pendulous breasts * You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease * Your breasts hang low and have stretched skin * Your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported * You have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin
Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynecomastia, or breast reduction for men, is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.
Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs.
Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:
* Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments * Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing * Non-smokers and non-drug users * Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia
Have you recently been diagnosed as having breast cancer? If your doctor recommends that you undergo a radical mastectomy, then you may want to consider having breast reconstruction surgery afterwards. However, this surgery is not for every woman because of a number of factors that will be presented in this article.
There is really no reason to rush into breast reconstruction after having a mastectomy because you can have the reconstruction done at a later time. You will be using a plastic surgeon if you opt for this operation.
Reconstruction surgery doesn't just involve one method -- but there are several methods of choice for you that are available. If you choose breast reconstruction, you may want to have an implant inserted in your breast that consists of saline or silicone material. You need to be aware of the fact that silicone implants have been known to leak.
Fat and muscles from other parts of your body can also be used for your breast reconstruction surgery. This will be harvested from your back or lower abdomen or your buttocks. Your plastic surgeon will collect this fat and muscle tissue to make a breast-shaped implant to insert where your breast was removed. Your doctor may create a flap in order to create a new breast. He will need to stretch your skin so that the implant will be permanently placed under your gradually stretched skin. After surgery has been performed and your body has healed, the finishing touches are done by tattooing the skin over the implant to simulate a natural breast.
However, as in every other kind of surgery there are dangers involved. Here are some factors to consider before you decide to have breast reconstruction performed.
1. The rebuilt breast will never feel normal again.
2. Like every other surgery, infection is a very real possibility.
3. You may or may not be satisfied with the final results of your breast reconstruction surgery.
4. There are going to be scars no matter what.
5. The donor site on your body may be adversely affected and the changes will probably be permanent.
6. You may require more than one surgery.
7. Because your body may suffer lasting negative effects from choosing to have breast reconstruction surgery, you may wind up regretting having had it done.
However, you may be very pleased with the results and breast reconstruction could be a great benefit in helping you to feel more normal for the rest of your life.
You and your doctor have to decide if breast reconstruction surgery is worthwhile in your case and if you are likely to be pleased with the final permanent results.
Both Dave Stringham & Patricia Wagner are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dave Stringham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tummy Tucks Before and After, Health and Breast Enlargements. LookingYourBest.com is an online resource for To learn more, please visit. Dave Stringham's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.
Patricia Wagner has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acne Treatment, Types of Cancer and Health. Learn how to take care of yourself or ease the suffering of a loved one after . Patric. Patricia Wagner's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.