What is Breast Reconstruction

  Breast reconstruction is the reconstruction of a breast after it has been removed due to a disease such as breast cancer or severe breast trauma. The timing of breast reconstruction can be divided into immediate (Phase I) reconstruction and delayed (Phase II) reconstruction. Immediate reconstruction is the reconstruction of the breast during the surgery to remove the breast cancer, where the surgery to treat the tumor and the reconstruction of the breast are done at the same time. Second-stage breast reconstruction refers to breast reconstruction surgery after a period of breast cancer surgery with no signs of recurrence on review.  So who are the patients suitable for breast reconstruction? Breast reconstruction is suitable for women who are ready to undergo or have undergone mastectomy for various reasons, or for patients with significant breast deformation due to breast-conserving surgery. As long as there is no systemic metastasis of breast cancer, patients who are interested in breast reconstruction can consult with their doctors to learn about breast reconstruction.  Secondly, when is the right time to have breast reconstruction after surgery? Breast reconstruction can be done as soon as the breast is removed or after all radiotherapy is completed. Immediate reconstruction means that breast reconstruction is performed at the same time as the breast cancer removal surgery, and the radical tumor surgery and breast reconstruction surgery are completed in one go. Second-stage breast reconstruction refers to breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer surgery, if there is no sign of recurrence after review. The advantage of immediate breast reconstruction is that only one surgery is needed, there is no experience of missing breast after surgery, and there is less mental and psychological pain, but because two surgeries become one, the shape may not always be perfect. The advantage of second-stage reconstruction is that the patient has the personal experience of breast loss and can make a rational judgment on breast reconstruction. Since the size of the defect and the opposite side of the breast can be compared finely, a full design can be made before surgery and the best plan can be chosen, so that the shape after surgery can achieve a harmonious match with the opposite side and the satisfaction after surgery is high.