“Can I have breast reconstruction,” when a patient asks this question, it means that she has met one of the necessary requirements for breast reconstruction, namely having the desire to reconstruct her breasts. Prior to breast reconstruction surgery, the surgeon will evaluate the patient as follows to determine if breast reconstruction is possible and the appropriate procedure.
Tumor status
The staging and staging of the breast tumor is important in determining whether to perform breast reconstruction and the method and timing of reconstruction. Stage IV invasive breast cancer, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, and breast cancer with advanced pathologic staging that is prone to metastasis and local recurrence (e.g., inflammatory breast cancer) are not appropriate for breast reconstruction if they fall into these categories.
Radiotherapy decreases the body’s immunity and healing ability, so breast reconstruction is not appropriate during radiotherapy and six months after radiotherapy.
General condition
Patients without underlying disease are more tolerant of surgery. For patients with concomitant hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disease, physicians will weigh the risks of surgery and advise carefully that these patients are better suited for shorter, less invasive procedures with shorter recovery times. If there is a requirement for fertility, the surgeon will also make adjustments to the situation when considering breast reconstruction options. It is important to note that patients who are severely obese and smoke are more likely to have postoperative complications and are relatively unsuitable for breast reconstruction.
Mental state
A healthy psychological state helps to make rational choices and facilitates postoperative recovery. After communicating with the surgeon about the benefits and risks of breast reconstruction and the fact that reconstructed breasts may differ from normal breasts in terms of shape, texture, and sensation, surgery may be considered if it is psychologically acceptable. If there are still high expectations for the outcome of the surgery, surgery should be chosen with caution when harboring this mentality.
Breast and the condition of the area providing reconstructed tissue
The location and length of the scar on the breast on the side undergoing breast reconstruction, the area, thickness, and texture of the remaining skin and subcutaneous tissue, the integrity of the muscles, and whether or not radiation therapy has been administered are all factors to consider before breast reconstruction.
The surgeon will also evaluate the area of tissue provided before surgery, such as the condition of the abdomen and back, and which areas have fat accumulation. If there is a cesarean scar on the abdomen and insufficient amount of skin and subcutaneous tissue, this will also influence the surgeon’s choice to use tissue from the appropriate area for reconstruction.
The condition of the healthy side of the breast
The healthy breast is an important reference for reconstructive surgery in order to achieve a symmetrical aesthetic result. On the one hand, the shape of the healthy side of the breast influences the choice of the reconstructive surgery method; for example, the use of tissue from the abdomen is preferred for reconstructive surgery in those with full healthy side breasts. On the other hand, the reconstructive procedure may involve a reduction, augmentation, or lift of the healthy side of the breast for a more aesthetic and symmetrical result.
Other support
Breast reconstruction is a sequential healing process that can often be accomplished in more than one surgery. Financial situation, time costs, and family support are also factors to consider.
So, you can work with your doctor to assess, in conjunction with the above, whether you are a candidate for breast reconstruction.