At The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, breast reconstruction is central to our practice. Our dedication doesn’t stop at being highly-skilled practitioners and having a passion for what we do: in order to advance the level of care available to patients in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and London communities, we have committed ourselves to raising awareness and funding for the breast reconstruction program at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. You can learn more about our Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day efforts here.
Part of raising awareness includes educating patients on their breast reconstruction options. Many lumpectomy or mastectomy patients are unaware of their options to reconstruct their breast(s) during or after their breast cancer surgery. Here, we aim to shed some light on common breast reconstruction questions.
When can breast reconstruction be performed?
A consultation with your plastic surgeon will help you to decide on when to opt for your breast reconstruction surgery. These days, it is possible to combine mastectomy and breast reconstruction procedures in a single, one-stage operation. This immediate reconstruction option involves less recovery time and eliminates the period of living without the breast(s) until delayed reconstruction can be performed. This type of immediate reconstruction is not always possible or desirable. In such cases, reconstructing one or both breasts at a later time remains a perfectly reasonable option.
Can my own tissue be used to reconstruct my breast(s), or do I have to have an implant?
If a patient does not wish to have, or is not a candidate for, an implant, their breast(s) may be reconstructed using tissues from elsewhere on the body, usually, but not limited to, the tummy area. This autologous or “flap” reconstruction is a more complex procedure that involves recovery at the reconstruction site as well as the donor site(s). The benefits of opting for this procedure over implant reconstruction relate to it’s longevity, and realistic feel, as an implant reconstruction may require surgical maintenance down the road, and tends to feel more firm.
If I opt for a breast reconstruction, will it increase my risk for recurrence?
Despite the existence of many myths and misconceptions, breast reconstruction does not increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence, nor does it influence overall survival rates from breast cancer.
What are my options for nipple reconstruction?
Once the breast reconstruction recovery period is complete, patients can opt to have their nipple(s) reconstructed. One option involves the surgical reconstruction of the nipple using tissue from the reconstructed breast that the surgeon gathers and folds to recreate the nipple. Once the recovery from this procedure is complete, the areolar pigment can be recreated with a tattoo. Many patients opt for a “3-D” nipple tattoo over a surgical reconstruction. Tattoo artists can create a three dimensional image of the nipple which can look quite realistic.
How much does breast reconstruction cost in Ontario?
All breast reconstruction procedures are fully funded by OHIP. The only time a patient needs to pay for anything is if they choose to use a non-medical, specialized tattoo artist for their nipple and areola reconstruction.
Do you have more questions?
A breast cancer diagnosis and the journey to become cancer-free is a stressful and life altering situation to face. As plastic surgeons, we strive to do our part in alleviating the confusion and subsequent stress that patients may encounter in their recovery. We do this by providing the information and support required to make informed decisions for your breast reconstruction.
Take home message:
The most important message is simply this: ask your cancer care team about breast reconstruction and referral to a plastic surgeon early in your journey. The sooner oncology, general surgery and plastic surgery teams can begin working together, the better the outcome is likely to be.
The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic welcomes you to book a surgical consultation. Contact us to arrange an appointment today.
