Undergoing surgery for breast cancer is a battle. In addition to dealing with the physical toll of a mastectomy or lumpectomy, many breast cancer survivors also battle with the psychological struggle of losing a body part closely tied to a woman’s femininity, sexuality, and identity. If you worry about how your body may look or feel after breast cancer treatment, know that there are plenty of options to help you feel like yourself again. This guide will provide more information on some of these options. Note that while some women pursue reconstructive surgeries, others use specially padded bras, and others opt for no additional procedures or materials. Whatever path you choose is completely normal and acceptable, as long as it helps you to feel your best!
If you receive a mastectomy (complete surgical removal of all breast tissue), you have the option to restore your breast shape and appearance with reconstructive surgeries. These procedures place implants or some of your own tissue underneath your chest muscles to restore your breast volume and look. If you are interested in this kind of surgery, talk with your doctors about which option might be best for you. While silicone or saline implants require a less invasive style of surgery, in comparison to harvesting fat from other parts of your body (lower stomach, buttocks, inner thighs, or back), implants typically have to be replaced every 10-15 years. However, implants can be placed in the chest during the mastectomy (meaning you only undergo one procedure), while using your own tissue (autologous flap) requires a second surgery. Some patients also don’t have enough tissue in other parts of their body to use.
If you receive a lumpectomy (partial surgical removal of breast tissue), there are similar options to help restore your breast appearance. Local tissue may be repositioned to fill the surgical defect, or you may opt to receive a breast lift or reduction on your affected breast (or your healthy breast) to achieve better symmetry. Fat grafts can also be harvested from other parts of your body to correct deformities.
Finally, depending on what kind of breast cancer you have, you may also have to undergo treatment in which you lose your nipple and areola. If this is the case, there are surgical procedures to reconstruct your nipple and areola via skin grafts or tissue reshaping. 3D nipple tattoos are also an option, and these are very realistic in appearance.
If you are considering any of these options, talk with your oncologists about what is the best fit for you, and consider getting a referral to a plastic surgeon.
