How long does a breast reconstruction surgery take?

How long does a breast reconstruction surgery take?

How Long Does Breast Reconstruction Surgery Take? Preparation for the procedure, including anesthesia, may take 2 hours. The reconstruction will take 1 to 6 hours. After the surgery, you’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours in recovery before being transferred to a hospital room.

Do breasts look normal after reconstructive surgery?

Your new breast may feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than your other breast. The new breast may not have the same shape as your breast did before it was removed. Breast reconstruction with an implant won’t restore normal feeling to your breast. It may take several months for your breast to heal.

What is the most common breast reconstruction surgery?

The implant is the most common form of breast reconstruction, and it involves the use of either a silicone or a saline implant to rebuild the breast.

How do they reconstruct nipples after mastectomy?

To create the nipple, the plastic surgeon uses skin from the area on the breast where the new nipple will be located. This involves making small incisions, forming the tissue into a nipple shape, and securing it with stitches. The areola may be created later by tattooing.

Is breast reconstruction surgery painful?

After undergoing breast cancer surgery, many women experience lasting pain or discomfort in the breast or chest area. Called postmastectomy reconstruction syndrome (PMRS), this condition is a reality for up to half of women who have breast cancer surgery.

Do you keep your nipples after a mastectomy?

When treating breast cancer with a mastectomy, the nipple is typically removed along with the rest of the breast. (Some women might be able to have a nipple-sparing mastectomy, where the nipple is left in place.

What kind of bra should I wear after breast reconstruction?

Wearing a soft, front-closing sports bra is a better option after breast reconstruction. Do not use an underwire bra for many months after reconstruction, and remove the underwire from any bras you wear during this time. Talk to your surgeon or surgical nurse about what bras will best meet your needs.

What is the safest breast reconstruction surgery?

Breast implants are a safe and popular choice for breast reconstruction. The main disadvantage of implants compared to free-flap surgery is that implants must be replaced at certain points in life due to age-related body changes, failure of the implant, or age of the implant.

How much does a breast reconstruction cost?

Without health insurance, breast reconstruction using implants typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 per breast, for a total of $10,000 to $30,000 if both breasts are reconstructed. On RealSelf.com[2] , plastic surgeons discuss estimated total costs for bilateral implant reconstruction without insurance.

Does breast tissue grow back after mastectomy?

In most instances, all of your breast tissue is removed during a mastectomy. As a result, it is extremely unlikely that your breast tissue will grow back after the procedure. Fortunately, you can undergo breast reconstruction to restore a natural breast appearance.

Can I keep my nipples after mastectomy?

A nipple-sparing mastectomy leaves the nipple, areola and breast skin intact. Its use is increasing, and it has gained acceptance as a safe option in patients with breast cancer.

Can you walk after mastectomy?

Activity. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until the stitches are removed. Tell your caregiver what you do and he or she will help you make a personal plan for “what you can do when” after surgery. Walking is a normal activity that can be restarted right away.