A mastectomy is an operation to remove the breast. It is used to treat breast cancer. It can also be used to reduce the risk of cancer developing in the breast. Breast reconstruction may be done after removal of a whole breast (mastectomy) or part of the breast (lumpectomy).
If you need to have surgery to remove a breast cancer, breast reconstruction aims to rebuild your breast, to match the normal breast. It also aims to help with your recovery by improving body image and self-esteem.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) says that all women should be offered the chance of breast reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy. Current evidence suggests that breast reconstruction does not increase the chances of the cancer recurring. You can either have reconstruction at the same time as the breast cancer surgery or months or years later.
Surgically, there are several ways to reconstruct a breast. You should be assessed by a plastic surgeon (preferably one who specialises in breast reconstruction) who knows all the options and can advise can discuss all your options and advise what technique that would be best for you.
During reconstruction, a plastic surgeon creates a breast shape using an artificial implant, a flap of tissue from another place on your body, or both.
You should be able to choose your preferred option, even if it means going to another hospital to have it carried out. Breast reconstruction often involves several operations to give you the best result possible.
More information about breast reconstruction can be found at the following websites:
www.bapras.org.uk/home/search-results?q=Breast+reconstruction+
www.breastcancer.org
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org
http://www.macmillan.org.uk
http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/CG80
It is usually recommended that you wear a supportive bra (non-wired) day and night for three months after surgery. Post-surgical bras are available but you can also buy support/sports bras from high street retailers and supermarkets.
http://www.macom-medical.com/post-surgery/bras
http://www.ideal-ms.com/shop/standard-line/z-bra-medical/
http://www.recovapostsurgery.com/