Breast reconstruction after breast cancer treatment at Vinmec

This is an automatically translated article.

After breast cancer treatment, a woman loses a female organ. That led to the development of breast reconstruction techniques - helping women feel more confident in their everyday lives.

1. Description of breast reconstruction technique after breast cancer treatment

Breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer treatment is considered a follow-up treatment after breast cancer surgery, restoring the appearance of people who have had mastectomy. Breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer treatment using implants or autologous skin flaps, sometimes a combination of both to create volume for the breast. The choice of reconstruction method depends on the patient's health status, tissue condition in the removed breast area, remaining breast condition, patient's wishes
This method is performed at the same time as surgery. Breast lumpectomy (also known as immediate breast reconstruction), this method is applicable to high-risk cases of breast cancer, early breast cancer, with relative health status. good. Or it can be done after the breast tumor has been removed, when the incision has healed and supportive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been completed (called delayed breast reconstruction), this method applies used for cases of breast cancer surgery, good health, no metastasis.
Choosing the right breast reconstruction method for each individual will be based on many factors such as preoperative and contralateral breast size, volume of breast tissue removed, available autologous tissue and individual preferences. of each patient.

2. Indications and contraindications

Indications:
Patients whose cause for mastectomy has been completely ruled out. Be in good health and have a good understanding of breast reconstruction. Contraindications:
Patients with advanced breast cancer. Severe internal illness

3. Advantages and disadvantages of the technique

Advantages Removes illness and body defects after major surgery for cancer treatment and brings high aesthetics. Improve patient's quality of life, restore body appearance, restore feminine symbolism. After reconstruction, women can still get married and have normal children. Breast reconstruction does not increase the recurrence rate and is considered as a step in breast cancer treatment Disadvantages May encounter many complications and complications such as infection, graft embolism, abdominal wall hernia.. .. Breastfeeding is not possible because the regenerated breast has no milk. Need a combination of oncologist and esthetician with high skills and expertise.

4. Implementation process

Breast reconstruction surgery in the treatment of breast cancer is usually divided into several stages, completed after 3-6 months. This surgery can be done at the same time as mastectomy (mastectomy for breast cancer) or it can be done later if your doctor thinks you need more chemotherapy for your breast cancer.
4.1. Before performing breast reconstruction? Examining and testing the patient's health to meet the surgery or not. Take certain medications or adjust your current medication. Ask the patient to stop smoking before surgery and to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements because they can increase bleeding. 4.2. During surgery Step 1: Anesthesia: Anesthesia
Step 2: The doctor will place a silicone bag or saline solution in the patient's chest or may remove skin, fatty tissue and muscle from other organs of the patient's body to bring to the chest to form breast tissue. Usually, it will be taken in the lower abdomen, back or buttocks
Step 3: Reconstruct the volume and shape of the breast
Step 4: Align the 2 breasts, reconstruct the areola and nipple.

5. Expression after performing the technique

Normal manifestations Breast pain, Numbness in the armpit and arm: surgery can damage nerves, leading to symptoms of numbness. This may improve but may not go away completely. Shoulder exercises can be helpful in this case. Seborrheic tumors: Fluid can build up in or around the scars and can last up to six weeks after surgery. Your doctor or breast nurse may be able to drain the fluid. Stiff shoulder: Exercises can help prevent or treat this symptom. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can help. Lymphedema: Swelling of the arm, if the axillary lymph nodes have been removed. Changes in balance due to lack of weight on one breast; Tingling sensation in the chest. Numbness in the armpits and arms from surgery can damage nerves, leading to symptoms of numbness. Breast shape will improve over the years Abnormal manifestations: Painful incision, oozing and bleeding Slow wound healing Slow recovery, fatigue and fever Unbalanced mammary glands after reconstruction or transformation breast shape. There is a feeling of tightness, swelling and pain in the breast, hard scar or keloid scar (depending on the individual patient's location) There is a burning sensation in the chest wall and armpit area. If any of the above symptoms appear, the patient should be re-examined immediately.

6. Care after performing this technique

After surgery, patients need to avoid vigorous activities and sports for 6-8 weeks. You can return to your normal activities after 2-3 months. Take certain medications or adjust your current medication. Follow-up after breast reconstruction.

7. Breast reconstruction after cancer treatment at Vinmec?

This is a technique that requires a combination of oncologists and plastic surgeons with high skills and expertise, so in order to achieve maximum safety, breast reconstruction surgery needs to be carried out at medical facilities. The medical staff ensures the necessary equipment for major surgery.
Currently at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital with a team of specialist doctors (Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy) trained according to international standards; the operating room is fully equipped with modern machines and tools for breast reconstruction surgery; The treatment plan is consulted and closely monitored by a panel of leading experts in Ho Chi Minh City. In Ho Chi Minh City, following the US standard protocol will be the first choice of patients' trust.

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