Delayed Breast Reconstruction
In some cases, the patient cannot have an immediate breast reconstruction due to the need for further treatment or other health issue, although most women are candidates for this option. It is okay to wait to have your breasts restored. For some women, they prefer to wait and find out more about their options before a decision. Some may decide to wear a prosthesis, but soon discover that they are unhappy with this solution. Dr. Prichard’s staged breast reconstruction in Scottsdale can be performed in various ways, including the use of your own natural tissue or with implants, or a combination of both.
Cancer Treatments After a Mastectomy May Delay Breast Reconstruction
Some cancer treatments must continue after surgery. Radiation or chemotherapy can impact the size, shape and appearance of a reconstructed breast. Radiation is known to be a problem, and to lead to the possibility of negative changes on a reconstructed breast, and your surgeon and breast cancer doctor may advise you to wait until radiation or chemotherapy treatments are completed.
While you are recovering from the mastectomy and undergoing your treatments, preparing for your reconstruction can begin, with a tissue expander or implant inserted to preserve the skin on the breast. Once the tissues have recovered from radiation treatment, either the tissue expander or implant is removed and replaced with the tissue flap. This procedure is often called a delayed-immediate procedure.
