Breast Implants After Cancer

Breast Implant Description

This is a reconstructive operation during which during which artificial breasts are implanted after a mastectomy. Even though the feeling of the implanted breast is never the same, this procedure can more or less give a woman back her femininity. Most of these women comment that the implants have given them back their lives. They recall that the procedure had been successful and their recovery relatively trouble-free. Many women have opted for this course of action after they have been through breast cancer from which the best survival option was a mastectomy.

Breast Implantation in Detail

The surgeon will get hold of tissue from other body parts such as the tummy, or the back to form a mass. Breast implants are bags filled with mostly silicone gel or saline. This method is somewhat complicated as it varies depending on body structure and nature, age and the cancer treatment one has already been through. Moreover a further operation maybe required in order to attach a nipple or modify the size.

Silicone or Saline Breast Implants

Silicone implants mimic the sensation of human fat. They are sacs packed with silicone gel, which is basically a thick liquid which feels like the expected breast tissue. On the other hand Saline Breast Implants are filled with saline mostly during the procedure itself. It seems that the latter type of breast reconstruction has been criticized negatively in the sense that the breasts felt stiff and unnatural. Science however, has developed new surgical techniques to overcome the particular problem.

Risks of Breast Implants

Even though these procedures have these days become routine and are widely used, there are some risks factors to consider. Just like in any surgical procedure there is always the risk of infection, or breast soreness and tenderness after the rebuilding. Another issue to consider is the possibility of enduring changes in how the breast or the nipple will feel. Finally one needs to be aware that the procedure may need to be repeated to repair any lapses and there is a possibility of breast bursting or outflow.

Are Breast Implants Advantageous after Cancer?

A lot of research has been contacted in order to acquire the response as to whether or not breast implants are the right answer after cancer. Scientists claim that they surely enhance the confidence and self-worth of cancer patients which in its turn could improve their survival. Other conducted reviews have shown that implants may fuel the immune system and lessen blood flow to the breast, therefore eliminating the chances of mass and growth formation. Overall scientists and researches maintain the belief that breast implants in cancer patients have no harmful or destructive effects.

Breast Augmentation, Implant and Reconstructive Surgery

Breast Reconstruction

Many women choose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery to replace an entire breast, after a mastectomy operation or to improve the breast shape after a lumpectomy operation. The goal of breast reconstructive surgery is to create natural looking breasts to restore shape and body either using implant technology or skin cells and fat from elsewhere on the patient’s body. Depending on how much breast tissue has been damaged or removed during the original surgery and any potential ongoing cancer treatment will determine how the reconstructive process is performed.

Breast Augmentation, Implant and Reconstructive Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is a common cosmetic surgery procedure performed to alter or enhance the size, shape and position of breasts. Thousands of women each year elect to undergo cosmetic surgery procedures to help them achieve the body image they desire. For many women, this may entail breast implant surgery to enlarge their breasts and achieve a fuller, firmer cup size, for others it may be a breast uplift to return breasts to their original position after pregnancy or breast feeding. Some women may require breast surgery after developing breast cancer and undergoing a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

Types of Breast Implant

There is a wide variety of breast implants available to suit each individual patient’s needs. Here are just a few types of implants used in surgery:

Asymmetrical Breast Implants – shaped to produce a natural body contour and anatomical realism whilst restricting the scope for movement or displacement of the implant once inserted.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants – comprised of solid gel-like matter to produce firmer implants. Safer than traditional silicone implants these are much harder to rupture and will not leak.

Tear Drop Breast Implants – contoured breast implant, similar to asymmetrical implant for natural appearance and realistic body motion.

Round Breast Implant - provides the greatest amount of lift, cleavage and fullness. No danger of implant rotation.

It is important to discuss all your options with a consultant to consider the psychological implications of breast loss and reconstruction. There are many support groups available for women diagnosed with breast cancer.