Breast implant
The insertion of anatomic breast implants is the easiest solution but unfortunately only possible if radiation isn't needed. If the reconstruction can only take place after the mastectomy, the skin will first need to be stretched by means of a small balloon inserted under the skin.
Latissimus dorsi flaps
If you have undergone radio or chemotherapy treatment or if the tissues are very thin, a piece of the the large muscle in the back can be used to reconstruct the breast, sometimes in combination with a breast implant.
Abdominal flaps
This procedure allows the breast to be reconstructed with one's own tissues. Together with the abdominal muscle, the rectus abdominis can be used to rebuild the breast. Ruptures of the abdominal wall are common and represent a major drawback. A preferred alternative is to take adipose (fatty) tissue from the stomach and leave the rectus abdominis muscle intact. The flap is then connected to the blood vessels of the chest through microsurgery. This procedure however takes much longer (8 to 14h) and holds a higher risk.
Nipple reconstruction
A nipple is relatively easy to make. This procedure takes place under local anaesthesia. Even though breast reconstruction can never recreate the perfect breast, it often means the world to women not to be reminded of their illness every time they look in the mirror.
