What You Need To Know About Getting Implants After A Mastectomy
Many patients choose to have breast implants placed directly after their mastectomy. The decision is a deeply personal one that must be undertaken alongside a trusted surgeon and while giving a fair amount of consideration to the prospect. Once the decision has been made, it’s important that you understand the process and the further choices you’ll be offered along the way. In this latest post, we’ll take a look at how you can achieve your ideal quality of life as you have implants placed after a mastectomy.
Consider Skin Sparing Options
In some cases, your surgeon will be able to use the skin from your breast area as part of your new implants. They will craft an envelope with your skin, in which they can then place the implants. Some patients become candidates for chemotherapy, which can be used to shrink the size of the tumour in their skin and spare the remaining skin and tissue ready for implant placement.
Become Familiar with the Facility
While you might have undergone treatment before and during your mastectomy in one facility, you will likely be undergoing further treatment in a cosmetic facility for the implant process. This can often be daunting if you’re used to a particular medical environment with specific people and a specific pre-treatment process. And so, before you make any decisions about the treatment, ask the surgeon if you can visit their facility and ensure you’re entirely comfortable with the process. Meet the people involved in the treatment and take the time to learn more on the surgery and your recovery.
Your Implant Choices
Next, it’s time to review your implant choices. In making a decision on your implants, you can take various elements into consideration. You’ll have to consider your body type, your personal comfort levels, and of course, your surgeon’s recommendations. In making their recommendations, the surgeon will highlight the following:
The types of implant
Saline and silicone are the two most common types of implant. Some patients find they are able to get a better symmetry with saline implants, because the implant can be filled during surgery to get an accurate match. However, some find that silicone offers a more natural, more supple appeal to their chest area.
The sizing options
The sizing options available to you largely depend on your body type and the services offered by your specialist. Your surgeon can use either silicone or saline to try to get an accurate match for your pre-mastectomy breasts or they can offer an increase from the original size. Your surgeon will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of the available sizes.
Long-term performanceTraditionally, implants must be replaced every 10 years. But as the science evolves, the length between surgeries is being increased. Silicone implants are considered the most durable, as saline implants can, on rare occasion, leak within the breast and require surgical intervention to repair.
Our experts are here to help guide you in managing your implant options after your mastectomy. Call us today to discover more on the treatments available and the factors to consider.