Breast Reconstruction and Life After Mastectomy | Mr. Gwanmesia Skip to main content

Breast Reconstruction and Life After Mastectomy

By Andy Goodall. Posted April 1, 2019 in Breast Reconstruction

Breast cancer is a reality that many women will have to contend with in their lifetime. The usual course of treatment for breast cancer is a mastectomy or surgery to remove the cancerous tissue. In some cases, women who are at particularly high risk for breast cancer may get a preventative mastectomy to reduce their chances of developing cancer in the first place. For those who must undergo a mastectomy, breast reconstruction offers a renewed sense of hope.

Group of Women in Pink Shirts with Breast Cancer Ribbons

Immediate or Delayed Breast Reconstruction?

Depending on the condition of the patient, it can be possible to have breast reconstruction surgery alongside their mastectomy. The reasons for immediate reconstructive surgery include better cosmetic results and improved psychological benefits. Women who obtain immediate breast reconstruction never need to experience life without their breast and can begin their healing process much more quickly.

On the other hand, breast reconstruction can be delayed after mastectomy for many reasons including health, the need for more time to decide on the right procedure or for proper timing with life events. Delayed breast reconstruction can be more emotionally trying for some women, as they must adjust to their new breast shape.

Mastectomy Scar

Reconstructive Surgery Techniques

There are several methods for reconstructive surgery that can be used as a custom-tailored solution based on your body type and needs.

  • Implant and expander reconstruction involves a temporary tissue expander that helps to ease the recovery process.
  • Tissue flap reconstruction utilizes tissue harvested from the patient’s own body to reconstruct the breast mound.
  • Nipple reconstruction is a method of reconstructing the appearance of the nipple and areola. In some instances, the nipple can even be preserved.

There are many ways that breast reconstruction can be performed and the plastic surgery community is continually updating and refining techniques.

Why Get Breast Reconstruction?

Getting breast reconstruction is an extremely personal decision. Some women feel that they do not need the procedure and are perfectly happy with their bodies post-mastectomy. For most women though, reconstructive surgery is a means of restoring their feminine figure and celebrating womanhood. Breast reconstruction can be an excellent way to show that you are a proud survivor of breast cancer while also feeling beautiful, powerful and happy. Whether or not breast reconstruction is right for you is ultimately your choice. Breast reconstruction is all about empowering you to live your best life.

If you would like to have help exploring the possibilities of breast reconstruction surgery, then it is a good idea to consult a plastic surgeon, such as Mr Gwanmesia. His expertise in reconstructive methods and a proven track record of success has endeared him to many patients all over the world. With elite training and experience in many of the most sophisticated surgical procedures, Mr Gwanmesia is the ideal surgeon for those seeking breast reconstruction surgery.

Call 02074741300 today for more information on the power of breast reconstruction surgery.

Dr Ivo Gwanmesia

Dr Ivo Gwanmesia is one of Harley Street’s most experienced and renowned craniofacial plastic surgeons. With over a decade of professional experience, he has transformed the lives of countless patients from all over the UK & abroad.

Due to his vast and hands-on training in the UK and the US, Dr Ivo now specialises in more than a dozen different aesthetic, craniofacial and transgender procedures. Some of them include face, neck, and brow lifts, upper and lower blepharoplasty, breast reduction & breast uplift as well as facial feminisation surgery, to name a few.

Dr Gwanmesia has also conducted pioneering research, which led to the development of a new technique for the reconstruction of the middle vault of the nose, known as the ‘Fulcrum Spreader Graft’. He was also part of a study comparing the efficacy of the Sheen Spreader Graft and the Fulcrum Spreader Graft. The study has since been published on PubMed and the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.