Breast Reconstruction Surgery in Mumbai

Breast reconstruction is a transformative surgical procedure that helps in restoring the natural appearance of the breast following a mastectomy or trauma. At Dr. Date Clinic, we recognize the emotional and physical toll that breast cancer and its treatments can have on individuals.

Our commitment to excellence, compassion, and personalized care sets us apart as a leading destination for breast reconstruction surgery. After having treated thousands of patients, Dr. Shivprasad Date stands out as a pioneer in the field of breast reconstruction and allied cosmetic treatments.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various aspects of breast reconstruction, from understanding the procedure to post-surgery care, and why Dr. Date Clinic is the optimal choice for this transformative journey.

What is Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical process that rebuilds the breast mound to achieve a natural appearance. This can be done using various techniques, considering the patient's unique anatomy, preferences, and overall health.

The surgical intervention is generally common for patients who have recently had a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast) or other significant breast-related surgeries.

With breast reconstruction surgery, the initial goal or objective of the treatment is to help restore a woman's sense of body image and self-esteem after undergoing breast removal surgery.

The procedure can either be done immediately after a mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or delayed until the patient has completed other cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy). Thorough consultation with Dr. Date is recommended in either case.

There are various techniques for breast reconstruction, and the choice of the surgical procedure depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, body shape, cancer treatment plan, and personal preferences.

What are the Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?

Breast reconstruction surgeries are extensive and versatile, which explains why a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Date is mandatory to determine the ideal treatment route for individual patients.

Some of the factors that influence the choice of procedure include:

• Patient’s overall health
• Body shape
• Cancer treatment plan
• Personal preferences

Following are some of the most common types of breast reconstruction surgeries:

Implant-Based Reconstruction

1. Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction

In some instances, the breast implants can be placed immediately after a mastectomy in a single-stage procedure. Prior discussion with the patient is mandatory to conduct this procedure to ensure that the patient knows what to expect beforehand.

2. Two-Stage Reconstruction

In a two-stage procedure, a tissue expander is first placed to stretch the skin gradually. Once the desired size is reached, the expander is replaced with a permanent implant.

Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction

1. TRAM Flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap)

For patients who don’t want to opt for implants, the TRAM flap is the first flap-based breast reconstruction surgery. In this procedure, tissues from the abdominal wall, including skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, reconstruct the breast.

2. DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap)

The DIEP flap surgery is similar to the TRAM flap procedure but doesn’t use the abdominal muscle and only uses the abdominal fat and skin to reconstruct the breast.

3. Latissimus Dorsi Flap

In this surgical intervention, tissue, including the skin and muscle, is taken from the patient’s upper back and then relocated to the chest to reconstruct the appearance of the breasts. Most patients undergoing a Latissimus dorsi flap also include the use of breast implants.

Combination (Hybrid) Reconstruction

As we just mentioned, there are some breast reconstruction surgeries wherein it involves a flap-based reconstruction along with breast implants.

For example, an implant may provide volume, while a flap enhances the overall shape and natural feel of the reconstructed breast. Latissimus dorsi flap is one of the most common options in that case.

What Does Breast Reconstruction Treat?

The majority (if not all) of the patients who undergo breast reconstruction surgery address the physical and psychological consequences of a mastectomy or other significant breast surgeries. 

Some of the most common aspects of breast reconstruction surgery include:

• Restoring the breast shape and contour – The primary goal of this surgery is to recreate natural-looking breasts in patients who have undergone mastectomy due to cancer or other medical concerns. Either way, the surgery restores the shape, contour, and appearance of the breasts for the patient.
• Improved psychological well-being – Breast reconstruction plays a crucial role in addressing the emotional and psychological impact of breast cancer treatment. Many women struggle with altered body image issues after undergoing something as derailing as a mastectomy, and breast reconstruction offers a sliver of hope to regaining that confidence and being comfortable in their skin.
• Improved quality of life - Losing a breast can significantly impact a person's self-perception and quality of life. Breast reconstruction aims to help individuals feel more whole and comfortable with their bodies, improving their overall well-being.
• Clothing fit and symmetry - Breast reconstruction helps achieve better symmetry between the breasts, making it easier for individuals to find clothing that fits comfortably and looks natural. This can be particularly important for some women regarding clothing choices and personal style.
• Long-term satisfaction - Research suggests that breast reconstruction is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction. Many women feel more comfortable with their bodies and express positive outcomes regarding physical and emotional well-being.

Every individual’s experience of a sudden change to their body’s appearance is different. This explains why prioritizing a thorough consultation with one of the best breast reconstruction surgeons Dr. Date, is necessary for an individualized treatment approach.

What to Expect – Before, During, and After the Procedure?

Breast reconstruction is a multi-step procedure that involves pre-operative planning, surgical intervention, and post-operative care.

If you are considering undergoing boob reconstruction surgery, here’s a detailed breakdown:

Before the procedure:

Initial consultation and decision-making

This is probably the deciding element among all the steps in your breast reconstruction surgery. If you aren’t starting with a clear and comprehensive consultation with a qualified surgeon like Dr. Shivprasad Date, you are already falling short.

Hence, the priority is to schedule a consultation to assess the situation and discuss the different reconstruction options, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes with Dr. Date and his surgical team.

Medical evaluation

Are you an ideal candidate for a breast reconstruction surgery? Are you physically fit to undergo the surgery? Well, the only way to analyze that is with holistic medical evaluation, which involves physical evaluation, blood tests, imaging tests, etc.

Discussing the timing

Once everything is a green flag and you have decided on the surgical plan, the next step is to finalize the surgery date. Some individuals opt for immediate reconstruction, performed at the same time as the mastectomy, while others may choose delayed reconstruction after completing other cancer treatments.

During the procedure:

Anesthesia

The surgery typically starts with anesthesia. Breast reconstruction is done under general anesthesia to guarantee that the procedure is pain-free and comfortable for the patient.

Mastectomy and reconstruction

We discussed how immediate reconstruction is a choice that many individuals opt for to minimize the time it takes to get the surgical interventions out of the way in one go. If you choose immediate reconstruction, the surgery is done right after the mastectomy. In delayed reconstruction, the mastectomy has already taken place, and the reconstruction is a separate surgery.

You will have a detailed discussion with Dr. Date to determine your chosen reconstruction method and the timing.

Surgical procedure

Depending on the kind of breast reconstruction surgery that you have chosen, the salient procedure will be done. For example, in a DIEP flap, incisions are made in the abdominal region to collect the the skin, fat, and blood vessels from the lower belly, which are then used to reconstruct the breast.

After the procedure:

Hospital stay

Following completion of the surgery, the patient is transferred to the recovery room, where they are monitored for the next few hours to determine how they respond to the surgery and the anesthesia. Patients who undergo immediate reconstruction tend to have a longer hospital stay for recovery and monitoring.

Recovery and follow-up

Recovery time varies and will depend on the kind of surgery the patient has undergone and how well they are adhering to the post-surgical advice given to them by Dr. Date. Experiencing issues like discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common and temporary.

Follow-up appointments with Dr. Date and his surgical team will be scheduled to assess how the patient is recovering from the surgery and also assess the incision sites.

What are the Risks Associated with Breast Reconstruction?

Like any other surgical procedure, even breast reconstruction comes with a long list of risks or side effects that Dr. Date will explain in detail before the surgery.

Some of the ones worth highlighting are:

• Blood clots
• The difference in size between the two breasts
• Bruising or scarring
• Fat necrosis (rare cases)
• Problems with the breast implants
• Weakness
• Pain and sensitivity at the site of reconstruction

At Dr. Date’s Clinic, we prioritize open communication, enabling our patients to make educated decisions and actively participate in their care.

Schedule your Consultation Today!

If you are considering breast reconstruction or seeking expert guidance, take the first step towards reclaiming your life. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shivprasad Date and our compassionate team to explore personalized solutions tailored to your unique needs. Call Now ! +91 8291583850