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Information
Losing all or part of a breast can be devastating and can affect a woman’s body image and self confidence., as for many women breast symbolize femininity, sexual attractiveness and if a parent also motherhood.
Breast Reconstruction surgery performed to help restore a naturally shaped breast by reconstructing deformities or defects associated with various stages of breast cancer treatment.. The goal is to achieve a symmetrical breast reconstruction matching the opposite side in volume and shape.. Reconstruction can be performed at the same time or after a mastectomy (breast removal). Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other condition.
Breast reconstruction can be divided into procedures that use breast tissues expanders or implants (alloplastic reconstruction) and using the patients own tissue (autologous flap reconstruction): implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction or in some cases, a combination of both.
With implant-based reconstruction, an implant is placed under the skin and muscle to recreate the shape of the breast. This can be performed either as a single stage procedure or as a two stage procedure, with an expander first inserted to create a chest space pocket and then an inserted at a later date.
In flap reconstruction, skin, fat and muscle are taken from elsewhere on the body to make the new breast. There are numerous tissue sites (donor sites) used for the reconstruction of new breasts, the most common being the tissue from the back (latissimus dorsi muscle and skin) or the tummy or abdominal skin.
Both implant-based and autologous procedures have advantages and drawbacks and the procedure best for you will depend on your age, general health, size and shape of the other breast, and available body tissue.
Other factors also to take into account is whether there will be the need to have any further radiotherapy, which can compromise both types of reconstructions.
Dr Rajapakse is highly trained in all varieties of breast reconstruction. He spent 2 years working at the prestigious cancers hospitals, The Royal Marsden in Chelsea UK and St Thomas hospital in London specializing in breast microsurgery. He is also very experienced in DIEP breast microsurgical reconstruction. This procedure involves using the lower abdominal tissue preserving the rectus “tummy” muscle so that there are even less abdominal donor site problems.
Every woman is different and this procedure can be done in numerous ways that best suit the woman both emotionally and physically.
If you would like to see an animation of this procedure please click here
“Holistic Plastic Surgery in a professional caring environment .”
Dr Yosanta Rajapakse
Breast reconstruction FAQs
Is it right for me?
Dr Rajapakse is a very caring plastic surgeon and will discuss the options of breast reconstruction with you before or following your mastectomy. He will assist you in your decision regarding the type of reconstruction that is most suitable for you as this will depend on your body type, your age and also the type of oncological surgery that you have undergone or are planning to undergo.
Is Dr Rajapakse experienced in Breast Reconstruction?
Dr Rajapakse has extensive experience in reconstructive surgery for the last 13 years. Dr Rajapakse is highly trained in all varieties of breast reconstruction. He spent 2 years working at the prestigious cancers hospitals, The Royal Marsden in Chelsea UK and St Thomas hospital in London specializing in breast microsurgery. He is also very experienced in DIEP breast microsurgical reconstruction. This procedure involves using the lower abdominal tissue preserving the rectus “tummy” muscle so that there are even less abdominal donor site problems.
Will I need anaesthesia?
Depending on the size and location of the skin lesion Dr Rajapakse performs surgery either under local anaesthesia with or without sedation or under general anaesthesia. Some procedures may be suitable for local anaesthetic and can be performed in the rooms.
If general anaesthesia or sedation is required Dr Rajapakse will engage the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (FRANZCA).
Your anaesthetist will ask you about all the medications that you are taking or have taken and any allergies that you may have.
Will there be scarring?
Unfortunately scars are an inevitable part of any surgery and depending on how each person heals, there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome.
Dr Rajapakse is highly skilled to minimize scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible by placing the incision in natural crease lines.
Scars do fade and if scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Rajapakse will provide you with specially tailored treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars.
Where is the surgery taking place?
All surgeries are performed either as a day case or overnight stay at a reputable internationally accredited facility.
What is the recovery period?
Patients usually stay in hospital for 5-7 nights, until the drains are removed.
Discoloration and swelling are to be expected for the first few weeks after surgery.
Post operative pain is usually limited and is well controlled with pain relief tablets depending on the type of breast reconstruction.
Your wounds will be covered with waterproof dressings so that you may shower as soon as you feel comfortable. You will be asked to wear a soft surgical bra for support and comfort during the first two weeks to allow healing of your breast into their new shape. Gentle stretching can prove beneficial and exercise such as walking can commence within seven days. Depending on the type of reconstruction, most people can return to work within 10 to 14 days unless their occupation involves strenuous movement, when 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. All heavy lifting should be avoided for the first 6 weeks.
What are the costs?
You have the right to be informed about the costs associated with you surgery.
When choosing a surgeon for your cosmetic surgery, remember that factors such as surgeon’s training, qualifications, experience and your comfort them are just as important.
Costs associated with the procedure may include:
- Dr Rajapakse’s surgical fee
- One year of Surgical follow up
- Accredited hospital facility cost
- Anaesthesia fee
- Prescription for medications
- Post- surgery garments
- Medical tests
After your consultation an informed financial consent including any medicare rebates will be sent as well as an information pack to read before the second pre-surgery appointment. This second optional appointment is free of charge and your preoperative photos and measurements for your compression bra’s will be taken.
Send an enquiry or call (02) 8964 8090