BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that rebuilds a new breast or breasts to resemble a natural breast in appearance and form. Breast reconstruction is usually performed immediately after, or some time after a mastectomy (surgery that removes the entire breast) or lumpectomy (surgery conserves the breast, removing the breast cancer along with a small amount of the healthy tissue surrounding it). 

Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. Approximately 57 Australians are diagnosed each day. Many women are faced with the decision to undergo breast reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. It is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer. 

There are two main types of breast reconstruction:

• Implant reconstruction: An implant is inserted under the skin and muscle on the chest to recreate the shape of the breast
• Flap reconstruction: Portions of tissue, skin, fat and muscle are taken from elsewhere on the body to make the new breast. 

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
To reconstruct the breast, Dr Kirstin Miteff may use one of the following breast reconstruction surgical methods: 

• IMPLANT BASED

An artificial implant is inserted under the skin and muscle on the chest to form a breast shape.

• LATISSIMUS DORSI FLAP

A flap of muscle, skin and fat that is moved from the back to the chest. Usually, a breast implant is also inserted to achieve the required breast size.

• DIEP FREE FLAP

A flap of skin and fatty tissue is moved from the abdomen (stomach) to the chest. This form of surgery involves the microvascular anastomosis of vessels but can provide a larger volume of tissue for breast reconstruction and therefore will not require an implant.

• POST CANCER ASYMMETRY

Breast asymmetry may be a problem for women who have had a lumpectomy. During a lumpectomy, the breast is conserved but has left the patient with breasts that no longer match. Dr Kirstin Miteff can correct breast asymmetry through various methods including: breast augmentation with implant/fat grafting, breast lift and augmentation surgery; and breast reduction or breast lift surgery. She will discuss which option is best suited to your unique circumstances. 

• FAT GRAFTING

Fat tissue is removed from other parts of the body – usually the thighs, belly, and buttocks — by liposuction. The tissue is then processed into liquid and injected into the breast area to recreate the breast.

The best procedure for you will depend on your age, general health, size and shape of the other breast, and available body tissue. Dr Kirstin Miteff will discuss the procedure in detail with you and help guide you to choose a method that will result in the best cosmetic outcome. 

Breast Reconstruction is performed at the following hospitals :

Private Hospitals

• Lingard Private Hospital
• Warners Bay Private Hospital

Public Hospitals

• Calvary Mater Hospital

There is no charge to you if you have your breast reconstruction through the public health system, but you may have to go on a waiting list for surgery.

BENEFITS OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION
A mastectomy or lumpectomy can be a very traumatic and personal experience for some women, which can lead to a sense of ‘body mutilation’ and sometimes depression. Breast reconstruction is just one of many ways for women to restore confidence after breast cancer. Breast reconstruction surgery allows them to in a way feel ‘whole’ again. Helping them regain a complete picture of themselves.

MEDICARE CRITERIA
A medicare rebate is available for breast reconstructive surgery under item numbers 45564 and 45530.