Breast reconstruction is the surgical procedure to rebuild breast shape for women who have had a mastectomy. The procedure can create a breast that resembles a natural breast in appearance and form. Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other condition.
There are two main types of breast reconstruction:
- surgical insertion of a breast implant – an implant is inserted under the skin and muscle on the chest to form a breast shape.
- transfer of a portion of tissue, skin and often muscle from another part of the body to the chest area – this is called a flap reconstruction.
The most common flap reconstruction procedures are :
- Latissimus dorsi (LD) 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.
- Transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (TRAM) flap: a flap of skin, fatty tissue and muscle that is moved from the abdomen (stomach) to the chest.
- Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap: A flap of skin and fatty tissue that is moved from the abdomen (stomach) to the chest.
The procedure best for you will depend on your age, general health, size and shape of the other breast, and available body tissue. Dr 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 for you.
Breast Reconstruction is performed at the following hospitals :
Private Hospitals
- Lingard Private Hospital
- Warners Bay Private Hospital
Public Hospitals
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.
- Calvary Mater Hospital
https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/breast-reconstruction/
https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/fat-injection/
https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/tissue-expansion/