Women who have had a mastectomy have a number of options to restore their normal physical appearance, including wearing a breast prosthesis. A number of scientific medical papers, however, have concluded that breast reconstruction greatly improves an overall feeling of wholeness, elevating a sense of well-being and female image. This also eliminates the need for an external prosthesis and decreases the number of clothing restrictions.
Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is one of the most significant advances in plastic surgery over the past two decades. There are now several ways to reconstruct the breast, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Improved techniques are now also available for reconstructing the nipple. The opposite breast may have to be reshaped or have its size altered to provide the best symmetry. A team approach in which the plastic surgeon works with the primary care physician, general surgeon and radiation and/or medical oncologist generally leads to the most satisfactory result.
The first question to be decided is whether to reconstruct the breast immediately after a mastectomy or to delay the procedure.
