The removal of a breast, usually for the treatment of breast cancer, presents both physical and emotional difficulties for women. Whether you have a lumpectomy or a type of mastectomy, your chest may be flattened, misshapen or asymmetrical after surgery. The physical and emotional difficulties may in fact be worse, even though smaller tissue is taken since all too often radiotherapy is recommended. Breast reconstruction is surgery to restore breast shape, size and symmetry, but also to improve your body image and self-esteem, helping the process of recovery on a physical, emotional and psychological level. According to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, all women should be offered the chance to high-quality breast reconstruction.

As in one of her previous articles, Dr Rozina Ali, a top-rated female plastic surgeon in UK, highly qualified in aesthetic & reconstructive procedures, shares with us what are the options for patients who had a lumpectomy to improve their breast shape.

Types of breast reconstruction procedures

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy can help overcome body image concerns by rebuilding natural-looking breasts – and not just with implants. One popular option among patients who need breast reconstruction is fat grafting. Fat is harvested by a liposuction-type procedure from a part of the body where it is unwanted and then grafted by injection to correct a breast contour.

Some patients may opt for breast conservation surgery, also called lumpectomy, instead of a mastectomy. This often requires rearrangement of breast tissue after the procedure. Many patients who choose breast conservation surgery also choose a symmetrising procedure or lifting technique to achieve a natural look.

What type of surgery is right for me?

If you've had a lumpectomy (with or without radiation) to remove early-stage breast cancer, you may have a dent, bulge, or other distortion of the breast shape at the surgical site. Or your nipple/areola/breast may have a different size or position compared to the other breast. Because there are so many variables, there is no standard approach to reconstruction after lumpectomy, but there are definitely options.

The best next step to take at this point is to look for an expert FRCS (Plast) accredited plastic surgeon.

Dr Rozina Ali has an extensive experience and expertise alongside some great outcomes in all types of breast reconstruction surgery. Do keep in mind that it does not fall within the duties of the plastic surgeon to always tell you what you want to hear. The best surgeons will give you honest, straightforward guidance on the best approach to your situation and the realistic results you can expect.

Satisfaction With Breast Reconstruction Results

If you’re unhappy with the results of a reconstruction surgery or you’re having symptoms that could mean you developed a complication, it’s also worth seeking out a plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience with corrective procedures and finding out about your options. Corrective surgery is always customized to your unique situation. The goal of corrective surgery is to fix problems that occurred during or after breast reconstruction surgery that impact your quality of life or your health.

Dr Ali has expertise in some extremely effective techniques and the compassion and aesthetic vision to help enhance not just your breast size and shape, but also your outlook and self-image. Breast reconstruction can be used to add curves and cleavage where required and to even out asymmetry or differences in volume.

Book a private consultation, talk with your surgeon and learn how you can restore the naturally vibrant appearance of your breast as you remember.

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