Worldwide, female breast cancer has now surpassed lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer. An estimated 2,261,419 new cases were diagnosed in women across the world in recent years. For those patients who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, successful treatment is certainly a cause for celebration. But for those undergoing lumpectomy or mastectomy as part of their treatment, changes in the way their breasts look and feel can leave many women feeling frustrated and depressed. Fortunately, breast reconstruction surgery can help restore breast size, shape, and feel.

Although there is no shortage of breast reconstruction information available online these days, there are still many myths surrounding breast reconstruction surgery. Fortunately, Rozina Ali, MD, a highly qualified plastic surgeon, with vast expertise in the aesthetics of breast and breast reconstruction surgery, wishes to clear all the misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding breast reconstruction surgery. In this article, Dr Ali tackles the most common myths to help women stay informed.

You'll need to wait until after the mastectomy before having breast reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction surgery may involve more than one procedure at different stages. But women can safely have immediate reconstruction at the same time as a mastectomy, which often leads to the best results. Most women with early breast cancer (stage 1 or 2) are candidates for this type of procedure. Immediate breast reconstruction has the advantage of saving the natural breast skin and decreasing the amount of scarring. Patients who opt for immediate reconstruction wake up with reconstructed breasts and may avoid future surgeries.

Breast reconstruction with implants hides signs of breast cancer.

Breast implants don’t increase your risk of future breast cancer, nor do they cause breast cancer. Moreover, there is no evidence that indicates breast reconstruction of any kind interferes with the ability to detect breast cancer later in time.

Reconstructed breasts don’t look natural.

Thanks to medical and aesthetic advances in plastic surgery, reconstruction has come a long way since its introduction. New materials and techniques have made breast reconstruction as natural looking as possible Dr Rozina Ali has extensive experience, international expertise and some great outcomes in breast reconstruction. The art of breast enhancement is to create a breast that is pert, shapely, sits correctly on the curved chest wall and feels soft. Whether you require round, shaped, textured, smooth or microthane-coated implants; or the use of fat transfer, free tissue transfer or an acellular dermal matrix, Rozina is skilled in selecting the right procedure for the right outcome in the right patient. It’s a matter of experience and communication and depends on the natural breast tissue quality and the dimensions of the breast.

You can’t change your breast size.

Breast reconstruction may involve multiple surgeries to create a pocket for implants and to prepare the underlying muscle before the implant or flap procedure is performed. Plus, breast reconstruction can always be “fine-tuned” in the future as age-related changes alter appearance or position. The key is to discuss your concerns with your doctor, so your reconstruction can be adjusted to suit you.

Now that you understand the facts about breast reconstruction, it is easy to see the many benefits of this next step. Don’t let misconceptions keep you from learning more about breast reconstruction surgery. Make sure to select an FRCS plast who will spend plenty of time with you during your initial consultation to consider your aesthetic goals and personal lifestyle.

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