Understanding Breast Reconstruction

For most women, finding out that they have breast cancer comes as such a shock that reconstruction is not amongst the things that cross their minds. Your highest concern will, of course, be having the cancer removed. It has come to the attention of many people; however, that most patients don't know the options they have regarding breast reconstruction. It's important that you know and understand all of your options for breast reconstruction in Dallas.



One option is to have breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy. During this procedure, a surgeon removes all of the cancerous tissue from the breast. After having tissues removed, the breast might not look as normal and balanced at it used to. Many will choose to get implants to help restore the balance.



After a mastectomy almost 75 percent of women opt to get breast reconstruction surgery in one or both breasts. Furthermore, half of these women go for breast implants, although you may also have the option to have tissue taken from other body parts like the buttocks, thigh or stomach, and form a new breast from the tissue.



You will also have to make the choice as to when you are going to have the breast reconstruction done. Most women choose to have it done immediately after having breast cancer surgery. However if the tumor was in an advanced stage prior to surgery and a series of radiation treatments will be necessary after the surgery, you may have to delay your decision to get a breast reconstruction in Dallas.



As with all choices, you'll find that there is both a positive and negative side to reconstructing immediately as well as delaying the procedure. If you choose to wait, then you can give yourself times to do more research and to decide exactly which method will be best for you. It can also give you more time in which you can focus on your treatment. Handling your treatments is more than enough stress for you. You might not need to be putting more pressure on yourself by trying to decide where to have your reconstruction surgery in Dallas.



However, if you delay making a decision, it may become increasingly difficult to deal with the emotional distress caused by not having your breasts. Women would almost always choose to go for a breast reconstruction immediately after surgery. This is more advantageous for you if you'd like to still see your body with symmetry, the same way it did before the mastectomy. If you choose to have reconstructive surgery immediately, you don't have to reschedule for another surgery date, unless a complication arises with regards to the new tissue or the implant.



You need to make sure that whatever option you choose for breast reconstruction in Dallas that you talk to your doctor beforehand and ask plenty of questions. A quality breast cancer surgeon in Dallas will be open and honest with you throughout the entire process. He or she will understand how big of a deal this is for you and tell you what options are good for you, and which options just aren't right for you.