Breast Reconstruction: Final Step Of Nipple And Areola In The Procedure
When breast cancer strikes in a woman, the diseased body part is often totally removed
. The medical term for this procedure is a mastectomy. While this is often a critical part of saving a woman's life, it is a hardship on her body image and self esteem. Plastic surgeons now have amazing ways to recreate a new and natural looking breast with their advanced reconstruction methods.
A mastectomy can be performed by using a variety of techniques including the repositioning of abdominal skin in various surgical flap methods, the use of implants containing either saline or silicone, and even fat transfer.
The plastic surgeon will attempt to produce a natural and symmetrical look. If only one breast was removed, it is especially desirable to have the reconstructed one look very much like its twin. This will help in being able to easily find proper fitting bras, swimsuits and even form fitting dresses and blouses.
After the original repair surgery, the result will be a rounded mound but it will be lacking the nipple and areola. The procedure to recreate those takes place three or four months later. Some women opt out of this final step and choose to be content with the mound. Others feel more comfortable with a nipple and areola that aligns with the ones that were lost to the cancer.
There are a few options in order to create the nipple. One is to use a surgical method which entails puckering the skin with a few stitches into a protrusion. Around this protrusion, a surrounding circular tattoo would then be applied. Another method is to simply tattoo a design such as a heart or something symbolic of the survival which has taken place.
There are also prostheses available to recreate the look. The nipple reconstruction surgery is an outpatient operation which takes approximately two hours to perform. Afterward, a supportive ring-shaped wrap is worn for a few weeks in order to aid in a successful healing outcome.
While there will not be the original sensitivity in the area, there will be an appearance of beauty and normalcy. The former sensitivity was due to the large number of nerves that had been apparent. The attractiveness of a new nipple and areola often greatly helps a woman's overall recovery. The way one looks and feels about their body produces positive energy and attitude which has been shown to enhance physical healing.
If a woman is a candidate for these types of surgeries, it would be wise to discuss the all of the options with her plastic surgeon. Photos of other patients' outcomes should be helpful in giving a visual representation of what results are possible.
by: Abigail Aaronson
Breast Reconstruction - Different Types Of Procedures