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January 22, 2024
Breast Reconstruction After Cancer
If you’re ready for breast reconstruction, we understand what brought you here.
“Breast cancer sucks. It’s scary,” says John Kirkham, MD, FACS, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates. “The ordeal often starts with a phone call about a mammogram or biopsy. That call is followed by an exhausting cascade of appointments, unknowns, and invasive treatments.”
Breast cancer can be disruptive in all sorts of ways, including if it leaves a visible deformity. We understand that’s an unpleasant reminder to deal with each day.
“Our goal is to get breast cancer treatment, and the consuming nature of it, in the rearview mirror as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Kirkham. “We are here to help restore function and self-confidence, setting the stage for the years ahead.”
Breast reconstruction that’s right for you
“Breast reconstruction techniques have dramatically improved in recent years,” says Dr. Kirkham. “There is no technique or strategy that we can’t offer at Plastic + Hand.”
Depending on your breast cancer, you may need:
- Partial breast reconstruction after a lumpectomy.
- Whole breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.
- Symmetry procedures after a partial mastectomy can bring the opposite (non-cancer) breast in proportion to your other breast.
You can decide what timing feels best for you:
- Immediate reconstruction happens at the time of the cancer operation.
- Delayed reconstruction can happen months, years, or even decades after the cancer operation, including updates to previous reconstructive surgery.
“Just like every other aspect of plastic surgery, it’s not about what the surgeon wants or what the textbook says,” says Dr. Kirkham. “It’s about where you are, your goals, and meeting you there.”
Fortunately, breast reconstruction after cancer treatment, including partial breast reconstruction and symmetry procedures, is always covered by insurance.
Implant reconstruction vs. flap reconstruction
If you’re unsure what’s right for you, your surgeon will help you walk through your breast reconstruction options – but here’s a quick overview of options after mastectomy.
Implant reconstruction
This technique uses an implant to recreate the breast, and it’s the most common breast reconstruction technique. This implant can be a silicone shell filled with silicone gel or a saline (salt water) implant.
“Implants are available in every shape and size to match the specific goals of anyone going through this,” says Dr. Kirkham. “One benefit of implant reconstruction is that it’s the simplest form of reconstruction, with the least downtime.”
Flap reconstruction (autologous reconstruction)
This DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) technique uses your body’s tissues (usually from your abdomen) to recreate the breast.
“DIEP flap surgery is state of the art for breast reconstruction,” explains Dr. Kirkham. “We can do this on one or both sides. DIEP flap surgery can be a good option for women who have scar problems after radiation treatment, or who want to avoid implants.”
It’s a bigger surgery than implant reconstruction. “It is technically challenging. It requires additional expertise, and we can offer that,” says Dr. Kirkham. “Tissue breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap typically requires close to a week in the hospital and several months of recovery time, but it can give a very natural result.”
Hybrid reconstruction
This option combines implant reconstruction and flap reconstruction techniques.
What about corrective breast reconstruction surgery?
“Breast reconstruction on top of the chest muscles was extremely uncommon a decade ago,” explains Dr. Kirkham. “Because of advances in surgical materials and techniques, it has become the standard for reconstruction in 2024. It offers less tightness and the most natural feel to breast reconstruction after mastectomy.”
If you’ve had previous breast reconstruction and you have discomfort (i.e., tightness, movement in an unpleasant way when you use your arm or chest muscles), talk with your plastic surgeon. “This is a simple procedure we can do at any point after a previous reconstruction to help you feel more comfortable,” Dr. Kirkham adds.
The journey back to you
While breast reconstruction recovery is typically straightforward from a physical standpoint, we know you’ve already been through a lot.
“Our goal is to help unwind some of the negative changes that come with a breast cancer diagnosis,” says Dr. Kirkham. “We also want to see that day when you’re not thinking about breast cancer or feeling like a patient – you’re getting back to life and feeling like you again. Our measure of success is what the patient tells us about how they feel a month later, a year later, a decade later.”
Do you have questions about breast reconstruction?
“It starts with a conversation in our office,” says Dr. Kirkham. “That conversation is not a commitment. It’s not meant to lead to any pathway, but it always helps to have that discussion. We recognize that everyone has their own body type, unique goals, and may be in varying stages of cancer care.”
Our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified breast reconstruction surgeons in Maine. For more than 35 years, Plastic + Hand surgeons have provided reconstructive care for thousands of women with breast cancer. Leading breast reconstruction in Portland, Maine, we are the only plastic surgery team trusted by Maine Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, and Southern Maine Medical Center.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 to get started.
