Breast reconstruction involves several surgeries and, overall, takes place over an extended period of time. The process begins with a preliminary consultation with the plastic surgeon, during which your options and the expected outcome are discussed.
The treatment consists of several steps in which the breasts are gradually enhanced, working toward a result you can be happy with.
High level of professionalism
Safe environment
Natural results
Certified processing
The purpose of breast reconstruction is to restore the shape of the breast following a previous surgery. The treatment is tailored to each individual, and the specific course of treatment depends, among other things, on your previous treatment, the tissue in the area, and the results that can be achieved.
At Capio, reconstruction can take place in several stages. During the initial consultation, the plastic surgeon will assess your options and discuss with you how the reconstruction can be planned. In the procedure shown, the breast is gradually reconstructed using a tissue expander, which is later replaced by a permanent breast implant.
For some patients, the reconstruction may subsequently be supplemented with additional corrections. These may include, for example, adjusting the shape of the breast or correcting the opposite breast to create better symmetry between the breasts. A reconstruction procedure may also include reconstruction of the nipple and the area surrounding it.
During the initial consultation, you will be informed about the expected outcome of the breast reconstruction. It is important to note that, as a general rule, complete symmetry between the reconstructed breast and the opposite breast cannot be achieved.
The final result can only be assessed after up to 12 months. The result is permanent, but the shape and appearance of the breasts may change over time, partly due to tissue changes and the effects of weight fluctuations.
The expansion method uses a permanent breast implant. Modern implants often last for many years, but there is no guarantee that they will last a lifetime, so replacement may be necessary at a later date.
Before the surgery, you will have a preoperative consultation with the plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you will be informed about the surgery, the expected results, and possible complications. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to the consultation.
To achieve the best possible results, it is important that you are at your ideal weight before the surgery.
Before the surgery, you must follow the instructions you receive, including arriving on an empty stomach on the day of the surgery and adhering to the schedule for any blood-thinning medication. In the days leading up to the surgery, you must stop taking certain types of medication and dietary supplements, as these can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
If you become ill, develop a fever, catch a cold, or have an infection or a wound prior to your surgery, please contact the clinic as soon as possible.
Breast reconstruction involves several surgeries.
During the first surgery, a tissue expander is inserted under the skin and the pectoralis major muscle. The expander acts as a temporary prosthesis that is gradually filled with saline solution through a valve. This process takes place over several weeks, during which the skin and tissue slowly expand.
Once sufficient expansion has been achieved, a second surgery is performed to replace the tissue expander with a permanent breast implant.
Depending on how things go, further adjustments may be needed later to achieve the best possible result.
After the surgery, you will be monitored until you are ready to be discharged. If the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you may need to stay overnight.
In the period following the surgery, the tissue expander will be gradually filled with saline solution during several visits to the clinic. This may cause a feeling of tightness and discomfort in the breast as the skin and tissue expand.
Following the subsequent surgery, in which the expander is replaced with a breast implant, tenderness, swelling, and discoloration may occur again; these symptoms typically subside over the following weeks.
It is important to follow the instructions you receive after the surgery, including wearing a support bra and limiting physical activity for a period of time. You can gradually resume your daily activities.
The final result can only be assessed after several months, once the healing process is complete.
How long does the breast reconstruction process take?
Breast reconstruction is a multi-step process and therefore typically takes place over an extended period of time. In reconstruction using a tissue expander, the skin and tissue are gradually stretched over the course of several visits before the expander is later replaced with a permanent breast implant.
What is a tissue expander?
A tissue expander is a temporary prosthesis that is placed under the skin and the pectoral muscle. It is gradually filled with saline solution over the course of several visits, so that the skin and tissue slowly expand, creating space for the breast implant that will be inserted later.
Will the reconstructed breast be completely symmetrical with the other breast?
It is not always possible to achieve perfect symmetry. The goal is to create as harmonious a result as possible, and in some cases, further adjustments may be needed as the process progresses.
When will I be able to see the final result?
It takes time for the breast and the surrounding tissue to heal and take on their final shape. The final result can therefore only be assessed after several months—and in some cases, up to 12 months.
Will the implant in a reconstructed breast need to be replaced later?
A breast implant can last for many years, but there is no guarantee that it will last a lifetime. Therefore, it may become necessary to replace or remove the implant at a later date.
Might additional surgeries be needed after breast reconstruction?
Yes. Breast reconstruction is a multi-step process, and depending on the outcome, further corrections may be necessary. The specific process will be discussed with the plastic surgeon.
Our skilled medical secretaries are ready to help you.
Find your local Capio location’s address and opening hours here.
