Breast cancer treatment can bring physical and emotional changes that continue long after surgery. For women who have undergone mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, breast reconstruction may offer an option to restore breast shape and improve body symmetry. Breast reconstruction post cancer in Mumbai can be planned immediately during cancer surgery or later, depending on the cancer treatment, overall health, radiation therapy and individual preferences. Dr. Devayani Barve, a Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Jewel Aesthetic Centre, provides personalised breast reconstruction planning based on each patient’s anatomy, treatment history and expectations.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that recreates the breast mound after tissue has been removed during cancer treatment. It may follow a complete mastectomy or, in selected cases, breast-conserving surgery when the breast contour has been significantly altered.
The objective is not simply to recreate breast volume. Reconstruction can also address symmetry, breast shape and the appearance of the chest after cancer treatment. The reconstruction page notes that the process can contribute to improved body image and emotional well-being for some women.
Every patient’s situation is different. Dr. Devayani Barve works in coordination with oncologists to determine an approach that considers the patient’s cancer treatment, anatomy and expectations.
There are three broad approaches to reconstruction described by Dr. Devayani Barve’s clinic:
Implant-based reconstruction uses a silicone or saline implant to recreate the breast mound. An implant may be placed immediately after mastectomy or through a staged approach involving a tissue expander.
One advantage of implant-based reconstruction is that it is generally less extensive than flap surgery and may involve a shorter recovery period. Whether it is appropriate depends on factors including the patient’s tissue quality, previous treatment and reconstructive goals.
Flap reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue to create the breast. Tissue may be taken from areas such as the abdomen, back or thighs.
The techniques mentioned on Dr. Devayani Barve’s page include DIEP flap, TRAM flap and latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction can provide a more natural tissue feel, although it is generally a more involved operation than implant-based reconstruction.
A combination approach uses both an implant and the patient’s own tissue. This may be considered when combining the advantages of implant volume with additional tissue coverage or contouring. The final choice depends on individual anatomy and the patient’s cancer-treatment history.
Reconstruction can broadly be classified as immediate or delayed.
Immediate reconstruction takes place during the mastectomy procedure. It may allow the breast mound to be reconstructed during the same surgical episode.
Delayed reconstruction takes place later—weeks, months or even years after mastectomy. This may be particularly relevant for women who require additional cancer treatment, including radiation therapy.