Mastectomy
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure consisting of the removal of the
breast (removal of the mammary gland, an area of skin and the areola)
to treat malignant tumours. The term mastectomy is common but its use is
inappropriate.
Currently, with the development of screening for breast cancer, and
early discovery of small tumours that can be removed without affecting
the bulk of the mammary gland (in association with combined therapy,
chemotherapy or radiotherapy) makes mastectomy surgery a little less
frequent.
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that has a significant personal and
psychological impact on the patient. It very often leads to a change
in her life.
When chest wall radiotherapy after surgery is not planned, mastectomy
may be followed by immediate breast reconstruction during the same
operation. Reconstruction is a personal choice; the simplest method is
reconstruction by prosthesis or breast implant. Other techniques are
more sophisticated with use of flaps derived from the tissue of the
patient. Breast shape and volume are reconstructed.
We talk about secondary reconstruction when complementary treatments
(radiotherapy) are needed immediately after mastectomy and so breast
reconstruction will be delayed, usually until a year later.
Reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy is a delicate surgical
procedure, requiring a lot of rigour and with all the risks associated
with any medical procedure (anaesthesia and surgery) even when carried
out under the most favourable conditions, that is to say by a
competent plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons have developed these
mammoplasty procedures and because of their training they are,
naturally, breast reconstructive surgeons. Without overstating the
risk, a proportion of risks exists, and turning to a qualified plastic
surgeon can prevent complications or treat them effectively.