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Reconstruction Methods -
Using Implants
Reconstructing a breast with implants
Procedure in brief
The procedure essentially involves the placement of an implant under the chest wall muscle and skin. It is usually done as a two stage operation. Firstly an inflatable balloon (tissue expander) is placed under the muscle. This is inflated with a series of injections of saline water. A permanent implant is then used 3-6 months later.
Tissue expander and Implant position
What can be good about this type of reconstruction?
- Only adds a little extra surgery to your original mastectomy operation
- Does not involve scars on the tummy or back
- Can produce very pleasing breast mound/shape and symmetry in the right patient
- Has a relatively quick recovery
What can be bad about this operation?
- The shape of breast produced has little or no natural droop and can therefore struggle to match the opposite breast if it has that shape.
- Involves a second operation
- Does have the long term problems associated with breast implants of firmness in 30% and a small risk of infection resulting in implant loss.
- Tends to give less symmetry over the years, as the implant breast does not change shape or size in the same way as the natural breast.
Operation facts
- Average length of stay - 4 days
- Average length of surgery - 1-2 hours
- Time restricted to bed - 1 day
- Bladder catheter used - No
- Time to walking - 1-2 days
- Walking easily - 7 days
- Time to exercise - 4 weeks
- Time to full recovery - 6-8 weeks
- Time off work - 6-8 weeks
- Dressings - Breast
- How long for dressings - 2 weeks
- Bras and garments - Usually sports bra worn once implant placed
- Potential donor site problems - Nil
- Potential reconstruction problems - ~3% - Fluid collection, infection
- Long term problems - ~30% Firmness of implant, infection, asymmetry to opposite breast
- Single or staged operations - Two stages over 4-6 months
