Dr. Dirk Lazarus
Plastic Surgeon

Tel: 021 424 1112
Fax: 021 424 1118

86 New Church St
Tamboerskloof
Cape Town, 8001
South Africa

The diagnosis of breast cancer or the loss of a breast is a difficult time for a woman. Not only does she have to deal with the cancer and its consequences, but she might have to cope with feelings of loss of her femininity, lowering of her self esteem and self confidence, depression, anger and so on. Fortunately, plastic surgery can offer women who are due to undergo mastectomy or who have undergone mastectomy the option of a breast reconstruction procedure. Breast reconstruction might also be required for other causes of breast problems: congenital deficiencies such as Poland's syndrome, or loss due to other causes.

To construct a breast, there are a number of options. Autologous reconstruction, often considered the gold standard, uses your own tissue, either from the lower tummy, the TRAM flap, or from the back using the latissimus dorsi muscle. One of the advantages of the TRAM flap is that the donor site is improved as the abdominal part of the operation is like a tummy tuck. Non autologous reconstruction - the use of an implant - is a quicker, simpler procedure, but may require expansion of tissue first to create space for the implant. Using an implant may not create as natural a result and patients may be prone to developing the problems associated with implants.

Attention also needs to be given to the opposite breast - its cancer risk, whether it needs to be made bigger, smaller or lifted to facilitate the overall reconstruction. Finally, nipple areolar reconstruction, which is a relatively small procedure, can harmonise the overall reconstruction and create a relatively normal looking breast.

A breast reconstruction procedure can in many cases restore a breast and often result in an overall enhancement of body shape, as well as an improvement in self esteem and general well being. With current breast reconstruction techniques, a breast of similar size and shape to normal can now be created. When a woman opts for a breast reconstruction it is often a sign of positivity and acceptance on her part.

For a more detailed description, click here