Breast Reconstruction (Restore Breast Appearance After Mastectomy)

· Those in Seoul, South Korea looking for breast reconstruction surgery.
· Those with breast cancer tissues.
· Those who want to restore breast shape after a mastectomy.
· Those who want to build new breasts after cancer treatment.
· Those who want to increase confidence in their body shape.

Improvement of breast shape is possible after surgeries to help correct or build a better breast appearance. Breast Reconstruction at our affiliated clinic focuses on restoring new healthy breasts for the ones that have been diagnosed with breast cancer and need to undergo mastectomy for the treatment. Mastectomy is a procedure done to remove breast tissues that may be detected with cancer; this could prevent cancer from spreading as well as recurring. Breast reconstruction can help clothes to fit better and give the chest a balanced look. Also, the treatment can help you to feel better about how you look and renew your self-confidence.

At our affiliated clinic, Breast Reconstruction is performed in 2 stages with 6 months gap in between.
Stage 1 would be carried out at the same time as mastectomy, while Stage 2 would be performed roughly 6 months after the mastectomy to properly identify if there is any recurrent cancer or metastasis before the full breast reconstruction treatment.

There are a few types of treatment available for breast reconstruction. Depending on your condition, the surgeon would suggest what would be best suited for you.

By Implants

· Implant Insertion
This method is suitable for the ones whose original breasts were not very large and still have breast skin and tissue remained after mastectomy; the incision made during mastectomy would be used for the insertion to ensure no additional scarring. With this technique, any recurrent cancer can be easily detected, and the recovery period is relatively quick.

· Implant Insertion After Tissue Expansion
Saline solution would be injected into the tissue expander placed in the breasts and retained for 3 to 4 months to create space ready for the insertion of larger implants.

By Autologous Tissues

· Abdominal Tissue Transplant
This method reconstructs the breast by implanting tissues from abdominal muscles and fats; blood vessels in the transplanted tissues should remain intact during the transfer. This is suitable for the ones with obesity or excess fats on the abdomen.

· Back Tissue Transplant
The back muscles and surrounding tissues would be transplanted to the breast for reconstruction; most of the cases require implants to be inserted along with the method as the volume of tissues collected would be smaller than the abdominal part.

· Buttocks Tissue Transplant
This method can be considered if neither the abdominal nor the back tissues are available. The fats on the buttocks are abundant and sufficient to reconstruct the breasts; however, it is difficult to maintain the intact transplanted tissues' blood vessels and hence this technique has a relatively high failure chance.

1. Consultation and examination of breast condition
2. Appointments will be scheduled for both stages of treatment
3. Stage 1 includes mastectomy
4. Stage 2 would be done approximately 6 months after
5. The surgeon makes sure the best method for breast reconstruction that is suitable for you would be performed

<Advantages>
· Long-lasting results
· Increases confidence with body shape
· Safe procedure
· Restores shape loss after mastectomy
· Gives a more feminine silhouette

<Limitations>
· Requires 2 stages of treatment for the ideal results

6 weeks before surgery:
· Stop smoking
· Refrain from using hormonal birth control to reduce complications risks

About 10 days prior to the procedure:
· Stop taking blood-thinning medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and medications containing those products
· Reduce or stop taking vitamin E, omega 3 supplements as they can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding

· Do not lift heavy objects
· Take your medication prescribed by the surgeon
· Do not smoke for at least 6 weeks after the surgery
· In case of fever, deep pain, bleeding, nausea, and vomiting contact your surgeon immediately
· Do not exercise or do any strenuous activities for 6 to 8 weeks, and please start at a moderate pace

Q1: Can breast reconstruction cause cancer to come back?
A1: Studies have shown that breast reconstruction does not cause cancer to come back. And even if cancer does come back, reconstructed breasts should not cause problems finding cancer or treating it.

Q2: Will there be scarring?
A2: As with any surgery, it can cause scarring. But the scars will gradually fade. Breast reconstruction will lead to a more complete look to the breast rather than a flat scar on the chest.

Q3: How long will I need to recover?
A3: You may need to adhere to aftercare measures outlined by the doctor for 2 to 3 months. Most women can start to get back to normal activities within 1 to 2 months, depending on the condition.

Q4: Is it possible for me to choose to use my own body tissues only instead of implants?
A4: It is possible to use your own body tissues or a combination of body tissues and implants. However, this is subject to the doctor’s examination of your condition. This includes your current health state, past surgeries, body shape, and others.

Q5: Do I have to have breast reconstruction?
A5: No, it is not necessary if you are not comfortable in doing so. In fact, some patients decide that they are not ready to have reconstruction for various reasons, or do not want to undergo any further surgeries. Many breast cancer patients may choose to wear a prosthesis (artificial breast) to allow better fit in clothing. The main reason to get breast reconstruction is to retain physical femininity.

[Clinic Name] Banobagi Plastic & Aesthetic Clinic
[Location] Seoul, South Korea
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] Walking distance from Yeoksam Station Exit 6 and Eonju Station Exit 7. Surrounded by a lot of eateries and hotels.
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday to Friday (9:30AM - 6:30PM) ; Saturday (9:30AM - 4:00PM)