Breast Reconstruction (Restore Breast Shape)

· Those in Mexicali, Mexico for more than 3 months.
· Those who want to rebuild the shape and look of breasts after mastectomy.
· Those who want to regain the contour and feel of breasts permanently.
· Those who want a more defined and balanced breast shape.
· Those who want to increase confidence with their body shape.

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that can help to restore breast shape after mastectomy (breast removal surgery to treat or prevent breast cancer). This treatment can help you to feel better about how you look and renew your self-confidence. Breast reconstruction can help clothes to fit better and give the chest a balanced look. Although the surgery will not help to restore the exact appearance and feel of the natural breasts, it can help to give you a similar contour to what you had before mastectomy.

Breast reconstruction may take place at time of mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or during a later procedure (delayed reconstruction). Well-known techniques to reconstruct the breasts are using implants (silicone or saline) to reshape the breasts, or using your own tissues; or a combination of both. If the doctor has chosen using your own body tissues as the best method, then further examination will be needed to determine the donor sites. The best technique will be chosen based on your condition, health status, body shape, medical history and others.

· Silicone Cohesive Gel
This type of breast implants is filled with silicone gel, which feels like the natural breast tissue. With these implants, you may need to visit your surgeon regularly for check-up to ensure the implants are in good condition. Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation in women age 22 or older.

· Gummy Bear
Gummy bear implants have silicone gel that is thicker than the traditional silicone gel implants. This quality gives it a firmer feel compared to the regular silicone implants. Gummy bear breast implants also have more projection at the bottom and are tapered towards the top. Placement of gummy bear implants requires a slightly longer incision in the skin. This type of implant is approved for the purpose of breast augmentation in adults aged 22 and older and in women of all ages who are undergoing breast reconstruction following cancer.

· Saline
Saline breast implants have sterile salt water in its contents. It is soft and feels natural. Saline breast implants give a uniform shape, safety and firmness. It is FDA-approved for augmentation for women aged 18 and older.

1. Consultation will be done by the doctor to assess your conditions and give outlines of the surgery based on your desired results.
2. Before surgery, the incision site will be marked.
3. Incision will be made at predetermined sites.
4. Breast implants / tissues will be placed.
5. End of surgery. You may need to wait 2 to 3 months for another surgery (to retouch or construct the nipple).

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

<Limitations>
· General surgery risks
· May require more than 1 surgery to achieve good results
· Risk of implant rupture and other implant complications

· Asymmetry
· Breast pain
· Poor healing of incisions
· Implant rupture or deflation
· Increased risk of future breast surgery to replace or remove the breast implant
· Changes in breast sensation

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 on 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 the cancer does come back, reconstructed breasts should not cause problems finding the 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 using 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 a breast reconstruction is to retain physical femininity.

[Hospital Name] Hospital de la Familia
[Location] Mexicali, Mexico
[Nearest Stations/Attractions] The hospital is about 17 mins drive from Mexicali International Airport and 10 mins drive from Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mexicali
[Hospital Opening Time] 24 hs daily