Breast Reconstruction (Mammoplasty with Augmentation)

· Those in Istanbul, Turkey 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, or Mammoplasty, may take place at the 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.

1. The 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. The incision will be made at predetermined sites
4. Breast implants/tissues will be placed
5. End of surgery. You may need to wait for 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>
· May require more than 1 surgery to achieve good results
· Risk of implant rupture and other implant complications

· Temporary 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 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 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.

[Clinic Name] Dr. Oyku Celen, Skin Health Clinic
[Location] Istanbul, Turkey
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] 1 min walking distance from Tattoom Gallery and a 10 mins drive from Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
[Clinic Opening Time] Monday to Friday (9:00AM - 6:00PM); Saturday (10:00AM - 3:00PM)