Breast Reconstruction (Restore Your Breasts)

· Those in Bangkok for at least 10 days.
· Those with mastectomy performed previously.
· Those who wish to have breasts again.
· Those who wish to increase the size of their breasts.
· Those who wish to improve the size, shape and appearance of their breasts.

Breast reconstruction surgery is a procedure usually performed for the ones who have undergone breast cancer treatment or mastectomy (removal of entire breast tissues).
It is a surgical procedure performed by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon to restore breast shape and appearance. However, it is essential to be noted that the results could not be as natural or have adequate sensation.

There are 2 main types of breast reconstructive surgery: using synthetic materials (implants) and using patients' own tissues (flaps).
A number of variations are available within the 2 types. The suitability depends on patients' preferences, desirable effects, and the extent of the surgery patients are willing to proceed with.

For Implants, saline and silicone are the 2 mainly used ones. Saline implants are contained of sterile saltwater that closely matches the salt content in human body, whereas the silicone implant is filled with silicone gel. The procedure can be performed at the same time as mastectomy with no extra recovery time needed.

For Flap reconstruction, the procedure is suitable for the ones who are looking for improvement on breast appearance.
There are 3 types of Flap: DIEP Flap, TRAM Flap, and Lat Flap.

DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) Flap makes use of skin and fat from the lower abdomen for the reconstruction. This method can provide natural and soft breasts with an extra benefit of flattening the abdomen.

TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous) Flap however is no longer a preferred technique due to the risk of hernia or abdominal bulge and the restriction of lifting heavy objects (20 lbs.) after the surgery.

Lat (The Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous) Flap uses the skin, fat and Latissimus muscle from the back for the reconstruction. This technique is a good alternative if patients do not have lower abdominal tissue available or not willing to undergo microsurgery.

There are 2 main types of reconstructive surgery: those that use synthetic materials (implants) and those using your own tissues (flaps). There are also variations within these types. For example, implants may be silicone or saline in nature. The type of reconstruction that suits you best depends on your preferences, the effect you desire, and the extent of your breast cancer surgery.

1) Implants: Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water that closely matches the salt content in our bodies. The silicone implant is a silicone sack filled with silicone gel. The procedure for silicone and saline implants is similar: The implant is positioned behind the pectoralis muscle (the main muscle in the chest wall). Then, the skin is closed over it.

2) Flaps: Tissue flap surgery is done in order to rebuild the shape of a breast using skin, fat, and muscle from another part of the body. It is usually done after part or all of the breast is removed (mastectomy) due to cancer. It is also suitable to be done on those who have problems with breast development.

<Advantages>
· New breasts/feminine appearance
· Makes wearing certain types of clothing easier
· Helps place your cancer experiences behind you
· Breasts look and feel natural (silicone)
· Not injurious to surrounding tissues (saline)

<Limitations>
· Saline implants may leak (rare)
· Risk of incision site problems, nerve injury, delayed healing, need for revision surgery

Q1: How do I prepare myself for my breast reconstruction procedure?
A1: To avoid complications and reduce risk factors, you need to stop smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, taking hormonal pills, herbal supplements, and medicines (other than those that your doctor allows you continue), at least 2 weeks before your scheduled procedure. People with diseases need surgical clearance from their medical specialist.

Q2: What happens when my saline implant leaks/ruptures?
A2: In the case that your saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate, causing the breast to change in size and shape. Your body will absorb the leaking saline solution without health risks. Still, you might need surgery to remove the silicone shell.

Q3: What is mastopexy?
A3: It is a plastic surgery procedure that raises sagging breasts by changing and modifying the size, contour, and elevation of the breasts.

Q4: What does mammoplasty mean?
A4: Also called mammoplasty, it refers to a procedure that resizes, reshapes and modifies the appearance of the breasts.

[Clinic Name] Yanhee Hospital
[Location] Bangkok, Thailand
[Nearest Station/ Nearest Tourist Destination] Walking distance to shopping places, FamilyMart, Horseriding place, Futsal Court and 1 min walk to bus station (Bang Phlat).
[Clinic Opening Time] Open 24 hours