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    • Immediate Reconstruction
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  • Mastectomy Types
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01

Welcome to Your Breast Reconstruction Journey

Feeling whole again can be a patient's goal after breast reconstruction. Answer these questions to discover your options and find the right surgeon for you.

Are you pre- or post-mastectomy?

 

 

 

 

Pre-Mastectomy

 

 

 

 

Post-Mastectomy

02

Mastectomy Types

Not all mastectomies are the same! The type of surgery that would work best for you depends on multiple factors, including the stage, grade and size of the tumour, whether lymph nodes are involved, as well as your overall health.

In this breast-conserving method, only the tumour and a cancer-free area of surrounding tissue is removed. For women with Stage I or II breast cancer.

The whole breast is removed, including the nipple. Performed when cancer has not spread beyond the breast.

Surgically similar to a Total Mastectomy. Women with a high risk of breast cancer are up to 90% less likely to suffer from this disease after taking this step.

Underarm lymph nodes are removed along with the breast and sometimes the skin covering the chest wall as well.

When cancer has spread to the chest muscles, they are removed along with the rest of the breast, lymph nodes and overlying skin.

What happens after the mastectomy?

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02

3 Things to Know About Delayed Reconstruction

Whether it’s been 10 days or 10 years since your mastectomy,a vast majority of breast cancer survivors are candidates for reconstruction: it’s never too late!

Reconstructing your breasts is a process that may involve multiple steps. But a vast majority of women who go through with it experience a greater sense of self and well-being.

Reconstructive surgery can be an option for women of any age.

Ready to return to you?

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03

Differences between Immediate & Delayed Reconstruction

Immediate Reconstruction: Performed together with a mastectomy.

Delayed Reconstruction: Performed weeks, months, or even years after a mastectomy.

Immediate Reconstruction: Fewer surgeries required.

Delayed Reconstruction: More time to consider reconstruction options.

Immediate Reconstruction: Not possible if treatments like chemotherapy or radiation are required post-mastectomy

Delayed Reconstruction: Additional surgery and recovery time.

You are unique and the timing of your reconstruction is too. The approach that’s best for you needs to be decided by you and your entire team of doctors, based on your treatment needs, overall health and what makes most sense for you.

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03

Reconstruction Options

A saline or silicone implant is placed in the chest after a tissue expander stretches the muscles and skin for 6 to 8 weeks. Varied size and shape options allows for natural-looking results.

Uses a woman’s own tissue from a donor site to reconstruct the breast. Finding a surgeon with specialist techniques, including microsurgery, is essential.

Further procedures can also be performed to reconstruct, speak with someone who has the experience to guide you on this journey.

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04

Different Types of Surgeons

Medical Oncologist: Specialises in the treatment of all cancers,responsible for establishing your course of treatment, including chemotherap.

Breast Surgeon/Surgical Oncologist: Surgeon who specialises in treating cancers through the removal of tumours or the breast.

Plastic Surgeon: Surgeon who specialises in the reconstruction of the breast.

A safe and successful reconstruction involves the coordination of a team of experts to provide you with the best possible care.

THE RESULT OF YOUR SURGERY DEPENDS ON THE QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE SURGEONS INVOLVED.

Find A Breast Surgeon
Find A Plastic Surgeon
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04

Different Types of Surgeons

Medical Oncologist: Specialises in the treatment of all cancers,responsible for establishing your course of treatment, including chemotherap.

Breast Surgeon/Surgical Oncologist: Surgeon who specialises in treating cancers through the removal of tumours or the breast.

Plastic Surgeon: Surgeon who specialises in the reconstruction of the breast.

A safe and successful reconstruction involves the coordination of a team of experts to provide you with the best possible care.

THE RESULT OF YOUR SURGERY DEPENDS ON THE QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF THE SURGEONS INVOLVED.

Find A Breast Surgeon
Find A Plastic Surgeon
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BREAST SURGEON

A qualified general surgeon focused on breast surgery. Highly trained in oncoplastic techniques including mastectomy and implant based breast reconstruction.

Find A Breast Surgeon 

PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTION SURGEON

A qualified surgeon that has specialized in plastic reconstructive surgery that is trained in microsurgery to be able to perform flap reconstruction through to direct to implant reconstruction.

Find A Plastic Surgeon 

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* Any material obtained from this website is for general information only. It should be discussed with your healthcare professional and should not replace their advice. The material on this website is not comprehensive. If you have questions or concerns about Breast Reconstruction, speak to your healthcare professional

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