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Breast implant surgery for breast reconstruction
Breast implants are a way to recreate the shape of a breast after part or all of the breast is removed (mastectomy) because of cancer. It may also be done for women who have problems with breast development.
A breast implant is a soft silicone shell filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel. Silicone may create a more natural-looking breast, because its weight and texture is more like breast tissue. But saline is used most often, because it can be safely absorbed by the body if the implant leaks.
To place the implant after mastectomy, the surgeon will use the same cut (incision) that was used to remove the breast tissue. The implant may be placed directly under the skin, but it is usually put under the chest muscle. After the implant has been carefully adjusted to the correct shape and position, the incision is closed with stitches.
Breast reconstruction usually takes more than one surgery. Sometimes an implant is placed during the same surgery as mastectomy. The nipple and the brown area around it (areola) are created at a later time. But often, the doctor will first place a balloon (tissue expander) beneath the chest muscle. Saline is added to the balloon every 1 to 2 weeks to help stretch the skin and muscle. This may take several months. When the right size is reached, the balloon is taken out and an implant is put in.
See a picture of a
breast implant and tissue expander 
.
Implant surgery is done by a plastic surgeon. The breast surgeon who does your mastectomy can refer you to a plastic surgeon with special training in breast reconstruction.
You will meet with the plastic surgeon before your mastectomy to discuss the best procedure for you. The surgeon can show you pictures of other women who had implants after mastectomy. Ask to see both the best and worst results so you can get a better idea of what can happen. You can also ask to talk to women who have had the surgery.
If you are not comfortable with the surgeon or the recommended treatment, you can see another surgeon to get a second opinion.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: August 18, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology | |
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