The myths surrounding breast reconstruction divide opinion. The subject is complex because it deals with issues such as possible causes of breast cancer, surgical and aesthetic interventions, and so on.

First of all, let's talk a little bit about breast reconstruction.

What is breast reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction is a medical procedure that aims to restore the breast by means of certain plastic surgery techniques.

It is a restorative surgery for those who have faced cancer and has 100% chances of restoration, considering the particularities of the case.

Both the benefits and risks of the surgery vary, so they will be assessed by the surgeon and doctor accompanying the patient.

There are various surgical techniques for reconstruction, but the final decision takes into consideration the shape of the breast and its size in relation to that which is not affected by the disease.

TYPES OF BREAST RECONSTRUCTION:

Immediate Breast Reconstruction: it is performed in the same surgery as the mastectomy;

Late Breast Reconstruction: indicated for cases in which there is a need for radiotherapy after the removal of the breast.

INCA data from 2013 shows that breast cancer affected more than 14,000 women worldwide and most women who underwent mastectomy had an indication to have a breast reconstruction procedure.

WHY SHOULD BREAST RECONSTRUCTION BE PERFORMED?

In many cases, the surgery is seen as something negative, generating anguish for the woman who will undergo breast reconstruction.

However, those who have already had this surgery state that the procedure is beneficial not only to aesthetics, but also to self-esteem. Having the opportunity to restore such a significant part of the body helps women not to feel mutilated.

Remember: although oncoplastic surgery is considered a good way out, the reconstructed breast is generally not identical to a natural one. Take into account factors such as: age range, state of health, lifestyle, physical type, stage of the disease and etc.

Therefore, it is very important that women know that the final decision on whether or not to have the procedure is up to them.

In addition to reconstruction surgeries, tattoos are also used to those who have undergone breast removal, especially the loss of the nipple.

Other methods, such as skin grafts or even fat transfer from another part of the body are also used.

The reconstruction of the breasts evokes symbolisms proper to women, including those that evoke sexuality and femininity. Therefore, reconstruction positively impacts psychological and emotional aspects.

Learn more >>> Thanks to the actions of Américas Amigas, between the years 2009 and 2018, approximately 700,000 mammograms were performed by the public and philanthropic institutions benefited by the NGO's Mammography Donation Program.

Learn more about the actions of Américas Amigas throughout Brazil and join us in the fight against breast cancer.