Breast Reconstruction Gold Coast

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE?

A breast reconstruction procedure is designed to recreate the breast mound on one or both sides. During a detailed consultation, Dr Gahankari will assess what options are available to you in regards to the breast reconstruction procedure to ensure the best possible result is achieved.

Broadly there are two main types of breast reconstruction. The first involves making your breast mound entirely with your tissues. This is most commonly done with microvascular TRAM flap. In simple terms, the breast mound is made from the spare ‘tire’ of the lower tummy. The second breast reconstruction procedure involves the making of a new breast with the help of a silicone implant, similar to a breast augmentation procedure. This can be done through the use of the tissue expander, which essentially is a temporary silicone balloon. This ‘balloons’ the remaining skin in the breast area, then a silicone implant is placed in under this newly stretched skin. Another option is to use a silicone implant under a muscle flap that is swung forward from the back. This is especially suitable for women who had radiation treatment and who desire an implant assisted reconstruction rather than TRAM flap.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO RECOVER?

As Dr Gahankari takes an individual approach to each breast reconstruction procedure, addressing the conditions unique to you, recovery times are variable and change for each patient. Dr Gahankari will discuss your surgical options and recovery times at your initial consultation. Generally speaking, it is recommended that patients refrain from work for around a week after surgery, in order to give the body enough time to rest and recover. Physical activity can be resumed after around two weeks, however it is advised to avoid rigorous or overly strenuous activities for around six weeks after surgery.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

TRAM flap breast reconstruction is ‘Rolls-Royce’ of breast reconstruction although it is more extensive procedure and may need the hospital stay for at least 5-7 days. If you had the reconstruction with LD (your back muscle) flap, you may be in the hospital for a day or two. Compression or support garments may be needed depending on the surgery. The result will be full, firm breasts that many women say are better than their ‘old’ breasts. Initially there will be swelling and bruising, however there will be a noticeable difference in the breasts. The final result can take up to a couple of months, as the swelling and bruising subsides and the breasts ‘drop and fluff’.