Breast Reconstruction

Today, in Colombia, the leading cause of cancer-related death in women is breast cancer. Due to the increasing prevalence of this disease, it is very important to perform a monthly self-examination and attend regular medical check-ups. When breast cancer is diagnosed, a surgical option that is currently available and offered to women with this disease is called breast reconstructionc

This surgery should only be performed by a surgeon with adequate training and certification in this specialty, known as oncologic plastic surgery.. It can be done immediately or delayed, meaning at a later surgical time.

Certain characteristics need to be evaluated to determine the type of reconstruction to be performed.

There are multiple surgical options, among which
are:

• The use of implants or expanders
• Pedicled flaps: latissimus dorsi, rectus abdominis.
• Dermal matrices and synthetic meshes
• Free flaps such as the DIEP (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator) flap

This is why general recommendations for all patients include maintaining a balanced diet accompanied by exercise, keeping a healthy weight, abstaining from smoking or consuming hallucinogenic substances, and avoiding self-prescribed medications.

There are situations that can affect the final outcome or should be considered when deciding on and choosing the surgical technique, such as a history of radiation therapy, the clinical state of the diagnosis, the patient’s age, any current illnesses, and personal history of smoking, among others.

Breast reconstruction can be performed on any woman between the ages of 15 and 65 who also meets certain medical criteria.

Sometimes it is performed on patients who, due to trauma, burns, or congenital abnormalities, are born with asymmetrical breasts or without one of them.. The results are very satisfactory, both aesthetically and especially functionally.