More Breast Surgery in Sydney - Breast Reconstruction
In addition to popular cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation and breast lift, the skilled cosmetic plastic surgeons at Silkwood Medical in Sydney offer breast reconstruction and corrective surgery for patients with asymmetrical or tuberous breasts. These procedures are designed to restore balance and enhance shape, which can boost self-image and confidence.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Surgery to Fix Asymmetric / Tuberous Breasts
Frequently Asked Questions
Surgery to Fix Asymmetric / Tuberous Breasts
As breasts develop during puberty, asymmetric and tuberous breast conditions may be apparent. In other cases these may be noted by the cosmetic plastic surgeon when a woman seeks a breast enlargement. Although no-one has perfectly symmetrical breasts, an obvious difference between the two may be due to abnormal development, birth defects, trauma and injury, or previous surgery. Tuberous breasts refer to a condition in which the breasts have an abnormally narrow base with the breast tissue being pushed forward beneath the nipple-areola complex.
The Breast Surgery Procedure
Breast asymmetry can be improved by enlarging the smaller breast with the use of a breast implant, performing a breast reduction on the larger breast to more closely match the smaller breast or, if difference in shape and droopiness is the problem, then breast lift surgery can be performed. With tuberous breasts, because the base of the breast is restricted, the tissue needs to be released before there can be any improvement. This usually involves radial incisions on the under surface of the breast tissue, then the placement of a temporary tissue expander. At a second operation this is replaced with a permanent prosthesis. In most cases, surgery is performed as a day-only procedure under general anaesthesia.
Recovery from Breast Surgery
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery and which approach is taken. Generally you should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Swelling and bruising are common and usually subside in a week or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an implant inserted?
If only an implant is being used then a tissue expander is used to gradually stretch the overlying skin over a period of weeks to months. Tissue expanders are temporary and once the skin is stretched enough the expander is replaced with a permanent silicone implant, which is usually a combination of silicone and salt water.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery from the operation takes longer if you are having a flap reconstruction compared to the tissue expansion method. Usually the recovery time after having an implant alone will be short and you can return to work and light activity after a week. However, the tissue expansion method of breast reconstruction surgery means multiple trips to our practice for the salt-water injections.
If you are having the type of flap reconstruction using the back muscle then it is unlikely that you will be back at work before two to three weeks and full activity may not be able to be resumed for six weeks. The transfer of the back muscle to the new breast can cause some initial loss of strength and function when moving the arm on that side but this is unlikely to remain a significant problem in all but those who use the muscle for competitive sports and heavy lifting.
If you are having the type of flap reconstruction using the tummy tissues then recovery will be longer again. Many women will not return to work before four weeks after this type of breast reconstruction surgery. With the latest techniques the previous problems of hernia formation and weakness of the abdominal muscles after using tummy tissue have been greatly reduced. It is unlikely that you would return to full exertion and strenuous exercise before eight weeks.
Where are the scars for breast reconstruction?
You will have scars at two sites – on the chest wall where the new breast has been created, and at the donor site if your own tissue is being used. When the donor site is the tummy, the scars are very similar to someone who has had a tummy-tuck procedure. The scars will be raised and red initially but will fade to a pale colour in most women within six to 12 months.
What long-term problems are related to transferring my own tissue to make the new breast?
These are few if the correct type of breast reconstruction is chosen for your circumstances. With the newer type of free flap techniques using tissue from the tummy, the risk of abdominal hernia has been reduced. In both cases of tissue being used from the tummy or back, there is some reduced strength in these areas, which is not usually a problem except for the most sporty and active of people.
Is it possible to make a new nipple and areola?
Yes it is. This is often done as the final step in your breast reconstruction by our skilled surgeons. There are a number of ways to reconstruct the nipple-areola complex. The most simple is to use a stuck-on prosthesis. Medical tattooing is another relatively simple option. A new nipple can be created out of the tissue transferred to make the breast, and the areola can be recreated with either tattooing or a skin graft.
Is it true that heard that tissue transfer can fail?
No operation has zero risk. However when tissue transfer operations are performed by appropriately qualified cosmetic plastic surgeons, the risk that the tissue transfer will not survive is very low. The risk that the flap will completely fail is generally half to one percent.
Will the reconstructed breast look different from my other natural breast?
There is a possibility that the reconstructed breast will differ in size, shape and feel from the other breast. However many women will choose to have a procedure to the natural breast to make it more closely match the reconstructed breast. This may mean that you choose to have a reduction, enlargement or lift of the natural breast.
Does having a breast reconstruction interfere with detection of cancer recurring?
There is no evidence that breast reconstruction interferes with the ability of your doctors or a mammogram to detect recurrence of breast cancer or a new cancer in the other breast. Similarly, there is no evidence that a breast reconstruction with either your own tissue or an implant is linked to recurrence of a cancer or a new cancer in the other breast.
I have been told that I will require radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy after my breast cancer operation – does reconstruction interfere with this?
Generally no. An immediate breast reconstruction using your own tissue will certainly not interfere with other treatments. However, an implant reconstruction may be distorted by radiotherapy. Radiotherapy may also make a delayed reconstruction using an implant more risky and a flap operation more difficult.
Will I require further surgery to the reconstructed breast?
This is a possibility. You may need an implant exchange if a firm capsule forms around it or the implant fails. Minor follow-up breast surgery may be desirable for cosmetic reasons and can usually be done as a day-only procedure under local anaesthetic.
How can breast asymmetry be improved?
Breast asymmetry can be improved through a number of breast reconstruction surgery techniques used at our Sydney practice. You may choose to enlarge the smaller breast to more closely match the larger breast. This will involve the use of a breast implant. The implant will either be a temporary tissue expander to slowly increase the size of the breast and then be replaced with a permanent implant, or a permanent implant alone may be used if the size discrepancy is not too large. Other women will choose to reduce the size of the larger breast to more closely match the smaller breast. If volume difference between the two breasts is not the problem, but rather difference in shape and droopiness, then breast lift surgery can be done. The ideal procedure for you will be decided after discussion with your surgeon.
What are tuberous breasts?
Tuberous breasts refer to a condition in which the breasts have an abnormally narrow base with the breast tissue being pushed forward beneath the nipple-areola complex. This appearance has been said to look like a “Snoopy nose”. This condition can have a profound effect on self-esteem.
How can tuberous breasts be improved?
Tuberous breasts are a more difficult problem than asymmetry. Often the breasts are small in size in addition to having a narrow base. There is usually an abnormally large nipple-areola complex. Because the base of the breast is restricted, the tissue needs to be released before there can be any improvement. This usually involves making radial incisions on the under surface of the breast tissue. A temporary tissue expander is then placed beneath the breast tissue to slowly expand the tissue to an improved size and shape. At a second operation the tissue expander is replaced with a permanent prosthesis and the nipple-areola complex is reduced in size.
Where are the scars for asymmetrical breast surgery?
If you are having an implant alone then the scar will usually be small and hidden in the fold beneath the breast. A breast reduction will require more complex (and visible) scars around the nipple-areola complex and on the lower part of the breast.
Will my breasts be perfectly matched after the operation?
Breast surgery will not perfectly match your breasts. This is not possible. However, your operation will greatly improve the abnormality and often it will be impossible to detect any problem when you are in a bra or clothing.
Will my abnormality and subsequent surgery interfere with my ability to breastfeed?
Breast surgery may interfere with the some women’s ability to breastfeed. It is difficult to predict which patients are likely to be affected by this. Having an implant alone would not usually reduce the success of breastfeeding. If breasts are asymmetrical due to trauma and injury, birth defects and previous surgery then these conditions may affect breastfeeding.
Find out How You Can Benefit from our Advanced Breast Surgery Procedures
Our surgeons use the latest techniques to deliver the highest quality of breast reconstruction surgery to local and international patients. Please contact Silkwood Medical in Sydney to schedule an initial consultation.
In addition to popular cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation and breast lift, the skilled cosmetic plastic surgeons at Silkwood Medical in Sydney offer breast reconstruction and corrective surgery for patients with asymmetrical or tuberous breasts. These procedures are designed to restore balance and enhance shape, which can boost self-image and confidence.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Surgery to Fix Asymmetric / Tuberous Breasts
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction is most commonly performed to create a new breast following mastectomy for breast cancer. Breast reconstruction can have significant psychological benefits, improving self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Breast reconstruction can be done immediately after mastectomy, during the same operation or some time later. This decision will depend on your individual circumstances.
The Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Using tissue from your own body to make a new breast is known as a flap reconstruction. Breasts done this way will look and feel more natural than those done using other techniques. A flap reconstruction is most commonly performed using excess skin and fat from the lower tummy area to make the new breast. This has the added advantage of improving the appearance of your tummy. In other cases skin, fat and muscle from the back can be used to make the new breast. An implant may also be placed beneath the flap reconstruction to improve the size and shape of the new breast. The implant used may be full-size immediately, or a tissue-expanding type which will be replaced later.
Breast reconstruction surgery is always done under general anaesthesia in fully accredited facilities. The length of the procedure can range from one to eight hours depending on the type of reconstruction. Eventually a new nipple and areola can also be reconstructed, although some women will choose to use a stick-on one instead.
Recovery from Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The length of recovery time varies according to the type of breast reconstruction performed. After an implant, you may be able to return to work and light activity after a week. However, the tissue expansion method means multiple trips to your surgeon for the salt-water injections. With a flap reconstruction using the back muscle, returning to work and light activity can take two to three weeks and for a flap reconstruction with the tummy tissues, recovery can take four weeks.
Breast reconstruction is most commonly performed to create a new breast following mastectomy for breast cancer. Breast reconstruction can have significant psychological benefits, improving self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Breast reconstruction can be done immediately after mastectomy, during the same operation or some time later. This decision will depend on your individual circumstances.
The Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Using tissue from your own body to make a new breast is known as a flap reconstruction. Breasts done this way will look and feel more natural than those done using other techniques. A flap reconstruction is most commonly performed using excess skin and fat from the lower tummy area to make the new breast. This has the added advantage of improving the appearance of your tummy. In other cases skin, fat and muscle from the back can be used to make the new breast. An implant may also be placed beneath the flap reconstruction to improve the size and shape of the new breast. The implant used may be full-size immediately, or a tissue-expanding type which will be replaced later.
Breast reconstruction surgery is always done under general anaesthesia in fully accredited facilities. The length of the procedure can range from one to eight hours depending on the type of reconstruction. Eventually a new nipple and areola can also be reconstructed, although some women will choose to use a stick-on one instead.
Recovery from Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The length of recovery time varies according to the type of breast reconstruction performed. After an implant, you may be able to return to work and light activity after a week. However, the tissue expansion method means multiple trips to your surgeon for the salt-water injections. With a flap reconstruction using the back muscle, returning to work and light activity can take two to three weeks and for a flap reconstruction with the tummy tissues, recovery can take four weeks.
Surgery to Fix Asymmetric / Tuberous Breasts
As breasts develop during puberty, asymmetric and tuberous breast conditions may be apparent. In other cases these may be noted by the cosmetic plastic surgeon when a woman seeks a breast enlargement. Although no-one has perfectly symmetrical breasts, an obvious difference between the two may be due to abnormal development, birth defects, trauma and injury, or previous surgery. Tuberous breasts refer to a condition in which the breasts have an abnormally narrow base with the breast tissue being pushed forward beneath the nipple-areola complex.
The Breast Surgery Procedure
Breast asymmetry can be improved by enlarging the smaller breast with the use of a breast implant, performing a breast reduction on the larger breast to more closely match the smaller breast or, if difference in shape and droopiness is the problem, then breast lift surgery can be performed. With tuberous breasts, because the base of the breast is restricted, the tissue needs to be released before there can be any improvement. This usually involves radial incisions on the under surface of the breast tissue, then the placement of a temporary tissue expander. At a second operation this is replaced with a permanent prosthesis. In most cases, surgery is performed as a day-only procedure under general anaesthesia.
Recovery from Breast Surgery
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery and which approach is taken. Generally you should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Swelling and bruising are common and usually subside in a week or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an implant inserted?
If only an implant is being used then a tissue expander is used to gradually stretch the overlying skin over a period of weeks to months. Tissue expanders are temporary and once the skin is stretched enough the expander is replaced with a permanent silicone implant, which is usually a combination of silicone and salt water.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery from the operation takes longer if you are having a flap reconstruction compared to the tissue expansion method. Usually the recovery time after having an implant alone will be short and you can return to work and light activity after a week. However, the tissue expansion method of breast reconstruction surgery means multiple trips to our practice for the salt-water injections.
If you are having the type of flap reconstruction using the back muscle then it is unlikely that you will be back at work before two to three weeks and full activity may not be able to be resumed for six weeks. The transfer of the back muscle to the new breast can cause some initial loss of strength and function when moving the arm on that side but this is unlikely to remain a significant problem in all but those who use the muscle for competitive sports and heavy lifting.
If you are having the type of flap reconstruction using the tummy tissues then recovery will be longer again. Many women will not return to work before four weeks after this type of breast reconstruction surgery. With the latest techniques the previous problems of hernia formation and weakness of the abdominal muscles after using tummy tissue have been greatly reduced. It is unlikely that you would return to full exertion and strenuous exercise before eight weeks.
Where are the scars for breast reconstruction?
You will have scars at two sites – on the chest wall where the new breast has been created, and at the donor site if your own tissue is being used. When the donor site is the tummy, the scars are very similar to someone who has had a tummy-tuck procedure. The scars will be raised and red initially but will fade to a pale colour in most women within six to 12 months.
What long-term problems are related to transferring my own tissue to make the new breast?
These are few if the correct type of breast reconstruction is chosen for your circumstances. With the newer type of free flap techniques using tissue from the tummy, the risk of abdominal hernia has been reduced. In both cases of tissue being used from the tummy or back, there is some reduced strength in these areas, which is not usually a problem except for the most sporty and active of people.
Is it possible to make a new nipple and areola?
Yes it is. This is often done as the final step in your breast reconstruction by our skilled surgeons. There are a number of ways to reconstruct the nipple-areola complex. The most simple is to use a stuck-on prosthesis. Medical tattooing is another relatively simple option. A new nipple can be created out of the tissue transferred to make the breast, and the areola can be recreated with either tattooing or a skin graft.
Is it true that heard that tissue transfer can fail?
No operation has zero risk. However when tissue transfer operations are performed by appropriately qualified cosmetic plastic surgeons, the risk that the tissue transfer will not survive is very low. The risk that the flap will completely fail is generally half to one percent.
Will the reconstructed breast look different from my other natural breast?
There is a possibility that the reconstructed breast will differ in size, shape and feel from the other breast. However many women will choose to have a procedure to the natural breast to make it more closely match the reconstructed breast. This may mean that you choose to have a reduction, enlargement or lift of the natural breast.
Does having a breast reconstruction interfere with detection of cancer recurring?
There is no evidence that breast reconstruction interferes with the ability of your doctors or a mammogram to detect recurrence of breast cancer or a new cancer in the other breast. Similarly, there is no evidence that a breast reconstruction with either your own tissue or an implant is linked to recurrence of a cancer or a new cancer in the other breast.
I have been told that I will require radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy after my breast cancer operation – does reconstruction interfere with this?
Generally no. An immediate breast reconstruction using your own tissue will certainly not interfere with other treatments. However, an implant reconstruction may be distorted by radiotherapy. Radiotherapy may also make a delayed reconstruction using an implant more risky and a flap operation more difficult.
Will I require further surgery to the reconstructed breast?
This is a possibility. You may need an implant exchange if a firm capsule forms around it or the implant fails. Minor follow-up breast surgery may be desirable for cosmetic reasons and can usually be done as a day-only procedure under local anaesthetic.
How can breast asymmetry be improved?
Breast asymmetry can be improved through a number of breast reconstruction surgery techniques used at our Sydney practice. You may choose to enlarge the smaller breast to more closely match the larger breast. This will involve the use of a breast implant. The implant will either be a temporary tissue expander to slowly increase the size of the breast and then be replaced with a permanent implant, or a permanent implant alone may be used if the size discrepancy is not too large. Other women will choose to reduce the size of the larger breast to more closely match the smaller breast. If volume difference between the two breasts is not the problem, but rather difference in shape and droopiness, then breast lift surgery can be done. The ideal procedure for you will be decided after discussion with your surgeon.
What are tuberous breasts?
Tuberous breasts refer to a condition in which the breasts have an abnormally narrow base with the breast tissue being pushed forward beneath the nipple-areola complex. This appearance has been said to look like a “Snoopy nose”. This condition can have a profound effect on self-esteem.
How can tuberous breasts be improved?
Tuberous breasts are a more difficult problem than asymmetry. Often the breasts are small in size in addition to having a narrow base. There is usually an abnormally large nipple-areola complex. Because the base of the breast is restricted, the tissue needs to be released before there can be any improvement. This usually involves making radial incisions on the under surface of the breast tissue. A temporary tissue expander is then placed beneath the breast tissue to slowly expand the tissue to an improved size and shape. At a second operation the tissue expander is replaced with a permanent prosthesis and the nipple-areola complex is reduced in size.
Where are the scars for asymmetrical breast surgery?
If you are having an implant alone then the scar will usually be small and hidden in the fold beneath the breast. A breast reduction will require more complex (and visible) scars around the nipple-areola complex and on the lower part of the breast.
Will my breasts be perfectly matched after the operation?
Breast surgery will not perfectly match your breasts. This is not possible. However, your operation will greatly improve the abnormality and often it will be impossible to detect any problem when you are in a bra or clothing.
Will my abnormality and subsequent surgery interfere with my ability to breastfeed?
Breast surgery may interfere with the some women’s ability to breastfeed. It is difficult to predict which patients are likely to be affected by this. Having an implant alone would not usually reduce the success of breastfeeding. If breasts are asymmetrical due to trauma and injury, birth defects and previous surgery then these conditions may affect breastfeeding.
Find out How You Can Benefit from our Advanced Breast Surgery Procedures
Our surgeons use the latest techniques to deliver the highest quality of breast reconstruction surgery to local and international patients. Please contact Silkwood Medical in Sydney to schedule an initial consultation.