After a mastectomy to remove cancerous breast tissue, many women struggle with the reality of losing one or both of their breasts. Not only is battling cancer an indescribably difficult experience, but then losing your breasts, often viewed as one of the pillars of femininity, can make the experience even more profoundly difficult. Choosing to reclaim this part of your body is a deeply personal choice, and many people who decide to get breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy wonder how long they need to wait.
When considering breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, you have two choices: now or later. Immediate breast reconstruction can be done directly after a mastectomy, whereas delayed breast reconstruction happens after several months of recovery. Delayed breast reconstruction is Dr. Bryan Armijo’s preferred method, as he wants to ensure that the patient is cancer-free to ensure the safest outcome for the procedure.
In this blog, we’ll discuss both an immediate and a delayed breast reconstruction procedure and clarify how long you should wait after your mastectomy.
What is the Ideal Timing For Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
Once a woman decides that she wants to move forward with breast reconstruction, the next step is to determine the best time to have the procedure. Some women choose to wait until sometime after their mastectomy. There are a variety of reasons why some women choose to wait before having a secondary surgery. It could be because they aren’t mentally or physically prepared to have both surgeries done at the same time. It could also be because they still have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation to ensure they are in remission before moving on to the next stage of their healing.
If you are amongst the many women who choose delayed breast reconstruction, the ideal time to wait is between six and twelve months after your mastectomy or lumpectomy.
How Soon After Mastectomy Can You Undergo Breast Reconstruction?
You can decide to undergo breast reconstruction at any point after your mastectomy, depending on your preferences and whether you still need to undergo chemotherapy and radiation. Reconstructive surgery can be done immediately after a unilateral or bilateral mastectomy or many years down the line. Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours.
However, if you still need to undergo cancer treatments, it’s recommended that you wait four to six weeks after your last radiation treatment. For many patients, it is beneficial to allow the body and mind time to heal from your cancer treatments before introducing a second procedure.
What Factors Influence the Timing of Breast Reconstruction Surgery?
A major factor that can affect the timing of your breast reconstruction is whether you will need radiation therapy. Radiation can sometimes delay wound healing or leave you more susceptible to infections in reconstructed breasts, so many plastic surgeons and patients prefer to delay reconstruction until their radiation therapy is complete.
Another factor that influences the timing of your breast reconstruction surgery is the type of breast cancer you’ve been diagnosed with. Women diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer usually require more extensive skin removal, which can make immediate reconstruction more challenging.
How Does Your Overall Health Affect the Timing of Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is considered a major surgical operation that will require rest and recovery. To ensure that the recovery process goes smoothly, it’s important that you are in optimal overall health. Before your breast reconstruction, Dr. Armijo will go over your entire medical history and perform a series of tests. Before undergoing a reconstruction procedure, you should be:
- In remission
- A non-smoker or willing to quit
- Cleared of any serious hypertension or diabetes
- Free of any other health problems that inhibit healing
- At or near a healthy weight
- Psychologically prepared for the procedure
If you currently have any other health issues, your reconstruction procedure will need to wait until you’ve been cleared by your primary care physician, oncologist, and Dr. Armijo. Ultimately, your overall health is Dr. Armijo’s top priority.
What Are the Benefits of Immediate vs. Delayed Breast Reconstruction?
The benefits of an immediate reconstruction include:
- Improved levels of psychological well-being post-mastectomy
- One recovery period rather than two
- Immediate cosmetic results
The benefits of a delayed breast reconstruction procedure:
- Limits any delays in receiving cancer therapies immediately after mastectomy
- Can be done at any time following a mastectomy
- Gives patients more time to plan and consider their breast reconstruction options
- Allows time for the body to heal from both the mastectomy and cancer treatments
How Do I Find the Right Surgeon For Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction involves many choices, but the first and most important one is selecting a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Look for a surgeon who has before and after photos readily available and who is willing to spend the time with you to really understand what you want from your reconstruction. A successful breast reconstruction surgery requires choosing a surgeon with the experience, knowledge, and training necessary to walk you through your different options and perform the procedure how and when it is best for you.
Schedule Your Breast Reconstruction Consultation With Dr. Bryan Armijo
If you are interested in undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Armijo in Dallas, TX. He has the experience and training required to perform different breast reconstruction techniques safely and effectively. With his knowledge and expertise, he can help you identify and undergo the right breast reconstruction for you. To schedule your consultation, call our office at (214) 540-1434 or complete our online form. We look forward to helping you feel beautiful and whole again after your valiant battle with breast cancer.