How long do reconstructed breasts last?
Breast reconstruction is surgery to make a new breast after removal of the breast or part of the breast.
The aim is to make a breast of similar size and shape to your original breast. However, they are unlikely to be identical.
Mr Fitton offers breast reconstruction to women who would like to restore their natural appearance after one or both of their breasts have been removed due to medical treatment or physical injury.
Mr Fitton can help you achieve a natural look that makes you feel confident for many years to come.
Types of breast reconstruction
The main ways of making a new breast include:
- implants to replace all or some of your breast tissue
- using tissue taken from another part of your body (autologous or “flap” reconstruction)
- using your own tissue and an implant
How long do breast reconstruction results last?
Breast reconstruction surgery provides results that may be enjoyed for decades.
Mr Fitton can help you achieve a natural look that makes you feel confident for many years to come. Whether you choose breast implants or skin flaps for your reconstructive procedure, you can expect the outcomes of your surgery to last a long time.
Breast Implants
When used for reconstructive surgery, breast implants are very durable. They may be kept for decades without causing any medical issues. Nevertheless, implants may need to be replaced after 10 to 20 years.
Flap-based reconstruction
Reconstructive surgeries performed using tissue flaps (your own tissue) tend to offer long-lasting, near-permanent results.
How long does breast reconstruction take to heal?
Most women can start to get back to normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks. If implants are used without flaps, your recovery time may be shorter. Some things to keep in mind: Certain types of reconstruction surgery do not restore normal feeling to your breast, but in other types some feeling might return over time.
Do reconstructed breasts feel natural?
A rebuilt breast will not have the same feeling as the natural breast.
Sometimes, it may have little or no feeling at all. The places the tissue to rebuild the breast was taken from (donor sites) might also lose some feeling.
Do reconstructed breasts sag over time?
A breast reconstructed with an autologous procedure may develop some sag with time and gravity, but a breast reconstructed with an implant rarely sags.
Over time, your other breast may sag while the reconstructed breast remains higher and firmer.
Can cancer grow in a reconstructed breast?
Breast reconstruction proceeding cancer treatment carries risk, regardless of the type of surgery.
From fat grafting, to flap placement, to implants, there is no guarantee that reconstruction will not stimulate breast cancer recurrence.
If you have breast reconstruction, will it be hard to detect breast cancer in the future?
There’s no evidence that shows breast reconstruction of any kind will deter cancer detection.
Patients have to continuously undergo surveillance for the rest of their lives, even though they’ve had a mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction should never take precedence over breast cancer treatment.
Whether you choose breast implants or skin flaps for your reconstructive procedure, you can expect the outcomes of your surgery to last a long time.
What happens to breast implants over time?
The biggest risk associated with older implants is rupturing. Over time, the implants can become weakened and become more prone to rupturing or leaking. Luckily, today’s implants are engineered to be as safe as possible in the event of a rupture or leak.
Summary
Managing your expectations about plastic surgery is important regardless of which procedure you wish to have done. It’s critical to have realistic expectations about plastic surgery, but to also ensure you are on the same page as your surgeon.
To find out more about having a treatment, book your no obligation consultation. You will meet with Antony Fitton and receive expert advice tailored to your needs.
Please call us on 07494 250277 or book your consultation using our online form.
For a no obligation quote
For a no obligation quote, tailored specifically to you, please book in for your consultation with Mr Fitton. Your requirements will be discussed in full confidence in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Following your consultation, the price you are quoted includes everything and there are no extra or hidden costs. Advice, treatment and aftercare are all part of our package to ensure your experience is positive from beginning to end.
About your Plastic Surgeon: Mr Antony Fitton
MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng)., FRCS(plast).
Mr Antony R Fitton qualified at the Royal London Hospital in 1989 with distinction in Surgery. He holds a MB, BS(hons)., MD., FRCS(eng). and FRCS(plast). (Fellowship at the Royal College of Surgeons).
He is a member of BAPRAS (British Association for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons), BAAPS (British Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), BSSH (British Society for Surgery of the Hand).
Mr Fitton has received the Paton & Masser Award and the CM Matthews Award from the Royal College of Surgeons of England or his research in nerve injury.
Mr Fitton is licensed as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon by the GMC.
Our Services
Our appearance has an impact on how others perceive us. We are experts in creating an improved version of you. Click on a procedure below for more information.
Body surgery (or contouring) can involve all or one of the following, with prime focus on areas such as the buttocks, tummy, thighs, arms, and breasts. Click on the links below for more information.
There are several different types of hand surgery but all aim to restore functionality while making the hand look as normal as possible. Click on the links below for more information.
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