Improving Cosmetic Results With a Skin Sparing Mastectomy

Technological developments have created the option of a skin sparing mastectomy. There are numerous benefits to choosing this type of surgeon, the most obvious of which is the natural look that a surgeon can create once the procedure is complete. This area of the body can end up with the same look and texture as it did before the operation. A surgeon can help a patient determine if this is the best option and how to proceed.

How The Operation Works

A majority of the epidermis is left when a patient undergoes a skin sparing mastectomy. Instead of removing a large portion of skin, the surgeon removes only the nipple and the surrounding areola. Through this opening, the cancerous tissue is removed giving the patient peace of mind that the issue has for the moment been resolved. In order to fill in the void left by the cancerous tissue, tissue from another portion of the patient’s body can be removed and inserted into the same opening. Then, the nipple and the areola are reattached. In most cases, it can take anywhere from two to six hours to complete.

Reasons to Choose a Skin Sparing Mastectomy

If a patient is ready to remove the cancer and undergo reconstruction at the same time, this is the perfect operation. Everything is completed at once and the patient only needs to recover from one procedure as opposed to multiple surgeries over the course of several months or even several years.

This operation also provides the most natural looking results when compared to other procedures to combat and reconstruction after cancer in this area of the body. Because the replacement tissue comes from the patient and all of the epidermis and tissue is not removed, a woman may feel that she has chosen the most natural option, as she is not adding anything foreign to the body. The replacement tissue is coming from another area of her body.

Recovery

Just like any other operation, patients should plan to spend some time recovering. It is not unusual to stay in the hospital for one or more nights while the body is working on the healing process. Once released, a patient can go home and relax but should not plan on any type so strenuous activity for at least the next few weeks. Around one week after the procedure, the patient may need to return to the surgeon’s office to have the drains removed.

If you are considering a skin sparing mastectomy, talk with your doctor about whether or not this is the best option for you and your body. You can learn more about how the procedure works and what you can expect in the future.

A skin sparing mastectomy offers many advantages. To find out how you can maintain a natural look after your reconstruction, visit http://www.breastcenter.com.