Breast Reconstruction London
What is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is a highly personalised surgical procedure designed to rebuild the shape and appearance of a breast, most commonly after a mastectomy or lumpectomy performed due to breast cancer.
For many women, this procedure is a crucial step in their journey towards physical and emotional recovery, helping to restore a sense of wholeness and confidence.
In London, leading plastic surgeons offer advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results, tailored to each patient’s unique needs and preferences.
There are two primary approaches to breast reconstruction:
Implant-Based Reconstruction
This method involves the use of breast implants to create a new breast mound. This process is often performed in stages. Initially, a tissue expander may be placed under the chest muscle or skin.
This expander is gradually filled with saline over several weeks or months, stretching the surrounding tissues to create a pocket for the permanent implant. Once sufficient expansion is achieved, a second surgery replaces the expander with a permanent breast implant. This approach is often favoured as it’s less invasive compared to tissue-based methods and has a generally faster recovery time for the initial surgical phase.
Tissue (Flap) Reconstruction
Also known as autologous reconstruction, this technique uses a patient’s own tissue from another site on the body to create a new breast. This can provide a more natural look and feel, as the reconstructed breast is made of living tissue. A common type of flap reconstruction is called DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap), which is an advanced procedure that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck, but carefully preserves the abdominal muscles. It’s a popular choice for breast reconstruction in London due to its excellent aesthetic results and minimal impact on core strength.
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Why Consider Breast Reconstruction in London?
Deciding to have a breast reconstruction is a deeply personal choice, often driven by a desire to regain a sense of normality and well-being after breast cancer treatment or other breast-related surgeries. Beyond the aesthetic improvements, the benefits of breast reconstruction extend to significant physical and emotional advantages that can profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life. These include:
Natural appearance: For many, this means no longer needing to wear external prostheses, which can be uncomfortable and limit clothing choices.
Symmetry and balance: Reconstructing the breast helps to achieve breast symmetry, balancing the body’s silhouette and improving posture. This can alleviate issues such as back pain and shoulder strain that may arise from an uneven weight distribution after a mastectomy.
Improving body image: Breast reconstruction plays a vital role in improving body image, helping women to feel more confident and comfortable with their appearance
Reclaiming confidence: The journey through breast cancer and its treatments can be emotionally taxing, often leading to feelings of loss or disfigurement. Reclaiming one’s body through reconstruction can significantly boost self-confidence and enhance emotional well-being, fostering a renewed sense of femininity and wholeness.
Treatment Time
Between 2 and 2.5 hours. We use a general anaesthetic and you can usually go home on the same day.
Downtime
10 - 14 days off work.
Reasonable Mobility
We recommend patients begin gentle movement around two days after surgery. Light activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and carrying out basic daily tasks are encouraged to support circulation and recovery.
Sport & Exercise
You can begin exercising and doing more strenuous activities at six weeks.
Driving
Most patients can resume driving two weeks after surgery, provided they feel comfortable.
Shower
You can shower the day after surgery, but it's important to keep any wounds and dressings clean and completely dry.
Full Recovery
Between six months to a full year. While most swelling subsides within the first few months, subtle changes and final results may continue to develop over time.
Maintenance
In many cases only one breast reconstruction procedure is required for long-term results.
Reason for doing this?
Breast reconstruction can restore shape, volume, and symmetry after surgery or trauma, helping patients feel confident in their bodies again. In London, advanced techniques are used to create natural results tailored to each patient’s needs.
Reasons to Avoid
If you have any doubts about breast reconstruction surgery. Our team of experts will provide support and guidance all the way through your treatment journey; using the consultation to determine your suitability and your certainty.
The Patient Journey Breast Reconstruction
What to Expect on the Day
Breast reconstruction surgery is done as a day procedure, and you’ll be home the same day. It is performed with you fully asleep, under TIVA general anaesthesia. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the complexity of the chosen technique. Implant-based reconstructions may take a few hours, while more intricate tissue (flap) reconstructions, such as a DIEP flap or TRAM flap, can take several hours. Your surgeon, Mr Cavale, is highly skilled and will work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome, focusing on restoring breast shape and symmetry.
To learn more about breast reconstruction surgery in London, or to book a consultation with Mr Naveen Cavale, please book online or get in touch here. We’re here to help you feel confident in your body and supported every step of the way.
Book a Consultation
Every transformation starts with a conversation. During your consultation at Real Plastic Surgery, we’ll take the time to understand your concerns, assess your goals, and create a tailored treatment plan that’s right for you. Book your consultation today and take the first step towards feeling your best
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast reconstruction medically necessary?
Breast reconstruction is generally considered an elective procedure, meaning it is not medically necessary for the treatment of breast cancer. However, for many women, it is an integral part of their recovery process, offering significant psychological and emotional benefits by restoring body image and self-confidence. While not life-saving, it is often life-changing.
How long does recovery take?
The recovery period varies significantly depending on the type of breast reconstruction performed. For implant-based reconstruction, initial recovery might take a few weeks, with full recovery and resolution of swelling taking several months, and even up to one year. For tissue (flap) reconstruction, such as a DIEP flap, the initial hospital stay is typically longer (a few days), and full recovery can take 6-8 weeks or more, as the donor site also needs to heal. Your surgeon will provide a personalised recovery timeline based on your specific procedure and individual healing capacity.
Will I have sensation in my reconstructed breast?
While some sensation may return over time, it is unlikely that a reconstructed breast will have the same level of sensation as a natural breast. Nerves are often severed during mastectomy and reconstruction, leading to numbness or altered sensation. Some women may experience partial return of feeling, while others may have very little or no sensation. Research and surgical techniques are continually evolving to improve sensory outcomes.
What’s the scarring like after breast reconstruction?
All surgical procedures involve scarring, and breast reconstruction is no exception. The extent and location of scars will depend on the type of reconstruction. For implant-based reconstruction, scars are typically along the mastectomy incision. For tissue (flap) reconstruction, there will be scars at both the reconstructed breast site and the donor site (e.g., abdomen for DIEP flap, back for latissimus dorsi flap). Surgeons strive to place incisions in discreet locations and use techniques that minimise visible scarring. Laser treatments can help with this as well, and although scars will fade over time, they will never completely disappear.
Can I have breast implant revision or implant removal in London if I've had previous surgery?
Yes, Real Plastic Surgery in London specialises in breast implant revision and implant removal. Many women seek these procedures to address complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, rippling, or simply dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of previous breast augmentation or reconstruction. Fixing bad breast surgery is a common reason for revision, and our expert plastic surgeons can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action to achieve your desired results, often involving a new reconstruction plan.
How long do breast implants last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced at some point. While implants are durable, factors such as rupture, capsular contracture, or changes in aesthetic preference can mean a breast implant revision is necessary. The lifespan of an implant varies, but many women may require revision surgery within 10-20 years. Regular follow-up with your plastic surgeon is important to monitor the integrity of your implants.
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