Breast reconstruction aims for a great quality of life — the new breast is usually made from the patient’s own tissue
15.8.2024 Categories: Articles
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and its treatment is always tailored to the individual patient and their cancer type. Cancer is usually detected at an early stage, and the prognosis of treatment is good. Surgery is an essential part of breast cancer treatment, but these days, treatment is increasingly started with neoadjuvant therapy, which means using medication and/or radiation therapy before surgery. The goal is to reduce the size of the cancerous tumor, which often also makes breast-conserving surgery possible.
Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant step in the treatment path
If the breast has to be removed due to cancer, breast reconstruction is a possibility in the breast cancer treatment. At the same time, it can be a significant step in the patient’s recovery as the new breast may improve their quality of life and self-esteem. Breast reconstruction surgery is performed either in connection with cancer surgery or later, after finishing the cancer treatments. The patient does not always feel the need for reconstructive surgery. The surgery is always planned in cooperation with the patient.
– Each patient and breast cancer is unique, which means that choosing the timing and method of surgery depends on many factors. When planning reconstructive surgery, we consider factors such as the patient’s wishes and life situation, age, the size of the remaining breast, the patient’s body type and any other diseases, says Jari Viinikainen, breast cancer surgeon at Docrates.
Method of surgery is individually selected
Docrates Cancer Center uses various breast reconstruction methods. Usually, the breast is constructed from the patient’s own tissue, aiming for a lifelong solution. Breast reconstruction by using a flap from the patient’s lower abdomen is the most common method. The result is similar to the feel of actual breast tissue and adapts to possible changes in the patient’s weight.
In addition to the lower abdomen, the new breast can be shaped by using, for example, a muscle in the patient’s back or their inner thigh adductor. In some cases, implants may be used for reconstructive surgery, especially for patients with small breasts who do not have enough tissue of their own to build a new breast.
Preparing for surgery helps in recovery
The preparation for breast reconstruction surgery is an important part of the treatment process. The patient should be aware of the risks of being overweight, for example, as this can increase complications and influence the choice of method. Smoking also has an impact on healing as it impairs blood circulation and the healing of the wound.
In addition to smoking, the patient should also stop consuming natural products, omega-3 products and medicines that affect blood clotting before surgery. Mental preparation is also important, as the surgery is a major procedure with an average recovery time of 5–6 weeks.
Experienced team supports the patient
Surgeons Jari Viinikainen and Sinikka Suominen, who have worked as a team in breast reconstruction surgery for 10 years, are top experts in their field with solid experience in even the most complex breast reconstruction surgeries.
– We always try to find the most suitable solution for the patient and explain the options. For example, the patient may wish to have their other breast reduced at the same time. In surgery using a flap from the lower abdomen, patients also receive abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, as a bonus, which the patient may find very meaningful, says Sinikka Suominen, plastic surgeon.
– We have a strong commitment to achieving the best treatment results. We actively monitor international research in the field and use the latest treatment methods in order to offer our patients the best possible care, continues Suominen.
Patients from all over Finland come to Docrates for breast reconstruction surgery, and some patients even visit us from abroad.
For more information on surgical techniques, click here
Average time of access to treatment from first point of contact in 2024:
- Cancer specialist: average in less than 1 day*
- Breast surgery: average in 18 days*
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Docrates Cancer Center is a Finnish hospital specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cancer in Helsinki. We offer the opportunity to get to the top cancer professionals quickly without a referral, which also means starting treatments without delay. Please contact us, we’ll be happy to help!
