(Re)construct your breast

Currently, the average risk of a woman in the western countries developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. Fortunately the surgical treatment has become less aggressive, avoiding the amputation of the breast. The lumpectomy associated with radiation therapy is the standard treatment for most women with breast cancer. Nevertheless in some cases a mastectomy becomes necessary.

We have the opportunity to treat all our patients in a multidisclipinary team including the breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, oncologist, radiation therapist, breast nurse, psychologist,…. All cases are discussed during the CMO (consultation oncologique multidisciplinaire) to find the most suitable treatment plan for the patient.

As a plastic surgeon, we are most involved in oncoplastic breast surgeries, in reconstructive breast surgeries and during prophylactic mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. There are three main types of breast reconstruction:

• reconstruction using only a breast implant
• reconstruction using your own tissue (a tissue flap)
• reconstruction using a combination of tissue and an implant

A number of options may be available. However, one type of operation may be the most suitable depending on the shape and build, general health, the expectations and whether the patient have had radiotherapy treatment to the breast. Each case has to be analyzed separately and discussed individually with the patient. Due to our training, we are familiar with all type of breast reconstruction techniques and can propose the best option for the patient. In order to save time and improve our outcomes, all microsurgical reconstructions are performed by two microsurgical experienced board certified plastic surgeons at Europe Hospitals.

More high quality information on the different breast reconstruction techniques can be found on the following patient association hompages: www.breastcancercare.org.uk (english) and www.diep-asso.fr (french).