There are several types of surgeries that may be recommended after a breast cancer diagnosis. The type of surgery recommended may depend on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the size and location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Here are some of the different types of surgeries that may be recommended after breast cancer:
1. Lumpectomy: Also known as breast-conserving surgery or partial mastectomy, this procedure involves removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast.
We recommend our Wilderness bra if you’ve had a lumpectomy. It's made of super soft cotton modal fabric and comes with light removable inserts which give an even shape after surgery.
2. Mastectomy: This procedure involves removing the entire breast. Depending on the situation, a single or double mastectomy may be recommended.
The Hero bra is the perfect post mastectomy bra. It's lined with soft cotton and is long-line to be gentle on your scars and healing skin.
3. Reconstructive surgery: This is an optional surgery that can be done after a mastectomy to rebuild the breast using implants or tissue from other parts of the body. There are various different kinds of reconstructive surgeries including:
- Implant reconstruction: This involves placing a saline or silicone implant beneath the chest muscle to create a breast mound. The implant can be inserted at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date.
- Autologous tissue reconstruction: Also known as "flap" surgery, this procedure uses tissue from another part of the body (such as the abdomen, back, or thighs) to create a new breast. There are several different types of flap surgery, including the TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap, the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap, and the latissimus dorsi flap.
- Combination reconstruction: This involves using a combination of implant and autologous tissue reconstruction to create a breast that looks and feels natural.
- Nipple and areola reconstruction: After the breast mound has been created, the nipple and areola can be reconstructed using tissue from the breast or other areas of the body, or with a tattoo.
The specific type of surgery recommended for breast cancer will depend on various factors, and should be discussed with a qualified medical professional.