The Power of Breast Reconstruction: A Look at the Number

Posted on: August 10, 2023

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women in the United States. It is estimated that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. According to the national breast cancer foundation, breast cancer is the second-most common kind of cancer in women, after skin cancer.

Definition and Statistics

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue divide and grow abnormally. These abnormal cells can form a tumor and spread to other parts of the body. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the lining of the milk ducts and can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. Other types include lobular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, Paget’s disease, and rarer forms such as sarcomas and phyllodes tumors.

Breast cancer affects millions of women each year. In 2020 alone, it is estimated that over 276,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in the United States. Additionally, over 42,000 cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer were also reported.

Impact on Women

Breast cancer has a significant impact on those affected by it both physically and emotionally. Treatment for breast cancer often includes surgery to remove tumors or lymph nodes, radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells, chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cells that may have spread throughout the body, hormone therapy to target hormones that can fuel tumor growth, targeted therapy to block proteins that help tumor growth, or a combination of these treatments.

Additionally, many women experience physical changes due to treatment such as lymphedema (swelling), fatigue from chemotherapy or radiation treatments, hair loss due to chemotherapy treatments or surgical procedures like mastectomy or lumpectomy (removal of part or all of a breast). These physical changes can be difficult for some women who are used to having breasts as part of their bodies for many years prior to diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment options vary depending on various factors such as age, stage at diagnosis (how far it has spread), type of tumor found (if any), family history, overall health status (including whether there are other medical conditions present), and personal preferences regarding treatment plans. Common treatment options include surgery (lumpectomy/partial mastectomy or mastectomy/complete removal), radiation therapy (external beam radiation or brachytherapy/internal radiation), chemotherapy (drugs given intravenously or orally), hormone therapy (medications designed to block hormones from fueling tumor growth) and targeted therapies (drugs designed specifically for certain types of tumors). Generally speaking, more aggressive treatments such as surgery combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation may be suggested for more advanced stages while less aggressive treatments may be recommended for earlier stages. It is important for individuals with breast cancer to consult with their doctors about which option(s) may be best suited for them based on their individual needs and preferences.

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer among women, with an estimated one in eight women developing it during their lifetime. Treatment options vary depending on factors such as age and stage at diagnosis. Over 276,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 42,000 cases of non-invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in 2020 in the US. Physical changes due to treatment may include lymphedema, fatigue, and hair loss. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.

Reconstruction Options

Breast cancer can have a devastating impact on women, and while treatment options are available to address the medical aspects of the condition, many patients may also want to consider breast reconstruction following their treatments. There are several different types of breast reconstruction that can be performed, and it’s important to discuss these options with your doctor in order to find the best option for you.

Tissue Expander and Implant-Based

This is a common type of reconstructive surgery that involves placing a tissue expander beneath the chest muscle. This expander is gradually filled with saline over the course of several weeks until it reaches the desired size. Once this is done, a permanent implant is placed in its place. This option provides an immediate restoration of breast volume and shape, but some patients may experience discomfort during the expansion process.

Abdominal Tissue Used to Reconstruct a Breast

Another option for breast reconstruction is to use abdominal tissue from another area of your body in order to create a new breast mound. This procedure involves transferring fat, skin, and muscle from your abdomen or back to your chest, which can then be sculpted into a new breast shape. This method can provide natural-looking results that closely resemble the other breast, but there may be additional scarring as well as recovery time associated with this procedure.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is another option for those looking to reconstruct their breasts after cancer treatment. During this procedure, fat is harvested from another area of your body such as your abdomen or thighs through liposuction and then injected into the reconstructed breast area in order to add volume and shape. While this technique can provide natural-looking results with minimal scarring, it does require multiple sessions in order for optimal results.

Referral to a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center located in Schaumburg, IL we understand how difficult it can be for women who have undergone mastectomies due to breast cancer and are considering reconstructive surgery options. That’s why we refer our patients to board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in reconstructive procedures so they can make an informed decision about which type of surgery is right for them based on their individual needs and goals. Our team will work closely with you throughout every step of the process so you feel comfortable and confident when making your decision about which procedure is best suited for you.

ProcedureAdvantagesDisadvantages
Tissue Expander and Implant-BasedImmediate restoration of breast volume and shapeDiscomfort during expansion process
Abdominal Tissue Used to Reconstruct a BreastNatural-looking results that closely resemble the other breastAdditional scarring and recovery time associated with this procedure
Fat GraftingNatural-looking results with minimal scarringRequires multiple sessions for optimal results

Related Contracture

Capsular contracture is a common complication of breast augmentation surgery and can occur after either implant-based or fat grafting reconstruction. It occurs when the body forms a thick, tight scar tissue capsule around the implant, causing it to become hard and distorted. A capsular contracture can cause pain, discomfort, and an unnatural appearance of the breasts.

Definition

Capsular contracture is an abnormal reaction by the body’s immune system to a foreign material in the body, such as a breast implant. The immune system creates a fibrous capsule of collagen fibers around the implant as part of its natural healing process. In some cases, this capsule may become too thick and constrictive, resulting in pain and distortion of the affected breast.

Implants and Capsules

The risk for developing a capsular contracture increases with time; however, certain factors may increase your risk for developing this condition including: type of implant (smooth or textured), size of implant, placement technique, infection at the surgical site, smoking status, and other medical conditions such as diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

Treatments for Capsular Contracture

Treatment options for capsular contracture include massage therapy to soften the capsule around the implant as well as medications to reduce inflammation in the area. If these measures are not successful then surgery may be necessary to remove or replace the affected implants. At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center located in Schaumburg, IL we have board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in breast augmentation revision surgeries that are experienced in treating capsular contracture with excellent results for our patients.

Capsular contracture is an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a foreign material, such as a breast implant. Risk increases with time; certain factors may increase risk; treatments include massage therapy, medications, or surgery.

Health Recommendations Before Surgery

At the Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center, located in Schaumburg, IL, we understand that undergoing any type of surgery is a big decision. That’s why our team of board-certified plastic surgeons are dedicated to providing the best care and advice for all our patients before they undergo breast reconstruction surgery.

Best Candidates for Surgery

The best candidates for breast reconstruction surgery are those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have had a mastectomy. It is important that any patient considering breast reconstruction surgery should be medically stable and have realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

Pre-operative Evaluations and Tests

Before undergoing any type of surgery, it is important to get a full medical evaluation from your doctor. This will include blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and other tests that may be necessary depending on your age and medical history. Additionally, it is also important to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor as some medications can interfere with the healing process after surgery.

It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle before undergoing any type of surgery. Eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help ensure that you are in the best health possible before going into surgery. Additionally, it is important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol as these can interfere with your body’s ability to heal properly after surgery.

Finally, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your doctor before undergoing any type of surgical procedure. Our team at the Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center is here to answer any questions you may have prior to your procedure and provide all the information you need in order to make an informed decision about your health care needs.

RecommendationBenefit
Medical EvaluationCheck for any potential issues before surgery
Healthy LifestyleEnsure best health possible before surgery
Avoid Smoking & AlcoholHelp body heal properly after surgery
Discuss Concerns & Questions with DoctorGain the information needed to make an informed decision about your health care needs.

24-Year Old Breast Augmentation Revision Patient Case Study

The Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center is proud to present the case study of a 24-year-old female who underwent breast augmentation revision surgery. The patient had previously undergone breast augmentation surgery and was unhappy with the results. She sought out the medical expertise of the Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center in Schaumburg, IL for a revision procedure that would help her achieve her desired aesthetic look.

The patient initially consulted with a board-certified plastic surgeon at the clinic, who evaluated her condition and recommended an implant exchange procedure as well as fat grafting for improved contouring. To begin, the surgeon removed her existing implants and replaced them with new implants of a different size and shape. He then used fat grafting to add additional volume to her breasts and improve their overall contour. The procedure was completed successfully, and the patient was very pleased with the results.

Prior to undergoing any surgical procedures, it’s important for patients to be aware of their health recommendations before surgery. The best candidates for breast augmentation are generally healthy individuals who have realistic expectations about what can be achieved through surgery. Additionally, preoperative evaluations and tests should also be performed in order to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions that may complicate treatment or increase risk during surgery.

In this particular case study, it’s clear that this patient received excellent care from the Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center, which allowed her to achieve her desired aesthetic goals safely and effectively. This case study serves as an example of how reconstructive surgery can help women feel more confident in their appearance following breast cancer diagnosis or other issues related to contracture such as capsular contracture (when scar tissue forms around an implant).

Overall, breast cancer is an incredibly serious issue that affects countless women every year in the United States alone; according to 2019 statistics from the american cancer society, there were over 268,000 cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed among us women that year alone. Fortunately, there are numerous reconstruction options available today that can help women feel more confident following diagnosis or treatment for breast cancer including tissue expander/implant-based reconstruction, abdominal tissue used to reconstruct a breast, fat grafting, and referral to board-certified plastic surgeons like those at the Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center in Schaumburg, IL.

US Breast Cancer Statistics

The United States has the highest rate of breast cancer in the world, with an estimated 268,600 new cases and 41,760 deaths in 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US, accounting for nearly one-third of all cancers diagnosed. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 12 percent of all women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

Breast cancer affects men as well as women, but is much more common in women. In fact, a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is almost 100 times higher than a man’s risk. In 2020, it is estimated that 2,620 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 520 will die from it.

The good news is that death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1989 due to improved screening and early detection measures, increased awareness about the disease, and better treatments. Early detection through mammograms can help detect breast cancer when it’s small and easier to treat. Regular screening tests are recommended for most women beginning at age 40 or earlier if you have a family history of the disease or other risk factors.

At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center in Schaumburg, IL we understand how important it is to stay informed about your health and take necessary steps to prevent or detect any potential issues like breast cancer early on. We provide a multitude of different liposuction technologies under one roof so our patients have access to comprehensive care and treatment options tailored specifically to them.