For many facing a mastectomy, concerns about both cancer treatment and their body image are deeply intertwined. Breast reconstruction surgery offers a vital pathway to restoring a sense of wholeness and confidence after breast removal. Mr Jamie Vatish, a specialist in breast reconstruction, provides comprehensive care. He and his team help you navigate your choices and achieve a result that supports your physical and emotional wellbeing. Mr Vatish offer the breast reconstruction surgery Birmingham patients are looking for.
Why consider breast reconstruction?
Undergoing a mastectomy, while lifesaving, can profoundly impact your body image and self-esteem. Breast reconstruction surgery aims to rebuild a breast shape, restoring symmetry and balance to your figure. This can improve your psychological wellbeing, helping you feel more comfortable in clothes, regain confidence, and move forward after breast cancer.
Reconstruction take place either immediately at the time of your mastectomy or at a later date. Your suitability for each option depends on various factors, including your cancer treatment plan, overall health and personal preferences. Mr Vatish will discuss these timings with you to determine the best approach for your individual circumstances.
Types of breast reconstruction
There are two main categories of breast reconstruction surgery, each with different methods:
- Implant-Based Reconstruction: This method uses silicone implants to create a new breast mound. It can sometimes be a simpler procedure than using your own tissue, potentially involving shorter surgery and recovery times.
- Direct-to-Implant: If you have enough healthy skin remaining after mastectomy, an implant can be placed immediately.
- Tissue Expander and Implant: If insufficient skin is available, a temporary tissue expander is first placed. This is gradually filled with saline over weeks or months to stretch the skin, followed by a second surgery to replace it with a permanent implant.
- Autologous (Using Your Own Tissue) Reconstruction: This involves taking skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from another part of your body (a “flap”) to create a new breast. These reconstructions feel more natural and warmer.
- DIEP Flap: Often considered a gold standard, this micro-surgical procedure uses skin and fat from your abdomen. It typically preserves your abdominal muscle, leading to a faster recovery from the donor site compared to older techniques.
- Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap: Tissue from your back, sometimes with a small amount of muscle, is used to create the new breast. This can be a good option if abdominal tissue is not suitable.
- Other less common flaps may use tissue from your buttocks or thighs.
Mr Vatish explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so you can understand which options are suitable given your body type, previous treatments and possible outcomes.
Your reconstruction journey with Mr Vatish
As a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon in Birmingham, Mr Jamie Vatish has extensive experience in all aspects of breast reconstruction surgery.
When you consult with Mr Vatish, you can expect:
- Detailed Discussion: He will take time to understand your medical history, cancer journey, body image concerns and what you hope to achieve from reconstruction.
- Thorough Assessment: He will assess your chest wall, potential donor sites and overall health to determine the safest and most effective reconstruction options for you.
- Personalised Plan: Mr Vatish will work with you to create a surgical plan, explaining the chosen technique, the surgical process, potential risks and expected recovery.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: Following surgery, his team will provide clear instructions for wound care, pain management and activity. You will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and progress.
Mr Vatish understands that a successful breast reconstruction involves both surgical precision and an understanding of your emotional needs, aiming to restore your confidence and quality of life.
Seeking expert breast reconstruction surgery Birmingham
Mr Jamie Vatish offers specialist consultations for breast reconstruction surgery in Birmingham, providing advice and performing a wide range of reconstructive procedures. To schedule your initial appointment, get in touch today.