Cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can leave patients with physical changes, including tissue loss and scarring. The best plastic surgeon can help restore a patient’s well-being and appearance. Here are some options to explore for recovery from cancer:
Breast Reconstruction
Breast cancer can cause a patient to undergo mastectomy as part of their treatment. Reconstruction of the breast is a plastic surgery option that restores their appearance. These are a few types of breast reconstruction procedures:
Implant-Based Reconstruction
The procedure involves inserting silicone or saline implants to recreate the breast mound. Implant-based reconstruction is a two-stage process, with the initial surgery involving the insertion of tissue expanders beneath the chest muscles.
Over time, these expanders are gradually filled with saline solution to stretch the tissue and create a space for the final breast implants. Once the desired expansion is achieved, a second surgery replaces the expanders with permanent implants.
Implant-based reconstruction has a relatively shorter recovery time than autologous (flap) reconstruction. The surgical incisions are smaller, and patients experience less discomfort. This type of reconstruction also offers a predictable and controlled outcome regarding breast size and shape, which can be reassuring for patients seeking symmetry with their remaining breasts.
Autologous (Flap) Reconstruction
This procedure takes tissue from the abdomen, thigh, or back to reconstruct the breast. Unlike implant-based reconstruction, autologous reconstruction employs the patient’s tissue from other body areas to recreate the breast mound.
Common donor sites include the abdomen (TRAM flap), buttocks (DIEP flap), or back (Latissimus dorsi flap). This approach offers several distinct advantages, including a more natural look and feel as the newly formed breast closely resembles the surrounding tissue.
Autologous reconstruction is a complex procedure that requires microsurgical techniques to transfer the tissue to the chest and reattach blood vessels and nerves. While it involves a longer initial surgery and recovery than implant-based reconstruction, some patients may find the long-term benefits worth it.
These benefits include a lifetime breast reconstruction, reduced risk of implant rupture, and an ability to match the size and shape of the patient’s natural breast. Autologous reconstruction can provide superior cosmetic results for patients with radiation therapy or significant tissue loss.
Skin Reconstruction and Scar Revision
Cancer surgeries often leave behind scars that might cause functional problems. Plastic surgeons can perform scar revision procedures to minimize the appearance of scars. They also help improve tissue function and enhance a patient’s overall appearance. Advanced techniques, such as laser therapy and skin grafts, can help restore a more natural texture and tone to the skin after skin cancer excisions or other cancer-related surgeries.
Facial Reconstruction
Plastic surgery offers several options for facial reconstruction, including the following:
Microvascular Surgery
This involves transferring tissue from one part of the body to another, often using blood vessels and nerves to reconnect the tissue. Surgeons use it for complex facial reconstructions after they have removed a tumor.
Microvascular facial reconstruction helps to recreate natural facial contours and functions, such as restoring speech, swallowing, and facial expressions. This surgery benefits patients with oral, throat, or jaw cancers.
Surgeons carefully reattach blood vessels and nerves for proper blood flow and function in the transplanted tissue. Patients should consult the best plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for their circumstances.
Free Flap Surgery
Free flap facial reconstruction surgery is a highly intricate and innovative procedure. This approach involves transplanting healthy tissue from another body area, including skin, muscle, and sometimes bone. The healthy tissue could come from the abdomen or thigh to reconstruct the affected facial region.
Free flap reconstruction is valuable for patients recovering from the removal of cancerous tumors or trauma in the head and neck area. During the surgery, microsurgical techniques are employed to carefully reattach blood vessels and nerves to promote proper blood supply. This meticulous procedure restores the patient’s facial appearance and functions like speech, swallowing, and facial expressions.
Facial Implants
Implants can help restore facial volume. Facial implants made of medical-grade silicone are strategically placed beneath the skin to restore lost facial volume, symmetry, and contours. This procedure can help patients regain a better appearance.
Consult the Best Plastic Surgeon for Your Procedures
Plastic surgery improves aesthetics and function, reduces pain, and enhances the overall quality of life for those who have fought against cancer. The best plastic surgeons can provide cancer survivors with the tools to rebuild their lives. The experts also help the patients face the future confidently. If you or a loved one is a cancer survivor facing physical challenges, consult with the best plastic surgeon experienced in oncological procedures.
