Implant Reconstruction

Two different types of implants are used for breast reconstruction:

• Temporary tissue expanders
• Permanent fixed-volume breast implants

Tissue expanders are used to add elasticity to the breast skin before the permanent implant is placed. They are temporarily inflated by injecting increasing amounts of saline into the chamber. When the time comes, they are removed and replaced with a permanent implant, or some special types of tissue expanders can be left in place as permanent implants.

Fixed-volume permanent implants are generally silicone-based. It is usually gel-filled and rough. Silicone implants with a smooth surface are used.

Using only synthetic implants for reconstruction is preferred by patients who do not wish to undergo surgery on their back or abdomen.

Reconstruction with synthetic implants is not a good option for those who have received radiation therapy to the chest wall or who are likely to undergo radiation therapy after surgery.

In reconstruction procedures performed with either tissue expanders or permanent implants, the implant is placed under the muscles of the anterior chest wall.

Who is Suitable for Silicone Breast Implants?

• The patient's own body tissue is suitable for breast reconstruction. if not possible,
• The breast tissue area is not badly scarred or infected,
• A prophylactic (protective) mastectomy has been performed,
• Bilateral breast reconstruction is being performed,
• The patient has consented to surgery on the other breast to ensure symmetry,
• No radiotherapy has been administered to the breast or chest wall; She is an ideal candidate for breast reconstruction with a silicone breast implant.

Single-Stage Breast Implant Reconstruction

The cancerous breast is removed, preserving the breast skin and, if possible, the nipple. A breast implant is placed under the pectoral muscle during the same session. This method is generally preferred for women with early-stage cancer and small, healthy breasts. Sometimes, people who carry the breast cancer gene may choose to have their breasts removed before cancer develops.

Breast Implant Reconstruction in Two Sessions

In cases where the breast tissue is removed along with the skin, the remaining skin may not provide enough space to accommodate the implant. In this case, a half-gel, half-hollow implant is placed in the area. This implant is gradually inflated with saline solution over 2 to 3 months. When it is determined that the skin in this area provides sufficient slack, the temporary implant is removed and replaced with a permanent gel implant. Sometimes, a temporary implant can be used to provide additional treatments such as radiation therapy.