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Breast Surgery Procedure

 

Why would someone need breast surgery?

Breast surgery may be recommended for various reasons, including:

  • Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Surgical removal of breast cancer, either through breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy, is a common treatment option aimed at removing cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
  • Benign Breast Conditions: Surgery may be indicated for the removal of benign breast tumors, such as fibroadenomas, Phyllodes tumors, or cysts, particularly if they are causing symptoms, enlarging, or causing concern.
  • Breast Reconstruction: Following mastectomy or lumpectomy for breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery may be performed to restore the appearance of the breast and improve self-esteem and quality of life.
  • Prophylactic Surgery: In individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer, prophylactic mastectomy may be considered to reduce the risk of future cancer development.

What are the different types of breast surgery?

There are several types of breast surgery that may be performed, depending on the indication and individual patient factors:

  • Lumpectomy: Also known as breast-conserving surgery, lumpectomy involves the surgical removal of the cancerous tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue while preserving the rest of the breast.
  • Mastectomy: Mastectomy involves the surgical removal of the entire breast tissue.
  • Breast Reconstruction: Breast reconstruction surgery may be performed immediately following mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or as a separate procedure later (delayed reconstruction).
  • Reconstruction options include implant-based reconstruction and autologous tissue reconstruction (using the patient's own tissue).

Breast Surgery Procedures and Recovery

The specific procedure and recovery process for breast surgery depend on the type of surgery performed and individual patient factors. Generally, breast surgery involves:

  1. Preoperative Preparation: Before surgery, patients will undergo preoperative evaluation and counseling to discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and postoperative care instructions.
  2. Surgical Procedure: Breast surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center setting. The surgical approach and technique will depend on the type of surgery being performed.
  3. Postoperative Recovery: After surgery, patients will be monitored in the recovery area before being discharged home. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and individual patient factors but may involve temporary restrictions on activities and pain management.
  4. Follow-Up Care: Patients will have follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor healing, discuss pathology results, and address any concerns or questions.

Expert Care for Breast Surgery at The Iowa Clinic

At The Iowa Clinic, we understand the importance of compassionate care and personalized treatment for breast conditions requiring surgery.

Our experienced team of breast surgeons provides you with expert evaluation, surgical expertise, and comprehensive care options tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require surgery for breast cancer treatment, benign breast conditions, or breast reconstruction, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take proactive steps towards managing your breast health and well-being.