The Positive Effects of Breast Reconstruction

For many women, beating breast cancer does not mark the end of their struggle. In fact, many find that the effects of breast cancer last long past recovery. In 2015, there are more than 2.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the United States—including both those currently being treated and those who have completed treatment. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, only 33% of those who are eligible will undergo breast reconstruction.

Post-mastectomy, breast reconstruction can restore the appearance and feel of a woman’s breasts. As those who have opted for reconstruction can tell you, breast reconstruction is important to a survivor’s physical and emotional recovery. Curious to learn more, researchers at the University of Toronto set out to learn the true impact that breast reconstruction has on a woman’s path to healing.

Study Says

The study focused exclusively on women had chosen to reconstruct their breasts from their body’s own tissues. Known as autologous tissue transfer—participants had one of two types of flap surgery: MS-TRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous) flap or DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery) flap. The 51 women were asked to complete a questionnaire previous to their surgery, three weeks post-surgery, and once again after three months.

Researchers evaluated the women’s psychosocial adjustments and health-related quality of life changes after breast reconstruction. The women were asked to rate their:

• Satisfaction with breasts
• Psychosocial well-being
• Sexual well-being
• Physical well-being with respect to chest
• Physical well-being with respect to the abdomen donor site

The women reported a significant improvement in their satisfaction with their breasts, their psychosocial well-being, and their sexual well-being. As early as three weeks, the participant’s answers had greatly increased and continued to do so after three months. Unsurprisingly, the women reported a decrease in respect to the physical well-being of their chests and donor sites—however, even this saw improvement in the third month as opposed to the third week.

Breast Reconstruction at Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery

At Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery, we find studies such as these encouraging. We understand that a woman’s breasts are closely linked to her self-esteem. Along with Dr. Austin, our team is dedicated to helping and supporting you throughout our breast reconstruction.