Delayed Reconstruction
Say Goodbye to Compression Garments after Dr. Cheng's Lymphedema Microsurgery
Treatment Instructions
Delayed breast reconstruction refers to a situation where breast cancer patients do not choose to undergo breast reconstruction at the time of mastectomy, or they miss the opportunity for immediate reconstruction due to a lack of information. Some patients may temporarily decline reconstruction surgery due to fear of cancer, concerns about the success rate of the surgery, or other reasons. After completing breast cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, they undergo breast reconstruction at a later time. This second surgery is known as delayed breast reconstruction.
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Medical Center Specifications and Equipment
The operating room is equipped with Mitaka microscopes, of which there are only four in Taiwan. They have a resolution of up to 16 million pixels and can magnify 42 times optically. They are very suitable for the anastomosis of lymphatic vessels and veins of 0.5 mm and are often used in lymphatic venous anastomosis, such as preoperative evaluation and intraoperative evaluation of the permeability of sutures, making the operation more stable and safe.
Is delayed reconstruction more difficult?
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Delayed breast reconstruction is slightly more challenging compared to immediate breast reconstruction. Factors such as insufficient skin, scar tissue from previous surgery, and underarm depressions after lymph node clearance are additional considerations.
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First, during a total mastectomy, if immediate reconstruction is not planned, the breast surgeon will remove excess skin and close the wound with a straight line. Therefore, in autologous tissue breast reconstruction, not only is fat from areas like the abdomen, back, buttocks, or thighs important, but the skin covering the area is also crucial. If the patient opts for implant reconstruction or desires scar placement similar to immediate reconstruction (limited to a smaller area), an additional step is required: inserting a tissue expander to stretch the skin.
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The second challenge is the scar tissue adhesions or fibrosis within the entire chest area. During the reconstruction surgery, the surgeon must carefully release these scars to create a well-shaped breast.
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The third issue is the noticeable depression in the underarm, caused by the removal of most lymph nodes. If this depression can be filled during reconstruction, the result will be much more satisfying, particularly improving clothing options and comfort, especially in summer.
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Another technical challenge arises with free flap breast reconstruction. The surgeon must find a healthy set of blood vessels in the chest to supply blood to the flap. In delayed reconstruction, the thoracodorsal artery may sometimes be unusable due to damage from the first surgery or because severe scarring makes dissection difficult. However, this issue is not the most difficult for experienced surgeons. Most skilled and up-to-date surgeons now use the internal mammary vessels for anastomosis. Although the internal mammary technique is more complex than using the thoracodorsal artery and less experienced surgeons may be hesitant to use it, it yields better results. The fat in the flap survives well due to the abundant blood supply.
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While delayed reconstruction presents certain challenges, these can be overcome by experienced surgeons. Delayed breast reconstruction can still achieve a natural and beautiful result, making it a highly recommended procedure. Breast cancer survival rates have significantly improved, and we sincerely believe that patients should not have to endure ongoing inconvenience or lifelong feelings of loss and regret due to the absence of a breast.
When can delayed reconstruction be done?
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According to research from the world’s leading cancer hospitals, it is now widely accepted that breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as mastectomy without increasing the risk of breast cancer recurrence or interfering with the detection of any potential recurrence. As a result, this is not just a trend but the reason why every breast cancer patient, once diagnosed, is immediately referred to a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstruction options. Therefore, the best time for breast reconstruction is whenever the patient expresses a desire to undergo the procedure.
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In the past, doctors used to advise patients not to undergo reconstruction within two years of a mastectomy, as most breast cancer recurrences happen within this period. However, in recent years, this restriction has been lifted. In Taiwan, particularly at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, the recurrence rate is 4-5%, while in the U.S. it is 2-3%. Considering the 4-5% recurrence rate versus the 95% of patients whose quality of life and psychological well-being can be improved, such advice now seems unreasonable and unfair. Helping patients feel truly free from breast cancer as soon as possible is the greatest mission and source of fulfillment for reconstructive surgeons.
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The current consensus is that if chemotherapy or radiation therapy is required after mastectomy, breast reconstruction can be done once these treatments are completed. It is generally recommended to wait about one month after chemotherapy and 3 to 6 months after radiation therapy before proceeding with breast reconstruction surgery.
What methods can be used for delayed breast reconstruction?
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The first method we need to mention is using implants, which can be saline or silicone gel implants. As previously mentioned, in delayed breast reconstruction, there is typically insufficient skin on the chest. Therefore, if implants are used for reconstruction, a tissue expander will be needed as a transitional phase. As the name suggests, a tissue expander is used to stretch the skin or tissue. It requires an initial surgery to place the expander under the skin. Typically, the skin is expanded to be slightly larger than the other breast. After about three months, once the skin has stabilized, a second surgery is performed to remove the expander and replace it with a permanent implant.
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The second method involves using local autologous tissue or performing breast reconstruction surgery with a free flap.
Contact Dr. Cheng For A Consultation
If you have Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema and would like to know more about the most advanced treatments, contact Dr. Cheng. Internationally recognized as a leading lymphedema specialist, Dr. Cheng can discuss treatment options, based on your individual case. Dr. Cheng is a member of the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery and has performed numerous VLN surgeries on breast cancer survivors and other lymphedema patients.