Surgery is usually the first type of treatment for many people with breast cancer. Your doctor will discuss with you the most appropriate type of surgery based on your type of cancer. Our breast care nurse will be present to provide you with any additional information you may need during your treatment process.
Category: Breast
Nipple reconstruction
The aim of nipple reconstruction is to improve the appearance of a reconstructed breast by creating a nipple shape on the breast. Although it won’t feel the same as a natural nipple but having it can improve the appearance of the breast. The most common technique involves raising small skin flaps and folding them into a nipple shape which is then tattooed to match the pigmentation of the other breast. Alternatively, nipple sharing techniques involve part of your other nipple being transferred or grafted on to the reconstructed breast. In some cases, nipple reconstruction may not be advised if your skin is very thin over an implant or if you […]
DIEP flap breast reconstruction
The DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap which refers to the blood vessels supplying the flap. DIEP flap breast reconstruction is a technique which uses the skin and fat from the lower abdomen to make a breast. The DIEP flap breast reconstruction is the most popular flap reconstruction and is reliable form of reconstruction with low complication rates. It can produce a soft natural looking and feeling breast. In suitable patients, removing excess skin and fat can often be a bonus as it can flatten and improve the abdominal contour similar to a “Tummy Tuck” or abdominoplasty procedure. It does however, result in a scar from hip to […]
Implant breast reconstruction
For many women, implant reconstruction produces satisfactory results and avoids major surgery, additional scars and longer recovery period associated with flap reconstruction techniques. Implants tend to sit higher on the chest and for this reason they are more suited to women with small to moderate sized breasts. It is more difficult to achieve a natural looking breast, but in clothing reasonably good results can be achieved. A breast reduction or lift of the contralateral breast can improve symmetry if necessary. If you need bilateral breast reconstruction, implants are often a good option as a nice symmetrical reconstruction can be achieved. Implant reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy […]
Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of lymphoma that is found to be associated with breast implant (silicone or saline). It is a rare subtype of T-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), one of four sub-types of ALCL found in a small number of cases world-wide. Causes of BIA-ALCL When breast implants are placed in the body, they are inserted behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Over time, a fibrous scar called a capsule develops around the implant, separating it from the rest of the breast. ALCL is generally found next to the implant itself and contained within the fibrous capsule, hence it is […]
