The recommendation of a mastectomy, i.e. surgical removal of one or two breasts after a breast cancer diagnosis leaves patients shattered.  But with advancements in plastic surgery, it is possible to proceed to reconstruct the breast and improve the physical appearance and minimize the emotional trauma.

Dr. Leena Jain, a leading Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgeon and Plastic Surgeon, at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai while she practices privately at Plastikos Clinic, Borivali, Mumbai, elaborates on how breast reconstruction surgery can give a new lease of life to breast cancer patients.  She reassures that patients regain their self-esteem and confidence and can live with renewed vigour.

She explains that Breast reconstruction surgery is recommended to women who have undergone complete breast removal or removal of the lump for breast cancer treatment.  The plastic surgeon can perform the surgery just after the mastectomy or at a later date. The decision of when to operate depends upon the physical condition of the patient, risk factors associated with surgery, and post-surgical treatments. Body shape and anatomy are other factors considered for breast reconstruction surgery.

There are various types of breast reconstruction procedures viz. using breast implants, and natural tissue flaps made using skin, fat and muscle of the patient’s body or a combination of both these methods.

Flap or autologous reconstruction involves transferring tissues, skin, and muscles from lower abdomen, thighs, and upper backto the chest wall while giving it the shape of the breast and achieving symmetry with the opposite side. Autologous reconstruction is usually done along with the tumor removal surgery. On regaining consciousness, the patient will have reconstructed breast/s.  The nipple and areola are reconstructed after radiation, chemotherapy, and other allied treatment are completed.

Top plastic surgeon briefly explains breast reconstruction using implants.  Reconstruction of breast tissue is done using silicone implants and most often this is a combination of both implants and flap tissue.  Reconstruction through implants can take place during or after at least 1 year of completion of radiation therapy.  The implants can be placed under or above the chest muscle or using an expander under the skin in the first stage and then replacing it with an implant plus flap.. Implants alone for breast reconstruction is not a good choice as they are associated with high complication rates.

Patient Story

This young unmarried 32 years girl presented with a cancerous lump in her left breast. Otherwise a thin individual, she was offered a flap from her thigh to create the breast as her abdomen was quite flat without much bulk. Her right breast was about a C cup so it was decided to take soft tissue along with a complete muscle from her outer thigh. This bulky flap would match her right normal breast. The thigh healed with a straight scar. The soft tissue with the muscle was folded and placed inside the left side breast skin, like a mound, more or less matching the right breast.

Her hospital stay was about 6 days. She completed her radiotherapy and is back to all her daily activities. She runs a beauty parlor and has resumed meeting her clients enthusiastically with poise and confidence.

Dr. Leena Jain is a highly proficient plastic reconstruction surgeon based in Mumbai who very well understands the need and impact of a breast reconstruction procedure for cancer patients. She is a very dedicated and compassionate surgeon who explains and guides the patients through their reconstruction journey with care. She is committed to raise awareness about breast reconstruction and support on their recovery journey.

About Dr. Leena Jain

Dr. Leena Jain is a leading Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgeon and Plastic Surgeon with more than 7 years of professional experience.  She has acquired two fellowships in Microsurgery and AO Fellowship- Microsurgery and Faciomaxillary Trauma.

Her specialization and expertise encompass a wide range of surgeries such as Reconstructive Microsurgery, Hand Surgeries, Replantations and revascularizations, Cancer Reconstruction Surgery, Reconstruction for Orthopaedic trauma, Breast Surgeries, Gender reassignment surgeries, and much more.

Contact Dr. Leena Jain:

Plastikos Clinic

A Wing, 403, Lancelot Building, 1V. Road, Borivali West -400090

Phone: 9137767350 / +91-9820991853

Email: link.jain@gmail.com