Breast Reconstruction in Iran

In Breast Reconstruction (Mastectomy Reconstruction), surgeons reform one or both breasts that have been partially or completely removed after mastectomy in order to treat or prevent breast cancer. This allows patients to regain their natural and symmetrical breast shape.

After recovering from cancer, undergoing breast reconstruction can be another step toward recovery. Breast reconstruction enables many women to live a full life after their cancer treatment.

You must consider the fact that breast reconstruction does NOT increase the risk regarding the reoccurrence of breast cancer.

Your surgeon in Iran will explain your available options, and talk about the advantages and disadvantages of breast reconstruction techniques.

He/She will also provide information regarding anesthesia, the surgery site, and what kind of procedures may be required. When preparing for breast reconstruction, you may be asked to:

• Undergo a lab test or medical evaluation.
• Take certain medications, or adjust your current medications.
• NOT smoke.
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements (because they can increase bleeding).
• Talk to your plastic surgeon about current medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments.

Your surgeon will examine your breasts and measure their size and shape, the quality of the skin, and the location of the nipples and areolas.

Recent developments in restorative techniques offer patients more options for breast reconstruction.

Each type of breast reconstruction technique has its advantages and disadvantages, and many factors are taken into account when deciding on the most appropriate approach.

Breast Reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia, and depending on the type of procedure, the length of hospitalization is often between two and seven days. The recovery phase takes five to seven weeks.

There are two main types of breast reconstruction in Iran:

• Heterologous Methods (using implant)
• Autologous Methods (using self-tissue)

Sometimes, a combination of both approaches is practiced.

In this method, the implant is placed under the skin and muscle of the chest wall after the removal of the breast tissue. If there is enough tissue left on the chest wall after mastectomy or radiation therapy to cover and support the implant, implant-based breast reconstruction is possible to perform.

Read More: Breast Implants in Iran

Autologous breast reconstruction requires longer hospitalization and recovery than implant-based procedures.

There is a significant amount of scarring in the donor area, and in case muscle tissue is also used, weakness may occur in that area. However, it is always possible to achieve a more natural and permanent outcome.

In autologous tissue reconstruction, a piece of tissue containing skin, fat, blood vessels, and sometimes muscle is taken from another part of the patient’s body and used to reconstruct the breast.

This piece of tissue is called a flap. Different parts of the body can provide the flap which is needed for the breast reconstruction procedure. The flaps utilized to reconstruct the breasts often come from the abdomen or back area. However, they can also be taken from the thighs or buttocks.

Read More: Various Types of Flaps Used in Breast Reconstruction

After a reconstructed breast has healed and is in place, the nipple can often be surgically reconstructed in a center position.

If the woman in question has large nipples, tissue can sometimes be taken from the side, and used to reconstruct the nipple on the other side.

Nipple reconstruction is usually an outpatient procedure that is carried out under local anesthesia. Some patients might choose to have an artificial nipple, or a three-dimensional tattoo resembling a nipple.

In rare cases, the original nipple can be reconnected, but only if the surgeon is absolutely certain that the tissue is free from cancer cells.

• Once the breast reconstruction using the flap or implant method is over, your incisions will be covered with sterile gauze or bandages.
• An elastic band or support bra minimizes swelling and supports the reconstructed breast.
• A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under your skin to drain excess blood or fluid.
• After breast reconstruction in Iran, nurses will encourage you to move your arms and help you get in and out of bed. You may feel tired and experience pain and your physician might prescribe medication in order to help ease your pain.
• The day after mastectomy reconstruction in Iran, you may be able to sit in a bedside chair. On the second day, most patients can walk without assistance. After a few weeks, the swelling subsides and the shape of the breast improves. It may take six weeks or more for you to be able to return to your normal physical activities.
• A physiotherapist can help women use specialized exercises to regain their strength, adjust to new physical limitations, and discover the safest ways to perform daily activities.
• Over time, some sense of feeling may return to your breast(s), and most of the scars heal over time.

• Bleeding and Pain
• Implant Rupture or Fluid Discharge
• Changes in the Sense of Feeling
• Infection
• Collection of Blood (Hematoma)
• Asymmetry in the Breasts
• Implant Capsular Contracture
• Risks Associated with Anesthesia
• Accumulation of Clear Fluid (seroma)
• Increased risk of a very rare form of immune system cancer, called anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL).
• Necrosis (death of the transferred tissue)
• Experiencing pain and weakness in the area from where the flap tissue was taken.

We have tried to gather most often questions from our clients regarding Breast Reconstruction in Iran , however, if you have not received answers to your questions we are more than happy to help, so please do not hesitate to contact us.