Our Summary

Breast reconstruction surgery is quite common in Taiwan, especially for women with smaller breasts who often struggle to find a suitable implant size. This study looks at the outcomes of a specific surgical procedure where the breast is reconstructed using a type of implant called a cohesive gel implant, at the same time as enhancing the size of the other breast.

The researchers looked back at the medical records of 30 patients who had this type of surgery between 2002 and 2015. They collected information such as the patient’s age, body size, breast size, the type and stage of breast cancer, the details of the surgery, and the level of pain experienced afterwards.

They found that, on average, patients were followed up 2.3 years after their surgery. Seven patients (about 23%) experienced problems - mostly the formation of a hard capsule around the implant. However, most patients were happy with the look of their breasts after surgery, with only one patient rating their satisfaction as “poor” - this was due to skin damage caused by radiotherapy after the surgery. The average pain score reported by patients was 1.9 out of 10, although those who had an additional operation to enhance the size of the other breast reported slightly more pain (an average score of 3.08).

The study concludes that this type of surgery can be an effective and safe option for women with smaller breasts in Taiwan, offering good cosmetic outcomes and a relatively low risk of complications or need for further surgery. This is the first study to look at this specific surgical procedure in Taiwan.

FAQs

  1. What type of implant was used in the breast reconstruction surgeries examined in this study?
  2. What percentage of patients experienced complications after their surgery, and what were the most common issues?
  3. What were the average patient satisfaction and pain scores following the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient considering breast augmentation is to thoroughly research and discuss all options with their surgeon. It is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to understand the potential risks and complications involved. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments is crucial for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended breast augmentation include:

  1. Women with smaller breasts who desire a larger breast size for cosmetic reasons.
  2. Women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer and are looking to reconstruct their breasts.
  3. Women with asymmetrical breasts who wish to achieve a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.
  4. Women who have lost breast volume due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
  5. Women who have a congenital breast deformity that they wish to correct.
  6. Women who have undergone hormone therapy or other medical treatments that have affected their breast size or shape.

Overall, breast augmentation is recommended for patients who are in good physical health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery, and have discussed their goals and concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon.

Timeline

In terms of a timeline, before breast augmentation surgery, a patient typically consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and options for the procedure. They may undergo a physical examination, breast measurements, and discuss implant size, type, and placement. Pre-operative tests may be conducted to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery.

On the day of surgery, the patient will be prepared for the procedure, which typically involves general anesthesia. The surgery itself can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. After surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged home to begin the healing process.

In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient will experience some pain, swelling, and bruising. They will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon, such as wearing a supportive bra, avoiding certain activities, and taking prescribed medications as needed.

Over the next few months, the patient’s breasts will gradually heal and settle into their final shape. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns. In some cases, additional procedures may be needed to achieve the desired results, such as nipple reconstruction or implant adjustments.

Overall, the patient should experience an improvement in the size, shape, and appearance of their breasts, leading to increased confidence and satisfaction with their body image.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient could ask their doctor about breast augmentation using cohesive gel implants for breast reconstruction include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this specific surgical procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery time after surgery, and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need additional surgeries or procedures in the future to maintain or adjust the results of the breast augmentation?
  4. How will the cohesive gel implants feel and look compared to other types of breast implants?
  5. Will there be any limitations on physical activity or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  6. How will the surgery impact my ability to breastfeed in the future?
  7. What are the long-term outcomes and potential side effects of having cohesive gel implants for breast reconstruction?
  8. Are there any specific follow-up appointments or care instructions I should be aware of after the surgery?
  9. What are the factors that could affect the success of the surgery, such as age, body size, or breast size?
  10. Can I see before and after photos of patients who have undergone this specific type of surgery for breast augmentation and reconstruction?

Reference

Authors: Liu HH, Chiang IH, Wang CH, Chiao HY, Chou CY, Wang CY, Tzeng YS, Chen TM, Chen SG. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2017 Mar;78(3 Suppl 2):S102-S107. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001014. PMID: 28166138