Women’s bodies are naturally a very important part of their identities. In particular, their breasts are a major part of what many feel defines them as women. It can be devastating for a woman to find out that she needs to have her breasts removed in order to save her life from breast cancer. After such a traumatic surgery many women decide to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

Types of Breast Implants

There are two different forms of breast implants available for women which include a saline filled implant or a silicone gel implant. The most common type of implant that women prefer to use is a saline implant. However, implants made purely of silicone are still occasionally used. Whichever method is preferred, breast implant can be done along with the mastectomy (one-stage immediate breast reconstruction) or as a separate procedure (two-stage delayed breast reconstruction).

Alternative Method to Implants

Many women do elect to use their own tissue from their back, stomach, thighs, or buttocks area to reconstruct new breasts. The two most common procedures here are the latissimus dorsi flap, which takes tissue from the upper back, and the transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap, which takes tissue from the lower tummy.

You can contact us to schedule a consultation for a more comprehensive view of your options. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Whether you have just gotten a mastectomy, or you know someone who has, it is important to be aware of this very real issue for women.