
Sairaala KL specializes in various types of breast reconstruction surgery, such as breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors, correction of breast deformities and asymmetry, and nipple reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction is often considered when a breast has been removed due to breast cancer or high risk of it. The missing breast can be reconstructed using several different techniques, but the choice of surgical technique depends on the patient's body structure, previous surgeries, and the surgeon's skills and preferences.
The surgery is suitable for most people in good health. However, the doctor will always perform an individual suitability assessment before the operation. At its best, breast reconstruction results in a breast that is comparable to a normal breast.
The most common surgical techniques are abdominal flap (TRAM, muscle-sparing TRAM, DIEP), back flap (LD), breast implant, or fat transfer to the breast. TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle) surgery and its variations are the basic surgical procedures for breast reconstruction, providing good volume and symmetry without implants.
The surgery always begins with anesthesia, and it is performed under general anesthesia by two surgical teams. In over 70% of breast reconstruction surgeries, the healthy breast can also be corrected by either lifting or reducing it. The surgery takes about three hours.
You can go home 4-5 days after the surgery. You should take 4-6 weeks of sick leave, depending on how strenuous your work is. About six months after the surgery, the nipple area is raised, and a few months after that, the nipple area is tattooed.
Our own publications on the subject:
1. The use of Lidocaine-Epinephrine reduces blood loss and operating time with free TRAM breast reconstruction. C Hellevuo, A Salmi, E Muuronen Eur J Plast Surg vol 25: 5, 2002, 243-24
2. Breast reconstruction with free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in hospitals unaccustomed to microsurgery: original retrospective study. A Salmi, Scand J Plast Hand Surg, 2005; 39: 153-157
The price of the procedure includes 1-2 follow-up visits with the doctor, one piece of necessary support fabric, and a possible stitch removal/wound care visit with our nurse.