Breast Reconstruction: A Chance to Return to a Full Life

Life is sometimes full of unexpected events—some good, some not so good; sometimes things happen that we didn’t expect at all. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t change anything. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and that’s why we’d like to draw your attention to breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast reconstruction is the restoration of the breast’s appearance and shape. These procedures are primarily performed on patients following breast cancer surgery, when the breast has been partially or completely removed. Reconstruction can be performed at the same time as cancer surgery, which allows the woman to avoid having to live with the absence of a breast during that period.

Last year, in collaboration with women’s organizations, the Latvian Microsurgery Center succeeded in getting the government to reinstate the publicly funded breast reconstruction program, which had been suspended in 2009. Now, women diagnosed with breast cancer can once again receive state-funded breast reconstruction surgery and return to a full life.

Each reconstructive procedure is unique, and the center’s specialists will select the best method to suit each patient’s capabilities and preferences.

🎗 At our center, patients can undergo various types of breast reconstruction surgery. Each method has its own indications and contraindications; the doctor will evaluate these during your visit and, based on the results of your examination, will determine the most appropriate method.

“Starting with the simplest procedures—which involve the use of only implants or tissue expanders— to the most complex—which involve using the patient’s own tissue and microsurgical techniques with the participation of a microsurgery team,” explains Gundars Krauklis.

Breast reconstruction methods:

• Breast reconstruction using the patient's own tissue;

• Breast reconstruction using a tissue expander;

• Breast reconstruction with implant placement;

• A combination of various methods.

The Final Phase of the Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction is the final stage of breast reconstruction and is performed 6–12 months after the initial surgery. During this procedure, surgical techniques may be combined with tattooing to achieve the best results.

In addition, it is sometimes necessary to perform a correction on the healthy breast to make both breasts as similar as possible. Correction is performed using the following methods: augmentation, reduction, or lift (mastopexy). A reconstructed breast may also need to be adjusted over time, as changes that occur during the healing process are sometimes unpredictable. In such cases, scar revision or fat injections (lipofilling) may be performed.

Duration of Treatment and Recovery

Treatment takes place on an inpatient basis and lasts from a few days to a week, though there are exceptions. The surgery itself can take several hours, and recovery takes an average of 6 weeks. After surgery, patients must wear a compression bra and an abdominal support belt to help the tissues heal properly.

🎗 From 2021 to 2022, doctors at the Latvian Microsurgery Center performed free breast reconstruction surgeries on 12 women as part of a charity campaign. We invite you to watch the video: one of the patients shares her experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo_duYYAxc0

Our YouTube channel also features several videos of other patients undergoing reconstruction.