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5 Common Breast Reconstruction Myths

October 17, 2016

There is no shortage of breast reconstruction information available online these days, particularly in the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, not all the resources you may come across are entirely accurate and/or reliable. In an effort to help clear the air about this highly rewarding procedure, we’ve put together this blog post to debunk some of the most common breast reconstruction myths we hear today. Take a look below to discover the truth about five popular misconceptions.

1. Breast reconstruction can only be performed immediately after mastectomy. While it is frequently conducted right away, breast reconstruction can indeed be performed at a later point in time if desired. This option is known as a delayed reconstruction, and it can occur months or even years down the road.
2. Women who have undergone radiation cannot receive a breast reconstruction. Radiation therapy does not definitively rule out the possibility of breast reconstruction. While the reconstructive options patients have may be more limited when radiation is part of breast cancer treatment, there are usually techniques that can still be employed to rebuild the breast mound(s) with natural-looking results.
3. Implants are the only breast reconstruction option. Thanks to advancements in modern medicine, there are many different breast reconstruction options available today. In fact, for women not interested in implant reconstruction, our Virginia plastic surgeon performs an innovative technique called flap reconstruction that uses tissue from elsewhere on the patient’s own body to recreate the breast(s). The final results can look and feel extremely natural.
4. Reconstructed breasts appear unnatural. Again, thanks to continuous medical advancements and innovation, breast reconstruction methods utilized today can produce natural-appearing breasts. This is especially true when skin-and nipple-sparing mastectomy techniques are employed prior to the reconstruction.
5. Breast cancer will be hard to detect in the future following reconstruction. Currently, there is no evidence that indicates breast reconstruction interferes with the ability to detect breast cancer later in time. Based on the reconstructive technique performed, your doctor may recommend specific diagnostic tests that can help improve the accuracy of breast screenings, but the claim that abnormal tissues will be difficult to identify is false.

Contact Parva Plastic Surgery

For more clarity on any of these myths, or if you are interested in breast reconstruction and would like to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon—Dr. Behzad Parva—please contact us today by calling 703-777-7477.