Last year (2020), over 2.3 million women worldwide discovered they had breast cancer. This type of tumor is the most common among Brazilian women and accounts for about 24.5% of all types of diagnosed neoplasms, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA).
Some patients who undergo breast cancer treatment may have their breasts partially or completely removed (mastectomy). After such a difficult period that these women have gone through, breast reconstruction is a relief and improves self-esteem, in addition to the psychological factor.
According to plastic surgeon Humberto Pinto, silicone implant surgery is the most commonly used and recommended, but depending on the case, there is another type of surgery known as 'Abdominal Flap'. “In this case, we remove skin and fat from the abdominal area to use in the reconstruction of the breasts, and we can also choose other parts of the body for the procedure,” explains the surgeon.
In most cases, breast reconstruction is done right after the mastectomy, but this does not happen for everyone. “Some patients who need to continue treatment after the mastectomy, or in cases where the removal is larger, need to wait due to healing,” he explains.
Many feel apprehensive about breast reconstruction, worried about feeling artificial or not getting used to the new implants. In this case, Humberto explains that the surgeon will never work alone. “There is a whole evaluation with the oncologist, with the patient, and we will always opt for a prosthesis in a natural size, according to the woman's biotype and her wishes,” he affirms.
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