Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is the reconstructive procedure that restores the volume and shape of a breast after a mastectomy (removal of the breast for cancer or as a preventive measure), after the after-effects of breast-conserving treatment, or in the case of a congenital malformation such as Poland syndrome or tuberous breasts. It is an integral part of the care pathway and plays an essential role in regaining one's figure, femininity and confidence. Several techniques exist and are chosen with the patient according to her body shape, her history (in particular radiotherapy) and her wishes: implant reconstruction, sometimes preceded by an expander that gradually stretches the skin; reconstruction with the patient's own tissue, using a flap taken from the back (latissimus dorsi) or the abdomen (DIEP, TRAM), which gives a natural and lasting breast; fat grafting (lipofilling), which transfers fat harvested by liposuction to rebuild or refine the breast; and combined techniques. Reconstruction can be immediate, in the same operation as the mastectomy, or delayed, once treatment is complete: this choice is discussed together with the oncologist. It most often takes place in several stages: reconstruction of the volume, then symmetrisation of the other breast if needed (reduction, lift or augmentation), and finally reconstruction of the areola and nipple, completed by medical tattooing. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, breast reconstruction is performed by experienced plastic surgeons, in liaison with the oncology team, in an operating theatre meeting international standards. Each patient receives full information on the possible techniques, a comfortable hospital stay and attentive support, step by step, until the final result.