In this Breast Reconstruction Q&A video, Mr Simon Mackey, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, discusses the key differences between tissue and implant breast reconstruction, emphasising that the choice depends on individual health, body type, and lifestyle preferences.
He also explains that breast reconstruction is often part of a larger journey, with additional surgeries like breast symmetry procedures, nipple reconstruction, and tattooing available to achieve optimal results. While reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries serve different purposes, Mr Mackey highlights that they can sometimes share similar techniques to enhance outcomes for patients.
Q1. What are the advantages of using your own tissue for breast reconstruction vs using implants?
A. Worldwide the most common form of reconstruction still is implant-based reconstruction and implants can work very well in particular individuals, but there are some downsides with breast implants. The major disadvantage is that they tend to encapsulate, which is where tough scar tissue forms around the implant, which can misshape the implants and they can become rather hard, uncomfortable or painful. They also tend to deteriorate with time and if you have an implant-based reconstruction, in all likelihood you'll need further servicing type procedures through your lifetime. So I'd say the major advantage of using your own tissues for reconstruction is that you provide a reconstruction, which tends to behave much more like breast tissue, it tends to be soft, it's warm, it will droop more like breast tissue, and they tend to be much more durable. So once the tissue's transferred safely to the chest, it should stay there for the rest of your life.
Q2. Does The McIndoe Centre offer the full range of reconstructive techniques following breast reconstruction?
A. As the unit who performs more breast reconstructions than any other independent UK hospital outside London*, we do provide all of these adjunctive procedures. These are generally designed to finesse the results and optimise comfort and symmetry in clothing to get you feeling as similar as possible to how you were before you had your necessary breast cancer treatment. These techniques can involve lifting or reducing the other breast or may involve fat transfer into the free flap itself to try and get things as symmetrical and comfortable as we possibly can. In addition to this we frequently perform nipple reconstruction which can be undertaken at the same time as a breast reduction say or can be performed on its own as a local anaesthetic day case procedure. At The McIndoe Centre, we can also provide tattooing of the nipple just to complete your reconstructive journey.
*Private Healthcare Information (PHIN) 01 January 2023 - 21 December 2023.
Q3. Are reconstructive techniques the same as cosmetic techniques?
A. Within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, there is considerable overlap between the two fields of practice. So, we frequently use cosmetic surgical techniques as part of reconstruction, and conversely, we frequently use reconstructive techniques as part of cosmetic surgical practice.
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