Mastectomy: Rebuilding Lives, Physically and Emotionally
Breast cancer affects one in eight women, leading many to undergo mastectomy. Prof. Dr. Yiğit Özer Tiftikçioğlu explains the transformative impact of breast reconstruction surgery, which restores both physical form and emotional well-being. Explore the options, techniques, and emotional journey of breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. Learn from expert insights by Prof. Dr. Yiğit Özer Tiftikçioğlu on regaining confidence post-breast cancer.
Editors 
Mastectomy: Rebuilding Lives, Physically and Emotionally
Breast cancer remains one of the most common and impactful health challenges faced by women worldwide. It not only threatens physical health but also profoundly affects emotional well-being. The loss of a breast due to cancer can lead to depression, body image issues, and fears of recurrence, creating a complex and deeply personal journey for those affected.
Breast Cancer: A Silent Challenge for One in Eight Women
Statistics reveal that one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Among these, mastectomy—complete or partial removal of the breast—becomes a necessary step for many. The procedure, while lifesaving, leaves physical and emotional scars that demand care beyond medical treatment.
Prof. Dr. Yiğit Özer Tiftikçioğlu, a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, emphasizes the significance of post-mastectomy breast reconstruction surgery. “This procedure helps restore the body’s integrity, offering patients a chance to move past the psychological burden of cancer,” he states. "Whether through implants or autologous tissue reconstruction, the outcomes are often transformative, enabling women to regain a sense of normalcy.”
Options in Breast Reconstruction Surgery
According to Dr. Tiftikçioğlu, reconstruction surgery can be performed in two primary ways:
- Immediate Reconstruction: Conducted simultaneously with mastectomy, this approach minimizes the emotional impact of breast loss by restoring the breast in the same surgical session.
- Delayed Reconstruction: For patients requiring aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, reconstruction is deferred, typically by about a year, to ensure comprehensive cancer management.
Reconstruction methods include:
- Autologous Tissue Reconstruction: Utilizing the patient’s tissue, commonly from the abdominal region, to shape the new breast.
- Implants: Silicone implants provide a less invasive yet effective alternative, suitable for immediate or delayed reconstruction.
Advanced Techniques in Reconstruction
Dr. Tiftikçioğlu explains the evolving techniques in breast reconstruction. "For cases where the skin envelope is preserved during mastectomy, reconstruction becomes more seamless. In many cases, even the nipple and surrounding areola can be saved, enhancing aesthetic outcomes." Further refinements, such as reconstructing the nipple or addressing asymmetries, can be performed in subsequent minor procedures.
The Role of Psychological Support
The journey of breast reconstruction is not just a physical process but also an emotional one. Psychological counseling and therapy play a pivotal role in helping patients cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Dr. Tiftikçioğlu highlights the importance of tailored care: “Every patient deserves a personalized approach, ensuring both their physical and emotional needs are met.”
Key Considerations for Patients
Dr. Tiftikçioğlu underscores several factors that influence reconstruction decisions:
- Medical History: Treatments like radiotherapy can affect tissue elasticity and healing.
- Physical Health: Overall health, age, and body composition impact surgical options.
- Emotional Readiness: Psychological support before and after surgery ensures a smoother recovery.
Expert Care and Collaboration
As a faculty member at Ege University Medical School and an integral part of the Breast Cancer Council since 2011, Prof. Dr. Tiftikçioğlu brings a wealth of expertise to his patients. He works closely with oncologists to design individualized treatment plans, ensuring each woman receives the best possible care.
“Breast reconstruction is more than a surgical procedure,” Dr. Tiftikçioğlu concludes. “It’s a step toward reclaiming confidence and moving forward from a life-altering diagnosis.”
