Bilateral breast reconstruction is performed in cases of traumatic injury to both breasts, disease of both breasts or double mastectomy. Bilateral means 2 sides, left and right, and therefore encompasses both breasts.
Breast reconstruction is a modern surgical miracle that can provide physical and psychological benefits to women who have suffered breast trauma. Fortunately, breast reconstruction is also typically covered under major medical insurance policies and therefore does not have to be a financial burden to the patient.
This post covers the experience of breast reconstruction on both breasts following damage, disease or breast removal surgery.
Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Specifics
Bilateral reconstruction is most often performed following double mastectomy resulting from a diagnosis of breast cancer. Less commonly, reconstruction can be performed following surgical intervention for breast hypertrophy. In some instances, reconstruction surgery can be used to repair tissue that has been traumatized by an accident, act of violence or to fix the collateral effects of disease or infection.
Breast reconstruction is a major surgery and will entail an extended recuperation time, complete with aggressive follow-up care from their medical team to ensure the best outcome. Some women might have to undergo multiple surgeries in order to perfect their results. However, follow-up surgeries will usually be much less dramatic than the first operation.
Bilateral reconstruction is actually easier to perform than unilateral reconstruction, since achieving symmetry will be much simpler. This is especially true of implant-based reconstruction techniques.
Double Breast Reconstruction Options
Bilateral reconstruction can be performed using saline or silicone breast implants. This is the most common and popular type of breast repair surgery. It is also the easiest to perform, the easiest to recover from and the most aesthetic in its outcome. Virtually ny type of breast prosthesis can be used to reconstruct the breast mound, with the nipple and areola typically added later with a minor follow-up procedure.
Some women do not want implants. These women might elect to undergo all-natural tissue reconstruction, typically using the TRAM flap, latissimus dorsi flap or free graft tissue reconstruction procedures.
Women who do not have access to these surgical options may elect for less traditional approaches to breast reconstruction, such as fat transfer or silicone injections. These are not recommended approaches to care and should be avoided whenever possible.
Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Factsheet
Suffering damage to the breasts or complete loss of both breasts is heartbreaking for any woman. The trauma might occur to the body, but the major collateral consequences are to the mind. Breast loss has been proven to dramatically affect self-esteem, body image, confidence and emotional state. Results of breast loss can include depression, suicide, loss of relationships and the inability to breastfeed.
Breast reconstruction is booth humanitarian and beautiful, addressing physical and psychoemotional issues simultaneously for the ultimate in surgical synergy. We have long advocated for the breast reconstruction industry and want to specially thank all the medical professionals who make this wonderful repair process possible for the countless women who receive it each and every year.
