Indications for breast reconstruction:
- absence of the breast after mastectomy due to cancer,
- underdevelopment of the breast due to disease,
- post-disease and postoperative breast deformities.
Breast reconstruction methods available in our offer:
- breast reconstruction with expander-prosthesis
- breast reconstruction with expander exchanged for an implant
- breast reconstruction with own tissues – TRAM or LD flap
- breast reconstruction with own fat
Team responsible for breast reconstruction procedures:
Breast reconstruction procedures are performed by dr n. med. Tadeusz Witwicki
dr n. med. Tadeusz Witwicki – plastic surgeon
He studied at the Warsaw Medical Academy and completed training in Beijing, Glasgow, and Los Angeles. He obtained his specialisation in plastic surgery at the Plastic Surgery Clinic of the Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education in Warsaw. He has been performing breast reconstruction procedures for many years and also conducts training courses for doctors in this field. Author of numerous publications in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Performing breast reconstruction by a team of oncological surgeon and plastic surgeon allows maximising safety and optimising the aesthetic result.
Ask and feel safe in oncology – Interview with expert dr n. med. Tadeusz Witwicki
Before breast reconstruction:
A consultation is recommended before the procedure, during which the specialist doctor answers all the patient's questions, discusses the procedure details, and selects the appropriate method depending on previous treatment and other factors. The patient should bring previous test results relating to the operated site to the consultation. Preoperative tests are ordered during the personal consultation. Additionally, for a minimum of 10 days before the procedure blood-thinning agents (e.g. aspirin) must not be taken, and the procedure date should not be scheduled just before menstruation.
General nutritional recommendations before the procedure:
To better prepare for the breast reconstruction procedure it is also worth following nutritional recommendations. The diet before the procedure must not be restrictive, as protein deficiency impairs healing of postoperative wounds. However, certain modifications are worthwhile. The diet should be easily digestible and fatty, bloating products should be eliminated. Smoking and alcohol should be stopped. It is worth paying attention to preparations that may cause excessive bleeding, e.g. preparations containing vitamin E, ginkofar, and medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin and its derivatives). Also chilli, cayenne, garlic, ginger, saffron, onion, celery, and horseradish may increase the risk of bleeding.
Type of anesthesia:
General or intravenous (exclusively in the case of breast reconstruction with own fat).
Duration of breast reconstruction surgery:
Depending on the method – from 1.5 to 4 hours.
Postoperative recommendations:
After breast reconstruction a restful lifestyle is recommended. Wearing a bra. Attending postoperative check-up appointments (3–4 times after surgery). Use of scar ointments is recommended. Detailed recommendations, depending on the method, are provided by the specialist.
Approximate recovery time after breast reconstruction:
From 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the method.
General nutritional recommendations after breast reconstruction:
The diet after surgery is extremely important, and proper balance ensures supply of nutrients essential for correct wound healing. Meals should be prepared so that they are easily digestible and nutrients well absorbed. The daily menu must include products that are sources of high-quality protein. Zinc, iron, and vitamins also play an important role in the recovery process and adequate intake in the diet should be ensured. Consumption of fibre-rich products prevents constipation that may occur after surgery. Products such as chocolate, tea, coffee, sweets, and starchy foods should also be avoided as they slow intestinal motility.
Example result of breast reconstruction:
