Tissue rearrangement is one path to restoring breast symmetry and appearance after a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy).
Tissue rearrangement is an approach to rebuilding the breast after partial mastectomy, also known as lumpectomy. This approach works best for women who have adequate or ample breast tissue. The effectiveness of tissue rearrangement also depends on the amount of tissue removed during the partial mastectomy.
The basic premise of tissue rearrangement is that after tissue is removed for the lumpectomy, the remaining breast tissue is reshaped to close down the tumor cavity. This helps to prevent future breast distortion that can occur with radiation where the tumor cavity collapses down in an uncontrolled fashion. It is much more difficult to repair these distortions after radiation.
Procedures such as breast lift or breast reduction are usually involved in tissue rearrangement because they aid in the reshaping of the breast and collapsing down the tumor cavity. Breast lifts and breast reductions typically occur in both breasts, not just the breast affected by cancer, for better symmetry.
While some of these procedures are also used as cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, they are considered part of breast reconstruction and are usually covered by insurance.
If your breasts are small, there may not be enough tissue for a lift or reduction. You may need to pursue a tissue replacement procedure that includes a small implant or natural tissue reconstruction instead. Implants may be affected by radiation so usually tissue reconstruction is preferable.
The recovery from a tissue arrangement can vary widely but is generally 4-6 weeks. Expect that after a partial mastectomy, you will likely have radiation therapy followed by ongoing surveillance to detect the breast cancer if it returns.
Ideally, tissue rearrangement procedures are performed at the time of partial mastectomy or shortly thereafter. They are usually done before radiation therapy occurs. There may be some changes to the radiated breast that can result in loss of volume or tightening of the skin. These asymmetries may be corrected by procedures on the non-radiated breast to further lift and tighten the breast.
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