Immediate reconstructive surgery preferred option

(From left) Dr Cheong and Dr Rica Farah speaking on ‘Breast Reconstruction for Cancer Warriors’ during the StarLIVE talk at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star

MORE women are opting for immediate reconstruction during breast cancer surgery.

ParkCity Medical Centre consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Rica Farah Muhammad Abdullah Ichihashi shared that breast reconstruction could be done immediately or delayed.

“It can be done at the same time as the breast surgery or even months and years later, ” Dr Rica Farah said during a StarLIVE talk entitled “Breast Reconstruction for Cancer Warriors”, held at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya. The talk was organised by Star Media Group Bhd and Ramsay Sime Darby.

Breast reconstruction refers to making a new breast mound that was removed either partially or completely during a lumpectomy (surgical removal of a small tumor) or mastectomy (removal of the whole breast).

“The original breast skin is kept for the immediate (procedure). Scarring around the breast area will be less when done immediately while scars are more extensive for the delayed procedure as we have to use skin from other parts of the body, ” she said.

Dr Rica Farah added that immediate breast reconstruction would result in a better aesthetic outcome compared to delaying the process.

“Patients may feel more complete if they opt for immediate breast reconstruction, ” she said.

Her colleague, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Victor Cheong Mun Khan, pointed out that breast reconstruction was not a medical decision but a choice made by patients.

“Now, it is very common for women to opt for immediate breast reconstruction after a mastectomy.

“The whole process for a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery can be peformed in as little as two hours, ” said Dr Cheong.

During breast reconstruction surgery, a surgeon creates a breast shape using patients’ own tissue from another body part or manmade implants.

Dr Cheong said breasts recreated using patients’ own tissue looked more natural and long-lasting.

As for breast implants, he said the breast might not look natural and changes may occur after a certain time.

“The body may react and there may be scars surrounding the implant.

“There is a new disease called anaplastic large cell lymphoma related to breast implants, ” said Dr Cheong.

On other complications, he cited hardening and leakage of implants.

Dr Rica Farah said breast implants made from silicone usually lasted between 10 and 25 years.

Faridah (right) explaining how to do breast self-examination with the help of a poster.

Dr Cheong highlighted that women in the 26- to 70-year old age group were usually considered for breast reconstruction.

“I have a 70-year-old patient who had breast reconstruction and she is teaching dancing, ” he said, adding that the surgery would enable women to have a better quality of life.

“I advise women to keep an open mind about having a mastectomy. They should consult breast reconstructive surgeons to find out the best options for them, ” he said.

Dr Cheong added that the cost for breast reconstruction was about RM15,000.

Administrative officer April Lee, 30, said the speakers had successfully addressed concerns relating to breast reconstruction.

Dr Rica Farah (left) and Dr Cheong responding to queries from participants during the question-and-answer session.

“I learned that it is better for women to go for immediate breast reconstruction, ” she added.

Former tourist guide Corina Tan, 66, said the talk was comprehensive and easily understood by a layperson.

Asia Assistance Network (M) Sdn Bhd medical director and retired surgeon Dr Ernest Yeoh said the speakers had given a clear overview of breast reconstruction.

Participants had the opportunity to take part in a question-and-answer session with both speakers after the talk.

ParkCity Medical Centre oncology nurse manager Faridah Abdullah also gave a demonstration on how to do breast self-examination before the talk.