Berkshire Health Systems
  • Coronavirus Information Kiosk
  • Berkshire Patient Portal
  • COVID-19 Relief Fund for Berkshire Health Systems
  • Pay Your Bill Online
  • About Us
  • Employment
  • Coronavirus Information Kiosk
  • Berkshire Patient Portal
  • BMC Parking Maps
  • Advocacy for Access
  • Berkshire Patient Portal
  • BHS Blood Drawing Stations
  • BHS Bloodmobile
  • BHS Community Benefits Implementation Plan
  • BHS News
  • BHS Privacy Practices
  • BMC Community Benefits Report FY 2018
  • Fairview Hospital FY 2018 Community Benefit Report
  • BMC Medical Interpreters
  • Community Outreach Program
  • County Health Needs Assessment
  • Financial Counseling/Ayuda Financiera
  • Helpful Patient Tools
  • Medical Interpreters at Fairview
  • MedlinePlus
  • MedlinePlus en Espanol
  • One Medical Passport
  • Pay Your Bill Online
  • Pre-Surgical Assessment
  • Request a Medical Record
  • Send a Patient Greeting
  • Wellness Works Website - For BHS Employees & Spouses
  • Worksite Wellness
Berkshire Health Systems
  • Programs & Services
    • Addiction Services
    • Anesthesiology
    • Bariatrics
    • Better Start
    • Cancer Care
    • Cardiology
    • Diabetes Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Endoscopy
    • Healthy Steps
    • Home Care
    • Hospitalists
    • Kidney & Dialysis
    • Laboratory Services
    • Maternity
    • Neurology
    • Neurosurgery
    • Occupational Med
    • Orthopedics
    • Outreach
    • Pain Management
    • Pharmacy
    • Psychiatry
    • Pulmonary Care
    • Radiology
    • Rehabilitation
    • Sleep Disorders
    • Sports Medicine
    • Stroke Care
    • Surgery
    • Trauma Care
    • Travel Medicine
    • Urgent Care
    • Urology
    • Wellness
    • WIC Program
    • Women's Imaging
    • Wound Care
    • Patient & Visitor Information
    • Quality Care & Patient Safety
    • Calendar & Events
    • News
    • Maps & Directions
    • Ways to Give
    • Health Encyclopedia
    • Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, MA
    • Fairview Hospital, Great Barrington, MA
    • Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association
    • BHS Survey Module
  • Locations
    • Berkshire Medical Center
    • Fairview Hospital
    • North Adams Campus of BMC
    • BMC & Fairview Physician Practices
    • Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association
    • BHS Urgent Care
    • Long Term Care
    • BHS Laboratory - Blood Drawing Stations
  • Find a Physician
  • BHS Physician Practices
  • Medical Education
    • Message from Dr. Alex Sabo
    • Internal Medicine Residency
    • Surgery Residency
    • Osteopathic Medical Education
    • Psychiatry Residency
    • Dentistry Residency
    • Medical Students
    • Continuing Medical Education
    • School of Medical Technology
    • Schwartz Center Rounds
  • Coronavirus Information Kiosk
  • Berkshire Patient Portal
  • COVID-19 Relief Fund for Berkshire Health Systems
  • Pay Your Bill Online
  • About Us
  • Employment
Breast Reconstruction Surgery Journey is Personal Pittsfield, Massachusetts (MA) - Berkshire Health Systems
  1. Home
  2. Programs & Services
  3. Community Outreach Program
  4. Health Take-Away
  5. Breast Reconstruction Surgery Journey is Personal

Health Take-Away

Health Take-Away

  • Alcohol's Impact on Breast Cancer Risk
  • Acupuncture Can Help with Relief in Breast Cancer Care
  • Breast Reconstruction Surgery Journey is Personal
  • Building Your Immunity during COVID-19
  • Emotional Toll of COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Anti-Body Testing: What It Tells You What It Won't
  • Treating Varicose Veins
  • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: What is OMM
  • Know Your Audiology Options
  • Pets as Therapists
  • Reducing the Stigma of Substance Use Disorder
  • Be Kind to Your Heart
  • Headache Care
  • Managing Presenteeism
  • Don't Struggle with Resolutions
  • Enjoy the Holidays Through the Gift of Giving
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Save a Life, Lift Your Soul, Give Blood
  • Team Approach for Breast Cancer
  • Surviving Breast Cancer: A Journey
  • Hunger in the Berkshires
  • Vaccinations Help Avoid Needless Risks
  • Embrace Mindfulness
  • Low Carb High Fat Diet has Benefits
  • Probiotics Uses the Good Bugs to Fight the Bad Ones
  • Use the Power of Nature for Better Health
  • Unplug from Online for Better Health
  • Weight Loss Through Narrowing Your Eating Window
  • Mammography and Dense Breast Tissue
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction Disorder
  • Smoker or Former Smoker? Lung Cancer Screening is Recommended for You
  • Be Safe When Using Over the Counter Medications
  • Screenings for Colon Cancer
  • Thyroid Health Essential to Metabolism
  • Go for Nutrition that is Heart Healthy
  • High Blood Pressure and Ways to Lower It
  • Hospitalists: Your Around the Clock Caregiver
  • Weight Loss Surgery Has Lasting Impact
  • Can you Find Joy in the Holidays When Sick?
  • Coping with Holiday Depression
  • When Quitting Smoking You May Need to Try and Try Again
  • Vaginal Birth after C-Section
  • New Tool to Assess Breast Cancer Risk
  • Migraines: How to Treat Them
  • Vestibular Care: It's All in Your Ears
  • Prepare for a Healthy Trip Abroad
  • New Moms Encouraged to Breast Feed
  • Language Diversity Important to Healthcare
  • Latest Advances in Joint Replacement
  • Vaping and Nicotine Addiction
  • Urgent Care or Emergency Department
  • Free Medicare Wellness Visit
  • Rehabilitation from Stroke Onset
  • Life Threatening Stroke Can be Prevented
  • Mammography and MRI for Women with High Risk of Breast Cancer
  • Breaking the Silence on Kidney Disease
  • Stop Mindless Eating
  • Hospitals Working to Improve Heart Health
  • Your Healthy Gut Bacteria
  • Give Up Smoking in 2018
  • Healthy Resolutions for 2018
  • Healthy Giving for 2017
  • Concussions: Myths and Truths
  • Celebrate a Thankful & Healthy Holiday
  • Don't Die of Embarrassment: Get Screened for Colon Cancer
  • Don't Let the Flu Get You This Season
  • Advanced Cardiac Imaging
  • Chronic Wound Care
  • What is a Hospitalist?
  • Healthy Heart Rhythms
  • Wellness Coaching
  • Men's Health In Crisis
  • Prevent Stroke or Respond FAST
  • Walking to Good Health
  • Healing Through Acupuncture
  • Self Care is Our Future
  • Family Wellness - Play Together Stay Healthy Together
  • Rewriting Your Book of Life
  • Pre-Diabetes: A Wake-Up Call for Better Health
  • Overcoming Crisis With Resiliency
  • Stepping Off the Slippery Slope
  • Sleep & Wellness: Learning to Cherish Your Sleep
  • Kicking the Habit and Ending the Fear
  • High Blood Pressure: One of the Few Things in Life We Can Control
  • Friendship is Powerful Medicine
  • It's Flu Season: Get the Vaccine!
  • The Healing Power of Gratitude
  • Where's the Joy?
  • New Year's Resolutions to Live By
  • Preventing Falls: A Leading Health Risk for the Older Population
  • Staying Healthy in the Office
  • Exercising at Home and Staying Fit in the Winter
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Regaining a Healthier and Better Life
  • Nutrition & Exercise: Two Great Gifts for Children
  • A Screening That Has Saved More than a Million Lives
  • How Walking Can Change Your Life
  • Injury-Free Sports & Activities
  • Have a Healthy Summer
  • Head to a Farmers' Market
  • Just Breathe
  • Lyme Disease Facts
  • Mindful Eating
  • Empathy in Healthcare
  • Preparing Your Family for an Emergency
  • Helping Someone to Cope with Opioid Addiction
  • Breast Cancer Awareness: Mammograms Save Lives
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Lung Cancer Screening
  • Giving Thanks
  • Healthy Holidays
  • Alcohol's Impact on Breast Cancer Risk
  • Acupuncture Can Help with Relief in Breast Cancer Care
  • Breast Reconstruction Surgery Journey is Personal
  • Building Your Immunity during COVID-19
  • Emotional Toll of COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Anti-Body Testing: What It Tells You What It Won't
  • Treating Varicose Veins
  • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: What is OMM
  • Know Your Audiology Options
  • Pets as Therapists
  • Reducing the Stigma of Substance Use Disorder
  • Be Kind to Your Heart
  • Headache Care
  • Managing Presenteeism
  • Don't Struggle with Resolutions
  • Enjoy the Holidays Through the Gift of Giving
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder
  • Save a Life, Lift Your Soul, Give Blood
  • Team Approach for Breast Cancer
  • Surviving Breast Cancer: A Journey
  • Hunger in the Berkshires
  • Vaccinations Help Avoid Needless Risks
  • Embrace Mindfulness
  • Low Carb High Fat Diet has Benefits
  • Probiotics Uses the Good Bugs to Fight the Bad Ones
  • Use the Power of Nature for Better Health
  • Unplug from Online for Better Health
  • Weight Loss Through Narrowing Your Eating Window
  • Mammography and Dense Breast Tissue
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction Disorder
  • Smoker or Former Smoker? Lung Cancer Screening is Recommended for You
  • Be Safe When Using Over the Counter Medications
  • Screenings for Colon Cancer
  • Thyroid Health Essential to Metabolism
  • Go for Nutrition that is Heart Healthy
  • High Blood Pressure and Ways to Lower It
  • Hospitalists: Your Around the Clock Caregiver
  • Weight Loss Surgery Has Lasting Impact
  • Can you Find Joy in the Holidays When Sick?
  • Coping with Holiday Depression
  • When Quitting Smoking You May Need to Try and Try Again
  • Vaginal Birth after C-Section
  • New Tool to Assess Breast Cancer Risk
  • Migraines: How to Treat Them
  • Vestibular Care: It's All in Your Ears
  • Prepare for a Healthy Trip Abroad
  • New Moms Encouraged to Breast Feed
  • Language Diversity Important to Healthcare
  • Latest Advances in Joint Replacement
  • Vaping and Nicotine Addiction
  • Urgent Care or Emergency Department
  • Free Medicare Wellness Visit
  • Rehabilitation from Stroke Onset
  • Life Threatening Stroke Can be Prevented
  • Mammography and MRI for Women with High Risk of Breast Cancer
  • Breaking the Silence on Kidney Disease
  • Stop Mindless Eating
  • Hospitals Working to Improve Heart Health
  • Your Healthy Gut Bacteria
  • Give Up Smoking in 2018
  • Healthy Resolutions for 2018
  • Healthy Giving for 2017
  • Concussions: Myths and Truths
  • Celebrate a Thankful & Healthy Holiday
  • Don't Die of Embarrassment: Get Screened for Colon Cancer
  • Don't Let the Flu Get You This Season
  • Advanced Cardiac Imaging
  • Chronic Wound Care
  • What is a Hospitalist?
  • Healthy Heart Rhythms
  • Wellness Coaching
  • Men's Health In Crisis
  • Prevent Stroke or Respond FAST
  • Walking to Good Health
  • Healing Through Acupuncture
  • Self Care is Our Future
  • Family Wellness - Play Together Stay Healthy Together
  • Rewriting Your Book of Life
  • Pre-Diabetes: A Wake-Up Call for Better Health
  • Overcoming Crisis With Resiliency
  • Stepping Off the Slippery Slope
  • Sleep & Wellness: Learning to Cherish Your Sleep
  • Kicking the Habit and Ending the Fear
  • High Blood Pressure: One of the Few Things in Life We Can Control
  • Friendship is Powerful Medicine
  • It's Flu Season: Get the Vaccine!
  • The Healing Power of Gratitude
  • Where's the Joy?
  • New Year's Resolutions to Live By
  • Preventing Falls: A Leading Health Risk for the Older Population
  • Staying Healthy in the Office
  • Exercising at Home and Staying Fit in the Winter
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation: Regaining a Healthier and Better Life
  • Nutrition & Exercise: Two Great Gifts for Children
  • A Screening That Has Saved More than a Million Lives
  • How Walking Can Change Your Life
  • Injury-Free Sports & Activities
  • Have a Healthy Summer
  • Head to a Farmers' Market
  • Just Breathe
  • Lyme Disease Facts
  • Mindful Eating
  • Empathy in Healthcare
  • Preparing Your Family for an Emergency
  • Helping Someone to Cope with Opioid Addiction
  • Breast Cancer Awareness: Mammograms Save Lives
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Lung Cancer Screening
  • Giving Thanks
  • Healthy Holidays

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Journey is Personal

Choosing breast reconstruction following mastectomy is a very personal decision
By Zachary Long, D.O.

More than 100,000 U.S. women undergo some form of mastectomy or breast removal each year, and a growing number of them are choosing to have breast reconstruction surgery for very personal reasons, whether it’s to restore their outward physical appearance or simply feel better about their own bodies.

There are several reconstruction techniques available nowadays, with the two main ones being implant reconstruction, in which the plastic surgeon inserts a round implant filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel, and autologous or “flap reconstruction,” in which the surgeon actually transplants a flap of tissue from another part of your body (usually the belly, thigh, buttocks or back) to the area of the breasts.

Losing a breast or both is a physically and emotionally stressful experience. Not only are you confronting the fears and uncertainties that come with any cancer diagnosis, you are giving up a part of your body that in many ways has defined your gender identity, your sexuality, your maternality, your physicality and your overall sense of self. 

Mastectomies are one of the treatments performed on patients diagnosed with breast cancer or at genetically high risk for developing it in the future. Breast reconstruction surgery most typically is done during or shortly following a mastectomy, although some patients choose to have the reconstruction months or even years later.

The choice of which proLONG ZACHARY.jpgcedure to have – and indeed, the decision to have any breast reconstruction at all – is a highly personal matter, and one that’s made in close consultation with your doctors and ideally with other women who have undergone the procedure. Hearing those personal experiences can be one of the best ways to reach a decision of your own.

Both of the surgical approaches have advantages and disadvantages. Generally speaking, implant reconstruction is an easier, less invasive surgery to perform and usually has faster, easier recovery. Flap surgery, because it involves transplanting tissue from one place to another, is more involved to perform, is more time-consuming and involves longer recovery.  Over time, however, implants can be more prone to issues which may require additional procedures to correct.  Flaps tend to have a more natural feel, perform better over time and usually do not need routine surveillance over the course of a lifetime. As with any surgery, it comes down to what’s right for a particular patient and their individual situation. 

The goal of any breast reconstruction is to restore the breast mound or mounds and achieve symmetry. The breast surgeons who perform mastectomies and the plastic surgeons who reconstruct breasts should work closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and the patients themselves to develop the optimal surgical treatment and a reconstruction strategy.

It's also important to understand that while breast reconstruction rebuilds the shape of the breast, it usually doesn't restore sensation to the breast or the nipple. Over time, the skin over the reconstructed breast can become more sensitive to touch, but it will never be quite the same as it was before surgery.

While most women choose to have some type of reconstruction, some simply do not want to have any additional surgery at all. They choose no reconstruction and don’t want to be pressured by anyone to have it done. Some choose to leave the results of a mastectomy as is.  Others choose breast prostheses, a wearable artificial form which gives the appearance of breasts, but without the surgery. 

When it comes to choosing between surgical implants, flap reconstruction, breast prostheses or nothing at all, there really are no right or wrong answers. There’s only what’s right for you and the knowledge that you have many options from which to choose.

Zachary Long, D.O., is a plastic surgeon with Berkshire Medical Center.

 

  •   (413) 447-2000
  •   Email - General Inquiries Only
  •   Email - BMC Patient Experience
  •   Email - BHS Physician Practices
  •   Email - Fairview Hospital Inquiries
  • Employment at BHS
  • About Us
  • 2018 BMC Report on Cancer
  • Quality Care & Patient Safety
  • Berkshire Patient Portal
  • Awards & Accreditations
  • BHS Community Outreach
  • BHS Bloodmobile
  • BMC FY 2018 Community Benefits Report
  • Fairview FY 2018 Community Benefits Report
  • Ways to Give
  • Give Us Your Feedback

© 2021 Berkshire Health Systems

725 North Street

Pittsfield, MA 01201

  • News
  • Privacy Practices
  • Practicas De Privacidad
  • Site Map
  • BHS Privacy Practices
  • Contact Us