Can Both Breasts Be Made Symmetrical?
Yes, making both breasts look as similar as possible is an important goal in oncoplastic surgery. Surgeons often plan procedures for both the affected and healthy breast, such as a lift, reduction, or augmentation, to create a natural and balanced appearance.
Will Radiation Affect Cosmetic Results?
While radiation therapy can cause mild changes, advanced planning minimizes the impact. Radiation can sometimes lead to mild changes in breast shape, firmness, or size due to tissue tightening (fibrosis).3 However, modern oncoplastic surgery is specifically designed to counteract these effects. Advanced surgical planning involves anticipating the potential effects of radiation and using techniques (like tissue rearrangement and volume displacement) to ensure the reconstructed breast is better positioned to handle post-radiation changes, thereby preserving the long-term cosmetic result.
How Long is the Recovery Time post surgery?
Most patients recover in stages and can get back to light activities fairly soon. Initial Recovery (2–3 weeks): Most patients are able to resume light, non-strenuous daily activities like walking, driving, and desk work within this timeframe.
Full recovery usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks, including the time needed to return to exercise and heavier activities. Your surgeon will give you a recovery plan that fits your specific surgery.
Is the Surgery Painful?
Post-operative pain is managed exceptionally well with modern techniques. While any surgery involves some discomfort, the pain is typically mild to moderate and highly controllable. We utilize modern anesthesia protocols and a combination of prescription and over-the-counter medications to ensure your comfort. Our focus is on pain management, ensuring that your recovery experience is as smooth and pain-free as possible.
Are radiation or chemotherapy needed after mandibulectomy?
Sometimes, yes. These treatments may be recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Will I be able to eat and speak normally after surgery?
With proper reconstruction and rehabilitation, most patients can regain good eating, speaking, and facial functions over time.
What are the different types of mandibulectomy?
Marginal Mandibulectomy Segmental Mandibulectomy Hemimandibulectomy Total Mandibulectomy
How long does recovery take?
Initial healing takes about 2–3 weeks, but complete recovery — including speech, swallowing, and physical rehabilitation — may take a few months.
Which body parts are commonly used for tissue transfer?
Common donor sites include the forearm, leg (fibula), thigh, or back, depending on the type and size of the reconstruction needed.
Why is microvascular reconstruction done?
It helps restore appearance, speech, swallowing, and facial function after removal of tumours or damaged tissue in the head and neck region.
