Feeling feminine again after breast cancer

"Fortunately, 70 to 80 per cent of breast cancer patients can now undergo breast-conserving surgery," says Dr Mirjam Zweifel, plastic surgeon and core team member at the Basel Bethesda Hospital Breast Centre. However, some women require a mastectomy. "Mostly younger women," Zweifel continues, "but many older women also want to feel feminine again and decide in favour of surgery.

Tummy tuck and breast augmentation at the same time

There are generally two options for reconstruction: Either it is carried out with foreign material, i.e. silicone implants, or with the body's own material. "The majority of patients still opt for reconstruction with silicone," says Mirjam Zweifel. "The advantage is that the operation is less complex and no additional scars are produced on the body." Breast reconstruction with autologous tissue - from the abdomen or thigh, for example - has its advantages due to the immediate tightening effect at the donor site. However, this method is complex and requires surgeons to have extensive knowledge and experience in microsurgery. In the past, this technique was only offered in Basel at the University Hospital, but for the past ten years it has also been established at the certified Basel Bethesda Hospital Breast Centre." The reasons for deciding to wear an external breast prosthesis or to have a breast reconstruction are very varied and individual, requiring specialist knowledge and a great deal of sensitivity during detailed consultations.