The psychology of breast reconstruction is an important aspect to consider when planning a procedure to rebuild lost or damaged breast tissue. Losing a breast is one of the most traumatic experiences a woman can suffer in her lifetime. There are no words which can accurately describe the feelings she must endure when dealing with this painful event. It is vital to recognize how the loss of a breast can impact a woman and how breast reconstruction can help to rebuild her body and her life.
This treatise discusses the emotional significance of reconstruction mammoplasty.
Psychology of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Overcoming breast cancer is monumental achievement, which often leaves considerable effects on a woman’s mind and spirit. While the successful victory might create a feeling of empowerment and triumph over adversity, many women are still left with a deep feeling of dread from their grueling battle.
After a mastectomy, the physical appearance of the surgical defect is enough to devastate a woman’s confidence and body image. She might not even recognize her body after the combined effects of mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy.
Rebuilding a life will take time, but often gets a jump start when breast reconstruction is performed to repair some of the physical effects of the cancer. When a woman can view her newly created breast and see that she has not only survived, but actually begun to truly heal, she will gain confidence that the worst is behind her.
Breast reconstruction will certainly correct many of the physical remnants of mastectomy, but more importantly, will address the emotional issues of loss, fear, insecurity, anxiety and depression often associated with post-mastectomy patients.
Breast reconstruction is far more than a corrective physical modality; it is a method of breathing life back into a woman’s soul and giving her the inspiration to rebuild herself to the fullest.
Breast Reconstruction After Injury
Traumatic injury to the breast can leave permanent scars in the mind, as well as on the body. Women who have endured horrible accidents, or have been the victims of violence, are doubly scarred by their experiences.
The physical scars remind them everyday of their ordeal, but the emotional scars run very deep and might affect every aspect of the woman’s life.
Breast reconstruction is a valuable tool in putting the past trauma behind the victim, assisting her in moving on with her life. Breast reconstruction will help to correct the physical damage caused by the injury, but will also permeate into the woman’s heart and spirit.
Once she can witness the rebirth of her breast through the miracle of plastic surgery, she will know that she too must become reborn, leaving the pain of her past behind her and enjoying her new lease on life.
Psychological Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
The actual reason for losing a breast is not nearly as important as the loss itself. Your body is the only real possession you will ever truly own and to forfeit a piece of that most sacred of possessions is unthinkable to most people.
he bravery displayed by women who have lost a breast is exemplary and certainly demonstrates the inner tenacity of the human spirit. While it is important to accept this loss as a part of one’s life, it is not necessary to allow it to become a permanent reminder of sadness and misery in one’s existence.
Taking charge by rebuilding one’s body is the greatest evidence of truly overcoming the adversity which caused the loss. This feeling of empowerment transcends the feeling of loss and elevates the spirit to a higher ideal. The reconstruction process brings a woman full circle in her quest to survive and persevere.
For more information about the methods and techniques of surgical breast reconstruction, talk to a qualified plastic surgeon today.
Additional articles about the psychological effects of reconstructive surgery can be found in the psychology of cosmetic surgery section.
