The importance of early detection
Early diagnosis allows tumors to be detected in localized stages, a time when therapeutic options are less aggressive and the probability of cure is much greater. The 5-year survival rates for cancer detected in the localized stage exceed 90–99% in modern series; In contrast, when there is advanced disease, survival drops drastically. International organizations and studies show that screening programs and early care have been responsible for a significant reduction in mortality from breast cancer in recent decades.
In this scenario, CSH highlights that technology plays a central role since it improves sensitivity (finding small tumors) and specificity (avoiding unnecessary alarms). Currently, imaging tools make it possible to visualize millimetric lesions, characterize them (for example, using elastography or contrast) and prioritize guided biopsies. Going forward, integration with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and digital streams will continue to increase speed, reproducibility, and detectability across broad populations.
Immediate or deferred: two reconstructive paths
As plastic surgeon Juan Manuel explains Seren (MN 107.174), creator of the Rapid Breast Recovery Protocol (ERABAS), breast reconstruction can be performed at two different times, each with its specific indications:
Immediate reconstruction: It is performed in the same surgery as the mastectomy and is usually viable when detection is extremely early. For example, in the United States, immediate reconstruction represents 74% of procedures (120,963 cases in 2024), being significantly more common than delayed reconstruction, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Delayed reconstruction: The patient is referred for reconstruction after mastectomy, usually in more advanced cases. This approach represents 26% of procedures (41,616 cases in 2024) in the United States, according to the ASPS. “This will depend on the work methodology of each center and the type and stage of cancer of each patient,” adds Seren. This type of procedure may be necessary when there is a lack of tissue or when there is the effect of radiation on the breast tissues.
In delayed reconstructions or complex cases, the placement of an expander may be required first, Seren details, and then the definitive prosthesis, which often involves symmetrization of the contralateral breast. In addition to medical factors, the decision also depends on the work methodology of each center.
The numbers reflect the growing importance of this procedure. In 2024, 162,579 breast reconstruction procedures were performed in the United States alone, representing a 3% increase compared to 2023, according to the ASPS. Breast reconstruction is among the top five most popular reconstructive procedures for the third year in a row.
The most common method is the tissue expander to implant, representing 54% of the procedures (88,491 cases), followed by direct implant with 25% (37,744 cases). Among flap procedures, the DIEP Flap constitutes 13% (21,391 procedures), according to the ASPS.
Innovation at the service of more natural results
Technological evolution radically transformed reconstructive possibilities. Today’s reconstructions are much better tolerated by patients compared to those of one or three decades ago.
The most significant advances include:
Low weight implants: The current trend favors more natural and lighter prostheses, considered superior technology. These implants cause less tissue stress, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, generate less weight on the chest and allow the breast to age more slowly by reducing skin stretching and slowing the atrophy of the mammary gland.
Complex flap techniques: In cases of lack of tissue or when there has been a radiation effect, advanced techniques are used such as dorsal flaps (from the back), abdominal flaps such as TRAM, and free flaps for cases of maximum complexity.
The use of acellular dermal matrix is applied in 51% of reconstructions (82,442 procedures), and prepectoral implant placement (68% or 109,758 procedures) is now more common than subpectoral placement.
The importance of breast reconstruction transcends aesthetics. For many patients, mastectomy has a profound impact, they feel “amputated” and subsequently go through phases of reconstruction that represent significant emotional milestones.
“It is key to understand the emotional burden that this process implies, which is why the support of a multidisciplinary team, with psychological support, is very important. For some women, appearance is also vital and every patient has the right to feel good about their own body. That is why the role of reconstruction is key for the physical and psychological well-being of women, seeking to restore security, self-esteem, identity, femininity, the image they had before the disease,” Seren says.
In 2021, WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, with the goal of reducing mortality rates by 2.5% annually, which could prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.
In this context, reconstructive plastic surgery is not a cosmetic luxury, but an essential component of comprehensive breast cancer treatment. Plastic surgeons, as key members of multidisciplinary care teams, specialize in the repair of complex structures and help patients heal not only physically, but also emotionally.
Pioneer in the implementation of rapid breast recovery protocols and creator of the innovative ERABAS breast surgery protocol that allows for rapid recovery with minimal discomfort. With over 20 years of experience, he transformed the way augmentation, reduction, lift, reconstruction and gender surgery procedures are performed.
The ERABAS protocol is characterized by a minimal incision, without bandages or drains, which ensures an extremely rapid recovery, with more than 95% of patients recovered in less than 48 hours.
The specialist graduated with honors from the Barceló Foundation – University of Medical Sciences of Buenos Aires and completed his residency in general surgery at the Churruca-Visca Hospital. Subsequently, he specialized in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Santa María de Buenos Aires, where he graduated with an average of 10.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
