Finding out you have breast cancer can be disheartening and devastating. As a woman, the last thing you want to deal with is having to lose your breasts from something that you couldn't control. If you ended up having to go through a mastectomy because of breast cancer and are searching for options to help restore your breasts and regain your feminine figure, you could talk to a professional, like Sam W Huddleston IV, MD, about the pros and cons of breast reconstruction.

Unfortunately, some women shy away from this surgery due to some myth they heard in the past. Don't let one of these myths hold you back from getting the surgery you deserve.

Myth 1: You have to get reconstruction surgery right after you have the mastectomy.

While some women believe they need to get the reconstruction surgery immediately after going through their mastectomy, that isn't anywhere near the truth. There are plenty of women who have waited months or even years before going in and having the procedure done. You are actually better off waiting until you are done with radiation treatments and on the path to recovery as this will improve your final results. Only you can determine when you are ready financially, emotionally, and physically.

Myth 2: Implants are the only option available to you.

When it comes to reconstruction surgery, implants are just one of the options available to you. You can also opt to use your own body tissue alone or with the implants. Body tissue is often used from the back, groin, or the abdomen, but the buttocks and thighs are other options. These skin grafts can help the doctor recreate the nipple and areola.

If you opted for a skin-sparing mastectomy, you'll be able to get more realistic reconstruction results without grafts. Every type of procedure is going to have its own unique benefits for the patient. Spend time discussing the options with your surgeon.

Myth 3: Your breasts aren't going to look natural.

With so many advancements in technology and techniques today, your breasts are going to look completely natural when wearing clothes. You can choose the size of your breasts to make sure you are comfortable with them. Regardless of whether you have a double mastectomy or single mastectomy, you need to spend time going through all of the different options to figure out which one you prefer the best.

Instead of listening to all of the rumors, make an appointment with a specialist and discuss your concerns with them that way you make an informed decision.