Breast Reconstruction
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Home/Breast Reconstruction
The breast is the most common site of cancer in American women and breast cancer will develop in 1 of every 8 to 9 women in their lifetime. Although a cure has not yet been found, breast cancer is now detected earlier and there are now improved modes of treatment. Still, being diagnosed with breast cancer is frightening, confusing and earth shattering. Our team at Parva Plastic Surgery sees the hope, determination and personal victories in the lives of our many breast cancer patients.
Women are often faced with decisions and feel ill-prepared to make them. Some important questions they have to ask themselves include:
“Dear Dr. Parva,
I wanted to thank you so very much for all of your wonderful care! I just celebrated my 10 year anniversary last Friday. All of your talents and ‘thoughtfulnesses’ are so very much appreciated.”
Statistically, only 35% of women with breast cancer undergo breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, that is not by choice, but most often because many women are not aware of reconstruction and the options available to them. States have begun passing legislation that requires all women with a diagnosis of breast cancer to be referred to a Plastic Surgeon so they can be informed of their individual options. Regardless of legislative efforts, as Plastic Surgeons committed to the care of our breast cancer patients, we have an obligation to increase public awareness and to expand physician awareness so breast cancer patients receive optimal, individualized care.
Women who have undergone breast reconstruction have said that the procedure alleviates the pain of losing a breast and improves their self-esteem and self-confidence. In fact, many can begin the breast reconstruction process at the time of a mastectomy, therefore minimizing the feeling of loss associated with a mastectomy. Conversely, other women may choose to proceed with breast reconstruction months or even years after their mastectomy (delayed reconstruction). With the many options and advances available today, every woman diagnosed with breast cancer should seriously consider her reconstructive options, as well as the cancer treatment options.
Some common myths about breast reconstruction should be clarified:
The importance of consulting witih a plastic surgeon during the time of breast cancer diagnosis.
This active, healthy 50 year-old mother of three was found to have a right breast mass. On further evaluation, she in fact had breast cancer involving both breasts. She had bilateral skin and areola-sparing mastectomies and 2-stage breast reconstruction. She had 550cc Moderate Plus Profile silicone gel implants and is seen 9 months after the second stage reconstruction. She decided not to have a nipple reconstruction.
This young woman was diagnosed with right breast cancer at the age of 57. She had a mastectomy at that time, deciding not to have breast reconstruction. One year later she began her delayed breast reconstruction by having a tissue expander placed. The left breast was reduced for symmetry and to relieve her of the significant imbalance in upper body weight distribution. Five months later, the right breast tissue expander was replaced with a 750cc saline implant.
View Before & After Photos
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