Mastectomy Reconstruction
Ahhh… Mastectomy reconstruction…
It is soooo confusing because Dr Google has soooo much information…. Ok lets break it down.
If you need a mastectomy for breast cancer, or to prevent breast cancer, I am so sorry. That is a super hard decision and very emotional for many women.
Let’s first talk about COST! Did yall know that (for now anyways) FEDERAL LAW requires most insurance plans to cover the cost of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Learn more about insurance and breast reconstruction. That being said, not all insurances cover all things… crazy right? Your reconstruction depends on some insurance you chose when you got your job?!?
Do you want breast reconstruction? Well, I always tell my ladies, that if they ever considered breast reconstruction, they should do it at the time of mastectomy! We can always undo it later if you are not loving it… but it is really hard to create a breast after a mastectomy without reconstruction- that is called a “delayed reconstruction.”
Breast reconstruction may help you feel more comfortable about how you look after a mastectomy. My personal goal is to make you look as good as possible, and for your reconstruction to allow you to function like you want to. Skiing, running, pickleball, cross fit, pilates (my personal jam)- are all things I want you to be able to continue to do.
OK now what kind of Breast Reconstruction is there??
Breast reconstruction can be done with:
Breast implants (filled with saline or silicone)- personally I like silicone
Natural tissue flaps (using skin, fat and sometimes, muscle from your own body)
A combination of these methods
I specialize in DIRECT TO IMPLANT RECONSTRUCTION. This means that at the same time of your mastectomy, I do the reconstruction with implants. NO TISSUE EXPANDERS!!
There’s no one breast reconstruction method that works best for everyone. You may be a good candidate for one reconstruction method, but not another. There are pros and cons to each method.
Making an informed choice
Each person is unique. Your breast cancer treatment, your body, your breast shape and your lifestyle affect not only your reconstruction options, but also the pros and cons of your options.
Your plastic surgeon will help you choose the type of reconstruction that will give you the best results and fit your lifestyle, while minimizing the risk of complications.
Study your options and make a thoughtful, informed choice after carefully considering the pros and cons of each option.
Although this decision may seem overwhelming, it may help to know most women who’ve had breast reconstruction don’t regret the method they chose [215-217].
If you’re a good candidate for a procedure, there are fairly few complications with any of the current methods
