Having Breast Reconstruction Is a Personal Decision.
Unlike having a mastectomy to remove cancer, breast reconstruction surgery is not necessary for all women. Many women live happily without a reconstructed breast. You should choose to have the procedure for the right reasons. You should also be healthy enough to have reconstruction surgery.
If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed. If you prefer, breast surgeries (implant placement, reduction, or breast lift) may be performed on the opposite breast to achieve symmetry.
The goal of reconstruction is to restore your breast to a near-normal shape and appearance. Breast reconstruction typically involves multiple staged surgeries (1 - 5+ surgeries). Your breast reconstruction may:
Unfortunately, not all patients are candidates for breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is a good option for you if:
Additionally, when speaking with your plastic surgeon, it is important to discuss the following in guiding you towards the best option for reconstruction:
While it is normal to feel a sense of urgency to want cancer to be removed immediately, it is important to make an educated decision regarding your treatment that is not rushed.
Although surgery can give you a relatively natural-looking breast, a reconstructed breast will never look or feel exactly the same as the breast that was removed. It is important that you feel ready for the emotional adjustment involved in breast reconstruction. The creation of a new breast can dramatically improve your self-image, self-confidence, and quality of life. Together with your surgeon, you will decide which breast reconstruction best suits your individual needs.
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may have many questions about your treatment. You will be presented with an overwhelming amount of information while speaking with your doctors. Common questions to ask your doctor include:
It is important to have a team of doctors who can help guide you through each stage of your cancer treatment. Depending on the type of breast cancer you have, you may work with some or all members of this team. Not all types of cancer require chemotherapy or radiation. Surgical Oncologist: A.K.A. Your breast cancer surgeon, the surgeon responsible for removing all of your breast cancer.
Your breast cancer surgeon (surgical oncologist) will discuss the type of breast cancer treatment you will need. Your options for breast reconstruction depend on the type of treatment you receive.
Removal of breast cancer tissue - but not the entire breast. Some women who have a lumpectomy may opt for breast reconstruction if the cancer being removed is in a "cosmetically sensitive" area (around the nipple, etc).
Removal of all breast tissue.
Removal of one or a few lymph nodes closest to the cancer area.
Removal of many lymph nodes in the breast and armpit. Also known as a lymph node dissection
Parcells Plastic Surgery offers the most advanced surgical and cosmetic medical spa treatments to women in New Jersey.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alexis Parcells is here to educate and empower you to celebrate your natural beauty.
655 Shrewsbury Ave, Suite 207, Shrewsbury, New Jersey 07702 700 Crescent Place, Sea Girt NJ 08750