Why should you see a plastic surgeon before having a mastectomy?
Immediate breast reconstruction may be an option for you.
For qualified candidates, breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as mastectomy. When performed together, a skin-sparing mastectomy may be an option which preserves most of the breast skin envelope, decreases scarring and improves the overall cosmetic result. In some cases, the nipple and areola can also be preserved (nipple-sparing mastectomy).
Studies have found immediate reconstruction can also provide significant psychosocial benefits by decreasing the psychological and emotional impact of mastectomy.
Although surgeons agree that immediate reconstruction is not always an option for every patient,especially those who will need radiation as part of their treatment, every patient with a breast cancer diagnosis should be made aware of all their options.
It’s important to know all of your surgical options
Every individual has a right to consider breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. This is a federal mandate and insurance companies are required to pay for breast reconstruction surgery by law. Also, the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act recently passed in congress requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to plan and implement an education campaign to inform breast cancer patients of the availability and coverage of breast reconstruction, prostheses and other options.
Meeting with a plastic surgeon allows individuals the opportunity to hear more about breast reconstruction options and better decide which option is best for their needs.
You can gain confidence in your journey
Breast reconstruction is a journey. Even if immediate reconstruction is performed, it is important to remember revision surgery is often necessary to complete the reconstructive process and achieve the best cosmetic results.
Having a surgical plan in place (or knowing your options) and being comfortable and confident in your plastic surgeon before your mastectomy is a great way to reduce a lot of stress following your surgery or treatments.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Courtney Floyd
Every individual has a right to consider breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer. This is a federal mandate and insurance companies are required to pay for breast reconstruction surgery by law.
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This sounds very promising Annette Jones
July 20,2020
Currently in Chemo with only 2 cycles to go, my oncology breast surgeon has already rotated for her staff to schedule my surgery 2 months following chemo. She asked me if I’m choosing lumpectomy or mastectomy – since my tumor has shrunk far more than expected, I thought lumpectomy and told her as much. But either option, she informed ne of my odds, mortality stats and comparisons but no discussion beyond that and no mention of a plastic surgeon. I’m actually undecided, very much on the fence over which procedure will be best for me, but now I want to halt things for the sheer fact that no thought has been given to my needs beyond surgery, to the emotional and cosmetic side of things, no info or questions on options btween apex, implants, even sensation. I live in NC, have already had multiple bad experiences w the surgeon who implanted my port a Cath (he punctured BOTH lungs) to,my Oncologist who,i can’t wait to replace with a different Dr. I do not have health insurance, but am equally owed I believe as much information and as many,options as are available. In all my research and new findings, I fully want to have a surgical plan in place. Would you recommend beginning with a 2nd opinion locally, as well as a consultation with PRMA?
Thank you for these valuable articles and for the work you do. It is obvious the widespread need even though it’s 2020 – kudos for thatSeptember 16,2020
We always encourage patients to seek second opinions! It’s never a bad idea! We would be more than happy to facilitate a second opinion consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons! We welcome you to fill out our virtual consultation form at https://prma-enhance.com/schedule-a-consultation/
September 16,2020
I have been in contact with your office more than twice
October 12,2020
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Maragret Annett
This sounds very promising Annette Jones
Brooklyn
Currently in Chemo with only 2 cycles to go, my oncology breast surgeon has already rotated for her staff to schedule my surgery 2 months following chemo. She asked me if I’m choosing lumpectomy or mastectomy – since my tumor has shrunk far more than expected, I thought lumpectomy and told her as much. But either option, she informed ne of my odds, mortality stats and comparisons but no discussion beyond that and no mention of a plastic surgeon. I’m actually undecided, very much on the fence over which procedure will be best for me, but now I want to halt things for the sheer fact that no thought has been given to my needs beyond surgery, to the emotional and cosmetic side of things, no info or questions on options btween apex, implants, even sensation. I live in NC, have already had multiple bad experiences w the surgeon who implanted my port a Cath (he punctured BOTH lungs) to,my Oncologist who,i can’t wait to replace with a different Dr. I do not have health insurance, but am equally owed I believe as much information and as many,options as are available. In all my research and new findings, I fully want to have a surgical plan in place. Would you recommend beginning with a 2nd opinion locally, as well as a consultation with PRMA?
Thank you for these valuable articles and for the work you do. It is obvious the widespread need even though it’s 2020 – kudos for that
PRMA Plastic Surgery
We always encourage patients to seek second opinions! It’s never a bad idea! We would be more than happy to facilitate a second opinion consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons! We welcome you to fill out our virtual consultation form at https://prma-enhance.com/schedule-a-consultation/
Linda Kanter
I have been in contact with your office more than twice