Author Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Are patients satisfied with their decision to have breast reconstruction?
Women who have breast reconstruction after an mastectomy are satisfied with their decision, have low complication rates and 98% would do it again, reports a study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
In addition, breast reconstruction after preventive mastectomy was as safe as, or safer than, reconstruction in women with breast cancer and had excellent cosmetic results.
“Breast cancer is a terrible diagnosis and decisions regarding treatment are never easy. This study shows that women with cancer in one breast who choose to have their other breast removed as a preventive measure are happy with their decision and a high percentage would do it again,” said Scott Spear, MD, study co-author and past ASPS president.
The study examined 74 women who had preventive mastectomies and subsequent breast reconstruction between 2000 and 2005. Forty-seven patients had breast cancer in one breast and elected to surgically remove their other breast (unilateral prophylactic mastectomy). Twenty-seven patients did not have breast cancer, but chose to surgically remove both breasts due to a high-risk of developing breast cancer (bilateral prophylactic mastectomy). The cosmetic outcome was scored by 14 surgeons who looked at post-reconstruction photos and evaluated the result on a 1 to 4 scale (4 being an “excellent” result).
The study found that women who had a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy were 100% satisfied with their breast reconstruction and 100% of them would have the surgery again. 94% of women who had unilateral prophylactic mastectomy were satisfied with their reconstruction and 96% of them would have reconstruction again.
The complication rate for reconstruction in women who had bilateral prophylactic mastectomy was 3% and 10% for those who had unilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Additionally, the study noted the cosmetic assessment for all patients was a score of 3 out of 4.
“These women look and feel the same or better and their risk of cancer has been taken off the table,” said Dr. Spear. “For women who know they are at risk, this option [bilateral prophylactic mastectomy] gives them the opportunity to be active about their health and appearance rather than reactive. They can have excellent cosmetic results, low surgical risk and a high level of satisfaction with their breast reconstruction. This is empowering for women.”
Women who have breast reconstruction after an mastectomy are satisfied with their decision, have low complication rates and 98% would do it again, reports a study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
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Melody
I would re-do it only if I could have PRMA, San Antonio, TX do it again.
PRMA Plastic Surgery
Really appreciate that Melody! We would be happy to help! You are always welcome to give us a call at 800-692-5565 or you can fill out our free virtual consultation form found at https://prma-enhance.com/schedule-a-consultation/. Our surgeons would be happy to evaluate your needs and provide you with their surgical recommendations!