A newsletter from David J. Levens, MD, FACS
Board-certified plastic surgeon
Please contact me for a free consultation with Dr. Levens.
October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In his October column for Parkland Life Magazine, Dr. Levens discusses the comfort and self confidence breast reconstruction surgery can bring to recovering cancer patients:
In 2007, more than 57,000 breast reconstructions were performed, mostly on breast cancer patients, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. I speak for all plastic surgeons when I say we look forward to the day when a cure for breast cancer dramatically decreases these numbers.
But until a cure is found, this procedure can be a true blessing for patients because it can give them a profound psychological lift at a time when they often badly need one. Is reconstruction covered by health insurance? Thankfully yes. It has been 10 years since a federal law passed that mandated coverage for reconstruction following cancer surgery.
Significant advances have been made in reconstruction techniques. In the 70s, the focus was on simply creating a breast mound, something to fill a bra cup. Mastectomy surgery was much more extensive and deforming. In the late 80’s, more conservative (less deforming) removal techniques (“skin-sparing mastectomy”) combined with refinements of reconstructive procedures allowed for more cosmetic results.
In 2008, newer medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast or breasts that come very close in appearance to matching a natural breast with as limited scars as possible. The future will hopefully bring potential for total skin, nipple and arousal preservation with essentially hidden scars.
Not every breast cancer patient chooses to have reconstruction surgery, nor should anyone ever be pressured to do so. Like any surgery, the procedure (typically performed in a hospital using general anesthesia) carries some risks. Various breast implants are available to simulate a missing breast. However, a reconstructed breast may not have the same feel and nipple sensitivity as the natural breast. Visible incision lines usually are present.
On the other hand, for many women, what can be achieved through reconstruction is more important than what can’t be. Freedom from prosthetics, the ability to wear more revealing clothing and bathing suits, and the psychological comfort of having a natural-looking breast—all are benefits of reconstruction.
Reconstruction surgery can be done at the same time as a mastectomy or after the mastectomy has healed. Sometimes medical issues mandate that reconstruction be delayed.
Please contact me for a free consultation with Dr. Levens.