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Should I Get Breast Reconstruction at the Same Time as My Mastectomy?
Breast Reconstruction: When facing a cancer diagnosis, the world can feel out of control. There are so many decisions to make, many of which are out of your hands. While you may not have control over the disease or the road to recovery you’re facing, you may be able to take control of your reconstruction. Some women can have breast reconstruction at the same time as their mastectomy. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your breast reconstruction options before your mastectomy.
What Are the Benefits of Immediate Reconstruction?
Some women find that immediate reconstruction is the best way to regain confidence after breast cancer. Immediate reconstruction combines a mastectomy and the initial phases of reconstruction into one procedure. Your cancer surgeon will first remove any cancer, testing to make sure they’ve removed all they can. Immediately following your mastectomy, your plastic surgeon will come in and complete the first steps for reconstruction. You’re then bandaged up and sent to recovery.
By combining these two procedures into one surgery, women can save on recovery time and reduce the number of operations that they may need. It can help some women to feel better about their bodies when they wake up from surgery with their breast(s) already reconstructed. This approach does require meticulous coordination between your oncologist and plastic surgeon to ensure that the two surgeries can be performed during the same operation.
Why You Need to Talk with a Plastic Surgeon Now
If you’re facing a mastectomy, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. This is the best way to make an informed decision about your reconstruction. Whether you decide to have immediate reconstruction, delayed reconstruction, or to forego reconstruction, meeting with a plastic surgeon can help you to explore your options. Cancer can take a lot from you, but the reconstruction decision is yours. You do have options!
Mastectomy/Reconstruction Combo Isn’t Right for Everyone
Combining a mastectomy and breast reconstruction does have benefits, but not for every patient. Depending on your cancer and the chosen treatment plan after removal, you may need to wait for your reconstruction. Radiation can sometimes change the shape, size, and appearance of breast implants. If you’re having radiation or certain types of chemotherapy, your doctor may want you to delay your reconstruction until after your treatment is complete.
If you’re interested in immediate reconstruction, ask us about your options. We can help you determine which type of reconstruction will be best in your situation.
Call us today and learn more about breast reconstruction.
