Submitted by Twin City Plastic Surgery
Breast reconstruction is an integral part of the treatment of breast cancer. Unfortunately, women are usually so overwhelmed with their new diagnosis and are so focused on removing the cancer that they often give little thought to breast reconstruction. Sometimes, they are not even aware of the fact that reconstruction can be done at the same time as the mastectomy.
Breast cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes a team of doctors working with the patient to determine the best treatment and reconstruction plan based on her unique pathology, goals, and preferences. This team includes the medical and radiation oncologist, the primary care physician, general surgeon, and plastic surgeon. Most of the time, the general surgeon has already discussed the plan with the patient and oncologist. Based on the oncologic plan, a reconstructive plan can then be devised.
If it is determined that a mastectomy is necessary, it is crucial to consult with a plastic surgeon before the surgery. Your plastic surgeon can explain all of your reconstruction options as you navigate through the process of diagnosis, prognosis, and selecting and undergoing treatment. Of course, one of the most important choices to make is whether to have immediate reconstruction or delayed. With immediate reconstruction, the first stage of rebuilding the breast is done during the same operation as the mastectomy. In this case, a skin-sparing mastectomy may be used to save enough breast skin to cover the reconstruction. With delayed reconstruction, this first stage is done after the chest has healed from the mastectomy. The main advantages of immediate reconstruction are a better aesthetic result, not having to schedule and undergo another separate surgery, and better psychological and emotional recovery.
Most women can choose their type of breast reconstruction method based on what is important to them, however many times there are treatment issues to consider. For example, radiation therapy can damage a reconstructed breast, and some women may not know whether they need radiation therapy until after their mastectomies, making it difficult to plan ahead. In this case, there is a third option: immediate-delayed reconstruction. With this method, a tissue expander is placed under the skin during the mastectomy to preserve space for an implant while the tissue that was removed is examined. If the surgical team decides that the woman does not need radiation therapy, an implant can be placed where the tissue expander was without further delay. However, if the woman will need to have radiation therapy, her breast reconstruction can be delayed until after radiation is complete.
Whether you decide to have immediate or delayed reconstruction — or elect to forego reconstruction all together — you should not make a hasty emotional decision based on incomplete information. Remember that your plastic surgeon is a significant part of your support team. While each case is indeed unique, these surgeons have worked with countless women wearing similar shoes to yours. Cancer fights dirty, so together they can help you face every obstacle head on before, during, and after removal surgery.
Board-certified plastic surgeons Laura C. Randolph, Chad Tattini, and Paige Holt, along with their professional and compassionate staff, comprise Twin City Plastic Surgery who also own and manage Oasis Medical Spa & Wellness. TCPS and Oasis are located in their Bloomington office at 2502 East Empire Street, Suite C, one mile east of Veterans Parkway. More information on TCPS’s surgical practice or Oasis Medical Spa’s services and treatments is available by calling their office at 309-662-6772, or visiting online at www.twincityplasticsurgery.com or www.oasismedicalspaandwellness.com.