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atlanta reconstructive surgeon

Meet My Breast Reconstruction Patients

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While I’ve been honored to help all types of plastic surgery patients in my 33 years as a board-certified plastic surgeon, one of my specialties is performing breast reconstruction for women who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer. The cosmetic surgery process can be emotional for anyone, but especially for patients who are also dealing with a cancer diagnosis. If you find yourself in the same boat, it can be helpful to hear from someone who has been in your shoes, and several of my patients have been kind enough to offer insight into their breast reconstruction experiences.

breast-reconstruction-tram-flap-information-atlanta-gaThis first letter is from a patient who reminds us of all the little things involved in this plastic surgery procedure, like choosing procedural options, scheduling, insurance, and more:

After my mastectomy for breast cancer, I was referred to Dr. Elliott for my reconstructive surgery, and I’m so grateful that I was. Dr. Elliott and his team are outstanding. They listened to my concerns and wishes, and they worked to give me a reconstruction that I am completely happy with. Dr. Elliott and Patti are tremendously professional, knowledgeable, and competent; this gave me confidence and peace of mind regarding the entire process. It was also wonderful to work with the nurses and other staff members. Suzanne was particularly helpful in dealing with my insurance company, getting my appointments scheduled, and in helping me find answers to any question I had about the process. When I speak to other women who are going through treatment for breast cancer, I always mention the great experience I had working with Dr. Elliott and his team.
– AW

Breast reconstruction has an impact not only on the patients themselves but on their families as well, so the next letter offers a spouse’s perspective:

 

Dear Dr. Elliott and team,

I just wanted to take a minute on behalf of my wife and me, to personally thank you for the reconstructive breast surgery you performed in 2012. You and your team, Patti, Michelle and Suzanne could not have treated us any better. We cannot adequately put into words the gratitude we feel towards all of you.

In addition to providing incredible medical care, you guys were willing to work with us and our insurance provider to help us manage the overwhelming medical bills we were facing. We cannot tell you how much we appreciate that. No one is ever prepared for a cancer diagnosis. But the information and the cooperation that you all provided was instrumental in helping us deal with the last 15 months.

We have recommended you a thousand times since D’s surgery. That will continue as long as you are practicing. We are life long fans. You guys are the best. Thanks again!


B & D 

 

Finally, the third patient of an example of why breast reconstruction is a “process.” Patients typically require a few different surgeries in order to achieve results that help them feel confident, and the patient below is a reminder that while it may take longer than you expect before you see your final plastic surgery results, it can be well worth the effort.

Dear Dr. Elliott,

Thank you for everything you have done for me over my twenty two month journey of my breast reconstruction surgery. When I came to your office in July 2011, with only skin grafts on my chest, for my consultation with you about what my options were for my breast reconstruction, I knew you were the one and only one who could get me where I am today.

I have been in awe of your knowledge, skill, dedication, professionalism and the care you have given to me.
I know there were some set backs we did not expect, but we got through them together. Without you, it would have been very difficult for me to continue. I know I pushed you sometimes, but you did not give up on me. You knew when to say no not now, let’s wait awhile for the next step. You were always honest with me and I thank you.

Looking at myself after the final surgery two weeks ago, I would have never dreamed I would have I would have breasts again, but they are beautiful to me.

I want women looking for breast reconstruction, no matter how difficult, to review my words and know they have found the right Plastic Surgeon. Your 23 years of dedication to the field of breast reconstruction puts you at the top of Plastic Surgeons. I am happy my heart chose you.

You will always have a special place in my heart for the rest of my life. I pray the best for you and your family.


G.B.

Whether breast reconstruction is one of the first or last steps in your journey toward cancer recovery, rest assured that my staff and I have helped thousands of women through similar situations and we’re here to help you as well. To discuss your reconstructive options, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more information about breast reconstructive and other plastic surgery procedures, explore my website or follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Your Choices for Breast Reconstruction Using Your Own Tissue

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When a woman is going through breast cancer, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction, any degree of “normalcy” can be comforting. Some patients find this comfort in the idea of using their body’s own tissue, rather than breast implants, to reconstruct their breast(s). This is known as “autologous breast reconstruction.” There are a number of advantages to this method, such as an expectedly more natural-looking result. However, many of my breast reconstruction patients are simply drawn to the more natural approach of using their body’s own resources.

There are a number of different methods of autologous breast reconstruction, depending on the type and location of the tissue that is used. Most will take fat, skin, blood vessels, and/or muscle from the lower abdomen. The TRAM flap, the free TRAM, and the DIEP flap all use abdominal tissue, but they differ in the types of tissue they use as well as the way it is relocated to the breast. While there are other methods available for some patients (such as a latissimus dorsi flap or fat transfer injections), these three are the most common, and my video below offers more details about each of these types of breast reconstruction procedures and the differences between them.

Choosing a breast reconstruction plan is a highly personal decision, which should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has evaluated your specific condition and has experience performing the type of procedure best suited to your needs. One of the best ways to help your surgery go smoothly is by educating yourself about the options, so to learn more, explore our website and follow me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, on  Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Will My Breast Reconstruction Require Multiple Surgeries?

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Throughout more than thirty years as a board-certified plastic surgeon, I’ve found that one of the most important factors in helping patients have the best possible experience is to be open with them from the beginning about what they can expect. This is especially true for breast reconstruction patients, because the reality is that most cases of breast reconstruction will require multiple surgeries in order to achieve results the patient will be happy with. Your surgical process depends on a number of factors, but perhaps the most significant is whether you choose to use a breast implant, or your own natural tissue, or both.

Will My Breast Reconstruction Require Multiple SurgeriesMultiple Surgeries for Breast Implant Reconstruction

Because of the amount of breast tissue which needs to be removed during a mastectomy, most patients who choose to have their breast(s) reconstructed using a breast implant will need to begin with a tissue expander. This is a device which is similar to an empty breast implant, and is placed within the breast to be gradually filled and enlarged so that it slowly expands the skin and tissue in order to make room for the breast implant. The first surgery (which may or may not occur during mastectomy) involves placing the tissue expander, and a second surgery several months later is then required to replace the tissue expander with the permanent breast implant.

Multiple Surgeries for Breast Reconstruction Using Your Own Tissue

The other option is to use your own tissue (usually muscle, fat, and sometimes skin from your abdominal area) to recreate the breast – a category of methods known as autologous breast reconstruction. In many cases, achieving the patient’s ultimate goal of feeling more like themselves and more confident in their appearance will require two or more surgeries. The first procedure is typically the most extensive, in which the breast is actually forming, while future surgeries are used to make adjustments and enhancements to create a more attractive and natural-looking appearance.

Additional Surgeries for Any Method of Breast Reconstruction

Regardless of whether you choose breast implants or your own tissue to reconstruct your breast, you will likely have the option to undergo an additional surgery for nipple reconstruction. And, while uncommon, there is also a risk of complications which may require future surgeries, such as revising the appearance of the abdomen after autologous reconstruction or resolving capsular contracture with a breast implant.

Though breast reconstruction can be a multi-step process, it is one which has given countless women the ability to once again feel confident in their appearance and live their lives as survivors, and I am honored to have performed these empowering surgeries for thousands of women. If you would like to get started on your breast reconstruction journey, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more information and plastic surgery tips, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

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