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breast cancer surgery atlanta

Discussing Breast Reconstruction Options for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought now would be a great time to discuss breast reconstruction. As you know, breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to help restore a woman’s breast (or breasts) back to a normal shape and size after breast cancer surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 109,256 breast reconstruction procedures were performed in the US last year. That number is not that large when you consider that there are currently over three million breast cancer survivors currently in the US, many of whom may be candidates for breast reconstruction. It’s important for breast cancer patients to be aware of the various reconstruction options available to them.

That’s why I’m happy to provide some basic information on this procedure for potential breast reconstruction patients to consider. Determining that you would like to undergo breast reconstruction is merely the beginning of an extensive decision-making process. For starters, you must choose whether you would prefer to undergo your reconstruction procedure at the same time as your breast cancer surgery (known as immediate reconstruction) or sometime at a later date (delayed reconstruction). However, not everyone is a candidate for immediate reconstruction. Next, you’ll have to choose between reconstructing with breast implants or autologous reconstruction (or both), which uses natural tissue from other areas on the patient’s body. Check out the following video where I discuss what patients can expect during a breast reconstruction consultation.

Every patient is different. In order to determine which breast reconstruction options are available to you, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with considerable experience performing breast reconstruction procedures. During my breast reconstruction consultations, I am able to share the knowledge and the experience I have gained over 35 years of performing breast reconstruction procedures to help find the best surgical fit for your unique personal needs and situation. To schedule a consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, today. And for anyone who would like more access to our practice, follow along with me on social media to see before and after photos, practice updates, and much more.

4 Facts for Women Considering Breast Reconstruction

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Breast cancer can be challenging enough without the added fear and uncertainty that surrounds possibly losing one or both breasts following a mastectomy. Even for patients who choose to undergo a lumpectomy and/or radiation treatments in place of a mastectomy, there can still be changes that negatively affect the shape or size of the treated breasts. Thankfully breast reconstruction surgery offers more options than ever to help women rebuild their breasts and begin their new life following breast cancer surgery. Since I firmly believe that patient education is an integral step when contemplating any plastic surgery, I’m happy to provide some facts on breast reconstruction to help patients become more knowledgeable about this potentially life-changing procedure.

4 Facts for Women Considering Breast ReconstructionFact #1: Breast Reconstruction Procedures are More Common than Ever

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently released data that concluded that the number of breast reconstruction procedures performed annually has been steadily rising for years. Over 109,000 breast reconstruction surgeries were performed in the in the US last year; a 3% increase from 2015 and a 39% increase since the year 2000.

Fact #2: Breast Reconstruction Does Not End Your Risk of Recurrence

Even for patients who undergo a breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, regular breast cancer screening is still required. In addition to regular, traditional screenings with your doctor, I highly recommend monthly breast self-exams as well. Breast self-exams can be a great way to detect a recurrence of breast cancer early, when it is more treatable.

Fact #3: The Timing of Breast Reconstruction may Depend on Your Specific Breast Cancer

There are a number of breast reconstruction choices to consider including when to have your procedure performed. Breast reconstruction can either be performed in the same surgery as a patient’s mastectomy (known as immediate reconstruction) or some time down the road after they have fully healed from their mastectomy and breast cancer treatments (known as delayed reconstruction). This may depend on a number of factors including whether the patient has what is known as inflammatory breast cancer or if she has undergone radiation treatment, both of which can affect the timing of the breast reconstruction procedure.

Fact #4: Breast Reconstruction isn’t Mandatory Following a Mastectomy

Though many women prefer to undergo breast reconstruction to help feel whole again following their breast cancer surgery, this is not a physical requirement. Moving on without their affected breast or breasts, known as “going flat”, is a perfectly reasonable choice as well. There is not a right or wrong choice; it’s purely a matter of personal and aesthetic preference.

I hope this was helpful. Breast reconstruction is a major decision that takes a lot of research, consultation, and thought. Thankfully, you are not alone in this process. During all my breast reconstruction consultations I am happy to share my knowledge and the experience I’ve gained as a board-certified plastic surgeon for over 35 years to help guide my patients through every step of the reconstruction process. To speak more in-depth about your options, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today. You can also follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery information and helpful tips.

Breast Cancer Prevention: Prophylactic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

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Several breast reconstruction options exist to remove breast cancer or reduce associated risks. One of those options is a prophylactic mastectomy procedure, which preventatively removes one or both breasts to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer development. For any patient, it is important to review the available choices for these types of procedures as well as your motivation for surgery. Because breast cancer surgery is life changing, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott encourages patients to choose the option they are most comfortable with to maximize satisfaction with the results. Passionate about helping breast cancer patients, Dr. Elliott presents patients with their options as well as what to expect during recovery and results during a reconstructive surgery consultation. breast-reconstruction-atlanta

When it comes to breast cancer surgery, some women choose bilateral mastectomies over unilateral mastectomies, which can lead to a more symmetrical, balanced result when it comes to the reconstruction that follows. Dr. Elliott provides options for breast reconstruction, including tissue flap reconstruction, fat transfer, and breast reconstruction using a breast implant.

Generally, a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy will be planned to spare both nipple and areola. The incision for the nipple-sparing mastectomy is made around the areola. A small amount of tissue under the nipple areolar is removed and examined during surgery for the presence of any cancer cells. If breast cancer cells are found in the tissue removed, the entire nipple areolar is removed. Patients can elect to have nipple and areola reconstruction surgery after healing if this route is taken.

Reasons why one may choose a prophylactic mastectomy vary: already having cancer in one breast, a family history of breast cancer, abnormal cells on previous biopsy, positive genetic testing, and/or and the presence of dense breasts. If a patient has been referred to a plastic surgeon, chances are they have identified one or more of these risk factors with a surgeon, oncologist, or specialist post-screening.

In a recent study of patients electing preventative mastectomy, only 5% of women expressed regret. It’s important for women choosing to undergo these extensive surgical procedures to understand that post-operative breasts may not be the same as their original breasts. While Dr. Elliott can offer his expertise in helping you feel comfortable with your surgery, ultimately, the chosen option for preventative mastectomy is exclusively your decision to make.

Please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Elliott to discuss your goals after conferring with your surgeon, oncologist, or specialist. To learn more about the breast reconstruction procedures Dr. Elliott performs, please visit his website and follow him on  Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.