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breast surgery Atlanta

Questions to Ask Prior to Breast Reconstruction

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Breast reconstruction to restore a woman’s breasts after mastectomy can be a difficult subject to approach. Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott understands that breast reconstruction is more than just a bodily experience—rather, it is a mental, emotional, and physical involvement that takes full consideration by the patient.

While Dr. Elliott effusively covers concerns and questions with each patient to find the best technique to fit their unique needs and provide natural-looking, satisfactory results, it is important for the patient to do their part in requesting answers essential to their comprehension of breast reconstruction. Dr. Elliott values letting patients take the lead with their questions, putting their needs, desires, and inquiries at the forefront of conversation. Below, Dr. Elliott discusses questions that he recommends asking prior to breast reconstruction surgery, such as the length of the procedure and which breast reconstruction method may be most suitable for them.

 

 

We will be periodically posting new videos from Dr. Elliott discussing various aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the coming months. If you would like to schedule a consultation in order to have these questions personally answered, please contact us today. For more on breast reconstruction and other procedures, please visit Dr. Elliott’s website and follow him on  Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

Why Mastopexy?

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Pregnancy, breast feeding, weight loss, aging skin with lost elasticity, and genetics all contribute to why women experience breast sagging.  Board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott performs breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, to address these issues as well as revive the breasts to a more youthful appearance. Before surgery, Dr. Elliott will discuss the expected results from breast lift procedures to provide each patient with realistic expectations and to find the best technique suited for their unique needs.

breast lift atlanta georgia mastopexyDr. Elliott performs mastopexy by raising the position of the breasts before removing excess skin and tightening remaining tissue, while reshaping the breasts based on your individual desires. Contrary to some belief, breast lift surgery will not change the size of your breasts. Rather, the goal of the procedure is to make breasts are more firm, lifted, and youthful, while in necessary cases adjusting the position of the areolas and nipples. On the other hand, if the patient desires slightly smaller breasts along with a breast lift, this can also be accomplished in the same operation. While breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are often confused as being similar procedures, it is important to address that they serve two separate purposes.

Breast implants can add volume and enhance the appearance of the breasts, but if an individual desires perkier breasts, breast lift surgery is necessary to raise their position. For those who wish to both lift and enlarge breast volume simultaneously, breast augmentation can be combined with a breast lift procedure. For some patients, breast lift is incorporated in mommy makeover surgery, as breast feeding often has an adverse effect on breasts. With Dr. Elliott’s implementation of advanced techniques and progressive suturing, breast surgery scarring is kept to a minimum. Post-operative scar treatment care is also important in healing and fading scars over time, which patients are educated on during the surgery process.

View Dr. Elliott’s before and after gallery to see what breast lift surgery can accomplish. If you are interested in breast lift surgery or another cosmetic procedure, please schedule a consultation. Be sure to connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest cosmetic and reconstructive news and information.

What Can I Expect During a Breast Reconstruction Consultation?

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­­­­­­­­The American Cancer Society estimates that about 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed this year.  Alongside skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, women have many options for treatment, including various types of mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. After treatment, many women are left with the desire to rebuild breasts with breast reconstruction. A consultation for breast reconstruction in the presence of just realizing you have breast cancer can be quite daunting. However, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott frequently works alongside breast cancer patients to help provide options for breast reconstruction and aid in deciding the best procedure for your individual needs.

breast reconstruction atlanta gaDuring a consultation, the vast amount of information that a patient wants to know about breast reconstruction should be matched by answers provided by your chosen plastic surgeon. Generally, what you should expect from a breast reconstruction consultation is to learn every aspect of the options available to you. Dr. Elliott firmly believes in presenting all available options rather than putting the option he believes is most suitable foremost. For example, may be better suited for a TRAM flap operation (which utilizes a portion of a woman’s abdominal fat, muscle, and skin to reconstruct a breast) over a breast implant operation and vice versa, but regardless you should have both presented to you as viable options.

Dr. Elliott offers many options for reconstruction, including the aforementioned TRAM flap procedure along with latissimus dorsi flap and DIEP flap options. Additionally, Dr. Elliott offers the use of a tissue expander for those who wish to have larger breasts than they did before their breast cancer surgery. FDA-approved breast implants can also be used to augment the breast and are available in saline, silicone, or “gummy bear” implants made of highly cohesive silicone gel.

When meeting with your plastic surgeon for a breast reconstruction consultation, the most important thing to do is to ask thorough questions and address any concerns so you have full understanding of all options before making the life-changing decision of undergoing breast reconstruction. From time to time, Dr. Elliott has seen this take more than one visit, which is completely acceptable and encouraged to help the patient have a full understanding of breast surgery  and what lies ahead. Regardless of the decision made, Dr. Elliott values caring for and helping his patients in understanding every step of the surgical process.

To learn about more about breast reconstruction procedures offered, please contact our office. Be sure to stay connected with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest plastic surgery news and updates.

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