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1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C,
Naples, Florida 34108

Breast Cancer, Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast Cancer, Mastectomies and Breast Reconstruction Surgery

October may have been Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but given that one out of every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, “awareness” should be a factor every month. Naturally, the first line of awareness should consist of education about the disease, along with early detection efforts through self-exams and regularly scheduled mammograms. Educational awareness about the disease types and stages can help those receiving a breast cancer diagnosis determine the best treatment options. Those whose treatment includes a lumpectomy or mastectomy need to be aware of the various breast reconstruction surgery options available to them.

Education and awareness are key with regard to all mastectomy and breast reconstruction decision making. Thus, it is important for women faced with a mastectomy to thoroughly discuss all options with their breast surgeon, oncologist and qualified plastic surgeon. While some women decide not to undergo breast reconstruction surgery, the procedure does help women feel more confident about their appearance after a mastectomy. Additionally, federal law requires insurance plans to cover the costs of breast reconstruction in most circumstances.

Timing of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Among the first considerations that need to be made when faced with a mastectomy and breast reconstruction is timing. Those needing a mastectomy can opt to have breast reconstruction at the same time. However, this “immediate reconstruction” option may not be available to women with specific surgical risk factors such as smoking and being overweight, among others, or to those facing certain post-surgery follow-up procedures.

Delayed reconstruction can be conducted after the mastectomy incisions have healed and all other breast cancer therapies have been successfully concluded. Delayed reconstruction can be performed months or even years after the original mastectomy, and is often undertaken by women who have successfully mitigated risks that prevented immediate reconstruction.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Generally, breast reconstruction can be done with breast implants or natural tissue flaps. Breast implants are a simpler reconstruction option because the surgery is less invasive with less recovery than natural tissue flap surgery. With breast implants, patients can opt for either saline or silicone implants. While the outer shell of both implants is made of silicone, the shell is filled with either silicone or a saline solution. As silicone is more viscous than saline, it is believed to be the solution that more closely mimics the natural look and feel of breast tissue, and is preferred for breast reconstruction. A number of studies have shown silicone to be a safe implant.

Natural tissue flap surgery utilizes skin and tissue from the patient’s own body, which allows the reconstructed breast to look and feel more like a natural breast than either silicone or saline implants. However, the procedure requires additional surgery on the other parts of the body from which the tissue is being removed, leaves additional scars, and is far more intensive than implant surgery.

Nipple and Areola Reconstruction

While “nipple-sparing” mastectomies are becoming more common, they are by no means optional, and most women will still need nipple and areola reconstruction as part of their overall breast reconstruction. This is generally performed on an outpatient basis as the last stage of breast reconstruction surgery. The procedure can often be done in the office setting and is much simpler than the actual breast reconstruction.

Gardner Plastic Surgery in Naples, Florida, has long offered breast reconstruction as part of its practice. In fact, with a vast knowledge base of cosmetic breast surgery techniques, Dr. Paul Gardner is renowned for his skill at breast reconstruction following treatment for breast cancer. If you are facing a mastectomy, learn how Dr. Gardner can help you retain a positive body image with breast reconstruction surgery, by contacting Gardner Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.

Naples Plastic Surgey is Proud to Serve Patients from Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and All Over the Country!

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At Naples Plastic Surgery, our cosmetic services are designed to contour and enhance your body to help you achieve the body image that you desire. Known for offering among the best facial plastic surgery in Naples, our board-certified surgeons are known as much for their artistry as they are for their surgical skills. We understand that your image is the key to feeling great, so we will provide you with the most reliable advice and services to help make you look and feel your best.

The surgical team at Naples Plastic Surgery has the training and experience necessary to help you pursue your own individual cosmetic goals down to the very last detail, all in a warm, comfortable, and private environment.

Dr. Paul Gardner, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Southwest Florida. As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Naples, FL, Dr. Gardner has more than 25 years of experience performing facial procedures including composite facelift, mini facelift, brow lift and skin cancer removal procedures. He also possesses expertise in breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and labiaplasty.

Dr. Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD received extensive training at the prestigious Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where he worked with some of the most well-renowned practitioners in the art of cosmetic surgery. With honors and awards throughout medical school and his residency, Dr. Baccaro earned a stellar reputation for high quality surgical care with both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

Dr. Mark Walsh, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Southwest Florida. Dr. Walsh participated in the prestigious plastic surgery training program at Duke University. He has also served as an invited reviewer and has provided expert commentaries for multiple surgical journals, including the highly regarded Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Dr. Andrew M. Bonett, MD specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, with specific interests in reconstruction after breast and skin cancers, including Mohs reconstruction. His experience also includes reconstruction following traumatic injuries, body contouring, and general cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.

The plastic surgery process at Naples Plastic Surgery begins with a one-on-one, confidential consultation in which your surgeon conducts an examination to determine which procedures are likely to produce the most robust aesthetic improvements. This includes a comprehensive discussion with you to identify the benefits, risks and costs associated with each procedure. It may be possible to combine a number of surgical procedures into a single surgery if you desire and if your medical condition permits it.

As with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that a desired outcome will be achieved. There are a number of health risks associated with even minor medical procedures. If you have any health issues or concerns, please feel free to discuss them any time with your surgeon at our Naples’ plastic surgery center.
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Plastic Surgeons | Paul M. Gardner, MD, FACS | Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD | Mark Walsh, MD, F.A.C.S. | Andrew Bonett, MD

1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, Florida 34108
(239) 566-2611 fax: (239) 431-8069
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