239-566-2611
1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C,
Naples, Florida 34108

post mastectomy breast reconstruction

Restore the Look of Your Post-Cancer Treatment Breasts with Gardner Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer affects about one out of every eight women, but despite the known benefits of post-mastectomy reconstructive surgery, many women do not undergo the procedure. In fact, many women remain unaware of available post-cancer treatment reconstructive options that are designed to restore one or both breasts to more closely resemble their original size, shape, appearance, and symmetry. According to research by the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign (BRA):

  • Only 23% of women are aware of the wide range of available breast reconstruction options.
  • Only 22% are knowledgeable about the quality of expected outcomes.
  • And, perhaps most importantly, only 19% understand that timing of both breast cancer treatment and decisions regarding reconstruction significantly impact options and results.

This lack of awareness helped spur the U.S. Government to implement the Breast Cancer Patient Education Act to ensure that breast cancer patients are informed about the availability of breast reconstruction options. The legislation led to the inclusion of breast reconstruction information on the National Cancer Institute’s website as well as ongoing outreach efforts through social media campaigns. The Act also includes provisions designed to notify breast cancer patients that breast cancer insurance coverage typically includes reconstructive surgery, as mandated by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.

Research Highlights Reconstruction Benefits

Increasing awareness about the availability of breast reconstruction options is certainly positive, but some women still question how beneficial the surgery is, due in part to a relative lack of information on the subject. Several years ago researchers from the National Institute of Health examined outcomes of breast reconstruction and determined that the procedure offers “improved psychological and cosmetic outcomes” for breast cancer patients who have undergone a mastectomy. Based on the “notable psychological advantages” offered by reconstruction, along with an improved quality of life, the researchers concluded that breast reconstruction “should be offered to all women in an immediate or delayed fashion, with guidance from their physician about the benefits and risks.”

More recently, researchers with the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation determined that in the long term, all patients studied, regardless of type of reconstruction surgery, achieved improved psychosocial well-being and an improved quality of life. The study was one of the first to track patient satisfaction and quality of life two years after reconstruction, and examined outcomes of the two primary reconstruction procedures: implant and flap/natural tissue. Noting that there were “trade-offs” with regard to outcomes and recovery to consider with both procedures, the researchers noted that close doctor-patient collaboration in the decision-making process seems to enhance patient satisfaction and overall outcome.

Gardner Plastic Surgery Relies on Close Consultation

Women facing the challenge of breast cancer who need to weigh their post-mastectomy breast reconstruction options, work in close collaboration with the detail-minded surgeons at Naples, Florida-based Gardner Plastic Surgery. Dr. Paul Gardner and Dr. Leo Baccaro are firm believers in educating their patients about all parameters of every cosmetic procedure. By consulting closely with their patients, Dr. Gardner or Dr. Baccaro can gain a deep understanding of each patient’s aesthetic goals. In return, the surgeons can strategize with the patient on the best means for achieving these goals, while also helping ease any concerns.

Dr. Gardner and Dr. Baccaro have the experience and artistic surgical expertise needed for successful post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Our practice has earned a reputation for reconstructing natural, aesthetically pleasing breasts that help breast cancer survivors regain their sense of femininity and sexuality. If you’re facing the challenges of breast cancer and concerned about your post-mastectomy options, contact 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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