You may be familiar with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign held in October to increase awareness of the disease and help raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. Millions of people come together in an effort to recognize those affected by breast cancer and to remember those that battled against the disease.
There are various activities and events to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For example, landmark buildings are illuminated in pink, teams in the National Football League incorporate pink into their uniforms and runs and walks are also held in cities around the nation.
Certain groups also recognize October as Breast Reconstruction Awareness Month to help raise awareness of breast reconstructive options after mastectomy or lumpectomy. As a trusted Newport Beach breast reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Rob Kessler wants women that have lost one or both breasts to cancer to be informed of their reconstruction options.
Breast Reconstruction Options
Unfortunately, information about breast reconstruction is not reaching everyone that needs it. Studies show that as many as 7 out of 10 women do not know their breast reconstruction options.
Dr. Kessler encourages every woman facing breast cancer to explore their reconstruction options; they should feel confident that, with the help of a talented plastic surgeon, they can achieve a beautiful result that looks and feels like a natural breast.
The first way to reconstruct a breast lost to cancer is with the placement of a saline or silicone breast implant. Implants are usually used in combination with a tissue expander, which is placed first to create room within the chest tissue and skin to eventually accommodate an implant. After four to six months wearing the tissue expander (which is gradually filled with fluid), the expander is removed and replaced with an implant.
Another way to reconstruct a breast is through the use of a tissue flap, which is a combination of the patient’s muscle, fat and tissue. The flap can be taken from the abdomen, back, buttocks or thighs. Tissue flaps can be combined with an implant, depending on the case.
Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after mastectomy or delayed until the patient recovers from mastectomy or lumpectomy. Dr. Kessler works closely with every patient and her oncology team to design the best plan of treatment.
Learn More about Breast Reconstruction
For more information about breast reconstruction treatment options, or other forms of breast surgery, please contact Kessler Plastic Surgery and request a consultation with Dr. Kessler. You can call 949.644.6544 or email our practice today.