A new study finds that breast reconstruction rates are highest in women who live close to large-volume hospitals. Also, women who want tissue-based reconstruction are traveling further for surgery, it shows.
Category Archives: Breast Reconstruction
New Federal Law Broadens Requirements to Inform Patients about Breast Surgery Options
New law requires doctors to fully inform women of breast cancer surgery options, from breast forms to reconstruction, and they should be told that reconstruction does not have to be done immediately. http://www.plasticsurgerypractice.com/2015/12/congress-passes-breast-cancer-patient-education-act/
Pinterest Resources
We have begun more than a dozen Pinterest boards of resources women may find helpful in making breast cancer surgery and reconstruction choices. Please suggest other topics and follow us at https://www.pinterest.com/patriciakiska1/
More than one breast reconstruction surgery likely, study finds
Most women need several operations after a mastectomy to finish their breast reconstruction, a new study has found.
Of nearly 4,000 women studied, 88 percent had at least two breast reconstruction operations, 65 percent had more than two surgeries and 39 percent had four or more, according to the University of Toronto researchers. They presented their findings in Orlando at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. The study is based on data from women who had breast reconstruction procedures between 2002 and 2008.
Breast revision surgery, as well as the desire of some women to forego further surgery despite sometimes unsatisfying reconstruction results, are important topics to be covered in the upcoming book, “Breast Cancer Surgery & Reconstruction: What’s Best for You” by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
“We hope to give women the latest medical information on breast reconstruction but also share insights from other women who have had the surgeries,” said author Patricia Anstett. “These are memorable stories that raise important issues other women will connect with,” said Anstett, a medical writer. Photographs by two-time Emmy-award-winning photographer Kathleen Galligan accompany the stories.
Breast Reconstruction with Silicone Implants: the Mark Up
Above: Dr. Dennis Hammond, a Grand Rapids, MI plastic surgeon, uses markings like these to lay out his breast reconstruction plan, including the size of implants to be used and their placement; and the estimated amount of fat he expects to transfer to add shape and support in breast implant reconstruction.
Why Take Both? Peace of Mind Rules
Sharon Kiley Heck, 69, of Ft. Wright, KY is happy with her decision 23 years ago to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction after being diagnosed with lobular cancer in one of her breasts. Both her mother and sister had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. “I just didn’t want the hammer hanging over me anymore,” she said.
