| The truth about Breast Reconstruction. |
| It is unfortunate that many general surgeons concentrate on the surgical removal of the breast alone and do not consider the whole patient. Women are often discouraged from considering breast reconstruction or are told to do it at some time in the future. The reality is that breast reconstruction is feasible in most cases and is best done at the time of the mastectomy. |
| If the general surgeon is open to making some small changes in their surgical approach, superb reconstruction is possible without the customary scars of mastectomy. |
| Breast Reconstruction is safe. |
| The most important fact to remember about breast reconstruction is that it does not interfere with the cancer treatment. Reconstruction is an important part of the whole body healing. This is something we feel very strongly about and all women should consult with a plastic surgeon along with the general surgeon before a final decision is made. |
| Choices |
| The main options for breast reconstruction include putting in an implant, using a soft tissue expander followed by placing an implant at another time, using your own tissue from your abdomen or back, or a combination of an implant with your own tissue. |
| What we do different. |
| A successful reconstruction begins with the technique of mastectomy that the general surgeon uses. Dr. Bensimon was a pioneer in encouraging general surgeons to alter the scar patterns of mastectomy in order to obtain a more natural result in the reconstruction. |
| In 1995, Dr. Bensimon published an article in the "Annals of Plastic Surgery" entitled "Improved Aesthetics in Breast Reconstruction: Modified Mastectomy Incision and Immediate Autologous Tissue Reconstruction"( vol. 34, no.3, March 1995). In this article Dr.Bensimon describes the advantages of utilizing a skin sparing mastectomy to improve the results of breast reconstruction. |
| The "Skin Sparing Mastectomy" is a technique used for removing the breast and nipple while preserving the skin and natural contour of the breast. This technique avoids the usual and obvious transverse scars of standard mastectomy. |
| The consultation. |
| We understand that this is a difficult time for you. That is why we spend a great deal of time with you explaining all of the details of your various options. It is common to feel overwhelmed and indecisive; nevertheless we feel the worst decision is to do nothing and lose the many advantages of a skin sparing mastectomy. |
| If you are ambivalent about what choice to make, an excellent solution is to have a skin sparing mastectomy and simply place a soft tissue expander at that time. This leaves the future open to all options, preserves the breast skin and does not complicate the recovery. |
| What to do. |
| As soon as the diagnosis of breast cancer has been made, you should be consulting with your general surgeon and your plastic surgeon. Together with you, the complete team can plan the best course of action for the most optimal result. |
