Introduction
Breast cancer affects thousands of women across the United States each year. Breast reconstruction is an important part of the recovery process for many women who have undergone breast cancer treatments. At Infini Cosmetic Associates, we specialize in providing natural breast augmentation to patients in the Scottsdale, Arizona area. Our team of experienced surgeons and staff are committed to helping our patients achieve their desired results safely and effectively.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits, types, and preoperative considerations associated with breast reconstruction surgery. We will also provide a case study of a 24-year-old patient who underwent a successful breast reconstruction procedure at Infini Cosmetic Associates.
Definition of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from cells within the breasts. It can occur in both men and women but is more common in women. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that over 270,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2021 alone.
Statistics on Breast Cancer in the US
Statistics provided by the National Cancer Institute show that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. In 2020, approximately 41,000 women died from breast cancer making it the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer.
Overview of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery is a surgical procedure that involves restoring one or both breasts after mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer treatment. The goal of this procedure is to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance while also restoring self-confidence and improving quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that can help women who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer or other conditions. It can be a difficult decision for many women, but the benefits of breast reconstruction are numerous. At Infini Cosmetic Associates, our team of experienced surgeons and staff are here to provide you with the best possible care and help you make an informed decision about your reconstruction options.
Psychological Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
One of the most significant benefits of breast reconstruction is the psychological benefit it can provide. The loss of one or both breasts due to a mastectomy can be a traumatic experience for many women. Reconstructive surgery can help restore a sense of normalcy and self-esteem in these women by providing them with a more natural-looking body shape. Many patients report feeling better about their appearance after reconstructive surgery, which can lead to improved mental health and overall well-being.
Physical Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
In addition to the psychological benefits, there are also physical benefits associated with breast reconstruction. For some patients, reconstructive surgery may result in improved posture, as well as better balance when performing certain activities such as walking or running. Additionally, reconstructive surgery can improve upper body strength and reduce pain caused by scar tissue from previous surgeries. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may even reduce the risk of developing lymphedema (swelling) in the affected area.
Financial Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
The financial benefits associated with breast reconstruction should also be considered when making the decision to undergo this type of procedure. Most insurance companies cover at least part of the cost for reconstructive surgery, so patients may be able to save money on out-of-pocket expenses if they choose to have this procedure done. Additionally, some employers offer additional coverage for reconstructive surgery through employee benefit plans, so it’s important to check with your employer before making any decisions about having this type of procedure done.
At Infini Cosmetic Associates, we understand that choosing to undergo breast reconstruction is an important decision that requires careful consideration and research. Our team is here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your options and ensure that you receive the highest quality care available in Scottsdale Arizona area. If you would like more information on how we can help you achieve your desired outcome through breast reconstruction, please contact us today for a free consultation at 480-800-4501 or fill out our contact form online!
Benefits of Breast Reconstruction
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Psychological Benefits
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Physical Benefits
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Types of Reconstruction Procedures
At Infini Cosmetic Associates, we offer a variety of reconstruction procedures to help restore the breasts after mastectomy. Each procedure has its own benefits and risks, so it is important to discuss your options with Dr. Hall before deciding which type of reconstruction is right for you.
Tissue Expander and Implant-Based Procedures
This type of reconstruction involves placing an expander beneath the chest muscle. This expander can be filled with saline or silicone over time to gradually stretch the skin and create a pocket for an implant. Once the pocket is created, the expanders are removed and replaced with implants that provide a more natural shape and feel.
Muscle-Based Procedures
In this type of reconstruction, a flap of muscle from another part of the body (usually the back) is moved to the chest area where it is used to form a new breast mound. The flap may contain skin, fat, and sometimes even blood vessels, which helps preserve sensation in the reconstructed breast area.
Abdominal-Based Procedures
This type of reconstruction uses tissue from the abdomen to form a new breast mound. During this procedure, excess fat and skin from the abdomen are removed and used to create a new breast mound in addition to providing additional contouring in other areas of the body such as the waistline or hips.
Fat Grafting Procedures
Fat grafting is often used as an adjunct to other types of reconstruction procedures in order to achieve more natural looking results. During this procedure, fat cells are harvested from another area of the body such as the thighs or buttocks and then injected into areas that need additional volume or shaping such as around the nipple or scarring due to radiation therapy.
At Infini Cosmetic Associates, we understand that each patient’s needs are unique and our team will work closely with you throughout your journey towards restoring your breasts after mastectomy so you can feel confident in your body again.
Procedure
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Benefits
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Risks
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Tissue Expander and Implant-Based Procedures
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Natural shape and feel; gradual stretching of the skin
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Potential for implant failure or infection
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Muscle-Based Procedures
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Preservation of sensation in the reconstructed breast area; flap may contain skin, fat, and blood vessels
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Risk of tissue loss or necrosis; potential complications with donor site scarring or weakness from muscle removal
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Abdominal-Based Procedures
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Contouring in other areas of the body; excess fat and skin removed from abdomen used to create new breast mound
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Potential for infection, hematoma, seroma, or necrosis of donor site tissue; possible abdominal hernia formation
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Fat Grafting Procedures
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Additional volume or shaping to areas such as around the nipple or scarring due to radiation therapy
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Risk of fat absorption and contour irregularities; potential for infection at donor and recipient sites
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Preoperative Considerations
At Infini Cosmetic Associates, safety is our top priority. As such, our team of highly experienced plastic surgeons will ensure that you are adequately prepared for your breast reconstruction surgery. Before the procedure, there are several preoperative considerations that must be addressed to ensure a successful outcome.
Medications and Supplements to Avoid Prior to Surgery
It is important to inform your doctor of any medications or supplements you may be taking in order to avoid potential complications. Certain medications can interfere with the body’s ability to heal properly after surgery and should be avoided prior to undergoing breast reconstruction. These include certain antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood thinners, and herbal supplements. Your doctor will provide you with a list of medications and supplements that should be avoided before the procedure.
Health Recommendations Before Plastic Surgery
Prior to undergoing breast reconstruction surgery, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of potential complications during the procedure. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest, avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol, and managing stress levels. Additionally, it is important to follow all instructions given by your doctor regarding preoperative preparation for the best possible outcome from your breast reconstruction surgery.
At Infini Cosmetic Associates we prioritize patient safety above all else and strive to provide comprehensive care throughout each step of your breast reconstruction journey. Our team of experienced plastic surgeons will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that you receive the highest quality care available in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more about preoperative considerations for breast reconstruction surgery or set up a free consultation at infini cosmetic associates please contact us at 480-800-4501 or use our contact form on our website today!
Case Study: 24-Year Old Patient
At Infini Cosmetic Associates, we specialize in providing the safest and most contemporary cosmetic procedures to the residents of the Southwest. Our team of highly skilled plastic surgeons understands that breast reconstruction is an incredibly important decision for any woman who has been affected by breast cancer. We take great care in providing our patients with comprehensive information about the benefits, preoperative considerations, and types of breast reconstruction procedures available.
In this case study, we will discuss a 24-year old patient who underwent a breast reconstruction procedure at Infini Cosmetic Associates. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, this young woman decided to undergo a bilateral mastectomy with immediate implant based reconstruction. During her consultation with Dr. Hall, she expressed her desire to have natural looking breasts that would restore her self-confidence after her diagnosis and treatment.
Prior to her surgery, our patient was informed about all the possible risks associated with the procedure and what she should expect during recovery. She was also given detailed instructions on how to prepare for surgery including what medications and supplements to avoid prior to the procedure, as well as health recommendations such as stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption two weeks before surgery.
On the day of surgery, our patient’s safety was our top priority and she was monitored closely throughout the entire procedure. After completing her bilateral mastectomy with immediate implant based reconstruction, she experienced minimal pain and discomfort during recovery and was able to return home within a few hours of completing the procedure.
Our patient was very pleased with her results and expressed feeling more confident than ever before. She is now back at work living life without any restrictions or limitations due to her diagnosis or treatment. We are proud of our patient’s success story and are honored to have been part of it here at Infini Cosmetic Associates!
Conclusion
At Infini Cosmetic Associates, we understand the importance of breast reconstruction and its many benefits. We strive to provide our patients with the safest and most contemporary procedures available, helping them to regain their confidence and feel more comfortable in their own skin. Breast reconstruction is a complex procedure that requires careful consideration of preoperative factors and an understanding of the various types of reconstruction techniques. Our team of experienced plastic surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized care for each patient, ensuring that they receive the best possible outcome from their surgery. If you are considering breast reconstruction, we invite you to contact us today for a free consultation.