Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction is challenging. Mastectomy reconstruction in some patients can involve using the patient’s own tissue rather than implants for breast reconstruction. In the DIEP flap breast reconstruction, the lower abdominal tissue that is usually discarded in a tummy tuck is used to reconstruct the breast. The deep inferior epigastric artery and vein provides the blood supply to the…
In some breast cancer patients who have lymph node positivity or large tumors, breast cancer may be best treated with lumpectomy if radiation will be needed for either lumpectomy or mastectomy. When the breast tumor is close to the overlying skin or involves the overlying skin, the skin will need to be removed during a lumpectomy or mastectomy. The latissimus…
Breast cancer reconstruction is challenging. In some patients, who do not wish to have implants, we can reconstruct the breast with the patient’s own body tissue. This is called an autologous breast reconstruction. In the DIEP flap reconstruction, the skin and fat from the abdomen and sometimes a small cuff of rectus muscle is disconnected from the blood supply in…
Breast implant reconstruction after bilateral mastectomy for breast cancer or BRCA-1 positivity can be challenging. After a mastectomy, there is less blood flow to the skin and there less soft tissue coverage available for an implant. Some patients may experience cellulitis, gross infection, or significant capsular contracture after mastectomy reconstruction. In some patients that experience this we remove the implants…
Breast cancer reconstruction can be different depending on the surgical oncology plan. Certain breast cancers depending upon the size of the tumor and the size of the breast can be treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Radiation often has a positive impact on breast scars making them less apparent than the non-radiated side. Radiation may produce a small color change…
Breast cancer can often be successfully treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Often as part of mastectomy or lumpectomy reconstruction patients will get either a nipple areola complex tattoo or pattern tattoo placed on the breast. Pink ribbons, vines, flowers, etc. are often excellent patterns that can be placed to complete a reconstruction or conceal incisions. The photograph demonstrates before…
One of the more common questions that comes up during a mastectomy reconstruction– “Should I save my nipple or should I have it removed during the mastectomy”. There are oncologic, anatomic, aesthetic, and psychological reasons to remove the nipple areola complex. It is important to understand that after a mastectomy the nipple will not have sensation and will not function…
Breast augmentation has become a prevalent phenomenon in modern American society, reflecting evolving beauty standards and individual choices. The desire for enhanced physical appearance has led many individuals to opt for mammary implants, contributing to the complex and multifaceted world of breast art. This article delves into the content of breast art and its relationship with contemporary American culture, subsequently…
Lumpectomy and radiation are a reasonable method to treat many breast cancers. The goals after lumpectomy are to get all of the wounds healed by six weeks so that the patient can proceed to radiation in a timely manner. The skin often tolerates radiation well after lumpectomy. The more intact and heartier the blood supply to the skin, the better…
Breast cancer can be treated with lumpectomy or mastectomy. Lumpectomy can treat breast cancer depending upon the size of the tumor relative to the size of the breast. The photo demonstrates right breast lumpectomy with oncoplastic reconstruction and left breast mastopexy-reduction for symmetry.
