What Happens After a Mastectomy?
Nov 10, 2022
For some women with breast cancer, a necessary part of treatment is the removal of one or both breasts, called a mastectomy. While this lifesaving surgery is vital to completely remove the cancer, it can also affect a woman鈥檚 self-esteem and body image.
, a plastic surgeon at 网曝门事件 Health Glendale, offers women hope: surgical reconstruction of their breasts.
Offering options
Dr. Ashjian describes two methods of breast reconstruction. The first is to place a breast implant, while the second, lesser-known option is to use tissue from the woman鈥檚 abdomen to re-create the breast.
鈥淎 lot of women don鈥檛 know that tissue reconstruction is an option because not all surgeons can do it,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great choice for women who don鈥檛 want breast implants and for women with a C or D cup, because you really can鈥檛 match that shape with an implant.鈥�
Better Breast Symmetry
For women who have a single mastectomy, meaning only one breast is removed, Dr. Ashjian says that symmetry is often a concern. He offers a simple solution.
鈥淔or symmetry, we have methods such as breast lift or reduction that can be done on the natural breast to match the reconstructed breast,鈥� he explains. A welcome benefit? 鈥淚nsurance companies usually cover work on the noncancer side for symmetry.鈥�
A body restored
鈥淔or a lot of women, undergoing a mastectomy has a psychological impact,鈥� Dr. Ashjian says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a constant reminder of the cancer, and they often feel a sense of loss or even disfigurement.鈥�
Dr. Ashjian is involved with each woman鈥檚 care plan from an early stage to share options and help her make decisions. He says that helping women with breast reconstruction after cancer is gratifying because 鈥渋t helps them move past the cancer and restore their sense of self.鈥�
