Can you tell which side is the reconstructed breast?
What is with all the pink? You have probably seen it on TV, in the magazine, or in the
grocery store. Everywhere you look you can find the pink ribbon. October is breast cancer awareness month and the pink ribbon is a reminder of our battle against breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the 2nd leading cause of cancer death among women. One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Today there are 2.6 million people alive in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer. Public awareness of the disease and greater efforts for early detection with screening mammography have increased early detection of the disease, treatment and long term survival. Early stage localized breast disease is associated with a 98% 5-year survival rate.
The diagnosis of any type of cancer can be overwhelming and scary. Patients often experience fear for their life and a urge to have the cancer removed immediately. The patient is whisked through a series of medical consultations with a team of oncology doctors: medical, surgical and radiation. Yet hidden among the team of doctors and there to help is the plastic and reconstructive surgeon. An equally important part of the treatment team that unfortunately is underutilized and forgotten.
One study showed that only less than 40% of patients who have mastectomy go on to have breast reconstruction (Source: J Clin Oncol 2009). The decision to have breast reconstruction is a personal one and there are multiple factors as to why women choose not to reconstruct their breast. Some women feel it is not a priority. Others don’t want to go through the additional surgery. Some women are afraid of the cost and think their insurance will not cover such a “cosmetic” procedure. Sometimes patients are not even offered the opportunity to consider reconstruction with a plastic surgeon. Are these reasons valid?
Although ultimately the option for reconstruction is a personal one, the fact that 73% of women in 2007 chose to have reconstruction is a testament to the importance, safety and satisfaction of the surgery. Often times the first stage of reconstruction can be performed at the time of the mastectomy to minimize the number of procedures
In 1998, Congress passed the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act which mandates that all insurance companies cover post-mastectomy reconstruction and symmetry operations to make both breasts look the same. Actresses such as Christina Applegate chose immediate breast reconstruction after her mastectomy for breast cancer.
Training as plastic surgeons at the Revlon Breast Cancer Center at UCLA, Drs. Jerome and Tom Liu have been inspired by the stories of survival they have seen and experienced. Although breast reconstruction is a very personal decision, they believe that every patient should be given the option to meet with a plastic surgeon to decide for themselves. Many patients feel that breast reconstruction gives them a sense of normalcy and a return to their daily lives without living in disfigurement.
There are multiple options for breast reconstruction. These vary from using breast implants to using the tissue on the abdomen to create a new breast. Just as the field of breast cancer treatment is evolving and improving, so too are the methods for breast reconstruction.
At Liu Plastic Surgery, both Drs. Jerome and Tom Liu are passionate about breast reconstruction and encourage all patients to explore their reconstructive options. Reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy (immediate) or after completion of cancer treatment (delayed). We are trained in all aspects of breast reconstruction, including advanced techniques using free tissue transfer (microvascular surgery) such as the free-TRAM and DIEP. During these operations, skin and fat from the abdomen are transported to the chest to create a new breast.
If you or someone you know is interested in breast reconstruction, please contact Liu Plastic Surgery at 650-539-4808 or info@liuplasticsurgery.com.
Jerome Liu, MD and Tom Liu, MD are fellowship trained plastic surgeons specializing in facial rejuvenation, facelift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose job), breast augmentation (breast implants), mastopexy (breast lift), mommy makeover, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction in Northern California. Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu operate at multiple locations throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay offering convenient service for the communities of Los Altos, Palo Alto, Los Gatos, Campbell, San Jose, Almaden, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Atherton, Menlo Park, Fremont, Morgan Hill, and Santa Cruz.
