Reasons to get Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy

Mastectomy is a common treatment for women who develop breast cancer. This is a surgical procedure that removes the entire breast, serving to prevent the spread of cancer or avoid a recurrence of the potentially deadly disease. After undergoing a mastectomy, women may consider another surgery to rebuild the shape and appearance of their breasts. This procedure is known as breast reconstruction. In this article, your board-certified Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. B. Aviva Preminger explains five reasons why you should consider breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

Why do women opt for breast reconstruction?

Perhaps a woman wants to make her chest appear more balanced when she is wearing a bra or swimsuit. Maybe she wants to regain the shape of her breast or improve the fit of her clothes. Undergoing breast reconstruction also means not needing a breast form—an external prosthesis that fits inside the bra. Often, though, a woman seeks out breast reconstruction just so she can feel more confident about her body.

What can you expect from breast reconstruction?

Having a breast reconstruction procedure leaves scars, but they will fade as time passes. The good news is that advances in medical technology mean that the amount of scarring for modern breast reconstruction is minimal. You also need to know that breast reconstruction is not going to be a substitute or a perfect match for your real, natural breast, although many women that opt for breast reconstruction after their cancer battle find confidence again and are pleased with their results.

What side effects and risks can you expect?

Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure and, like any surgery, carries with it a certain amount of risk. However, at Preminger Plastic Surgery, your operation will be performed by Dr. Preminger, an Ivy League-educated, highly-trained, and well-experienced plastic surgeon in New York City. You may have extra concerns if you tend to bleed or scar more easily than most people. Your ability to heal from the surgery may be impacted by a range of factors, including previous surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, or lifestyle choices such as smoking. In fact, if you plan to have any procedure at Preminger Plastic Surgery, we recommend you stop smoking prior to the operation.

Breast Reconstruction in Manhattan

Going through breast cancer and a mastectomy can be a traumatic experience. That’s why Dr. Preminger prides herself on providing compassionate care to her patients during this difficult time in their life. She can break down your treatment options to help make the best decision for you, your health, and your self-esteem. Before beginning a procedure, including breast reconstruction, Dr. Preminger wants to meet with any prospective patients for a consultation. To find out more about this or any of the other procedures that we offer at Preminger Plastic Surgery, schedule a consultation by calling (212) 706-1900.

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Preminger Plastic Surgery offers state-of-the-art services to our patients in New York City.