Few things are as traumatizing for women as getting a breast cancer diagnosis. Undergoing a mastectomy can cause our patients to feel like not just their breast is missing, but part of their femininity as well. That’s exactly why many of our patients elect to undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy. New Jersey patients that work with Dr. Comizio get safe, beautiful results from their breast reconstruction procedure. In fact, Dr. Comizio is one of the top reconstructive surgeons in the nation and is passionate about helping women feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. See some video interviews with a few of our breast reconstruction patients.
As an Ivy League-educated surgeon, Dr. Comizio is one of the leading reconstructive surgeons in the country. She’s won multiple awards, published research, and presented at conferences for plastic surgeons. On top of that, Dr. Comizio has developed a customized shared decision-making approach with her patients that focuses on her patient’s needs, concerns, and questions. You’ll always know exactly what’s coming next with your procedure. Dr. Comizio approaches every consultation with honesty and transparency. Plus, as a woman herself, Dr. Comizio offers her patients a unique perspective and input. If you’re hoping to work with one of the most “in demand” surgeons in all of New Jersey, make sure that you get in touch with Dr. Comizio today at (973) 775-9248.
First Steps for Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
During your consultations with Dr. Comizio, you will spend a great deal of time talking about the available options, what your breasts will look like after the procedure, and the recovery period. Dr. Comizio speaks openly and honestly with all of her New Jersey patients about the risks of each procedure, so you’ll always be completely informed.
Treatment Options for Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
New Jersey patients will discuss all of their options in depth with Dr. Comizio. But these are a few of the options available. Keep in mind that some of these will vary depending on if the patient is getting a double (bilateral) or single (unilateral) mastectomy.
- Autogenous Flap Surgery – One option that patients have is to use “flaps” of tissue taken from other parts of the body to build a new breast. There are a few different donor sites that Dr. Comizio can use including the back and the abdomen. Of course, there are added risks with this type of procedure since there will be two different surgical sites. Two other disadvantages are that the recovery can take longer because the donor sites need to heal and have an increased risk of There may be at least one additional surgery to revise the flap or donor site. The advantage of using flap reconstruction is that after the first year of healing, it is unlikely to need additional surgery on the breast.
- Breast implants – This is the most common option chosen by our patients for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. There are several attractive benefits to this option. First, the shape and size options for implants are well suited in reconstruction. Patients can choose the size, shape, and type of implant that they want. Because implants only require one surgical site at the breasts, the recovery period is often shorter and less painful.
Getting Breast Reconstruction Immediately or Delayed
Dr. Comizio can actually begin the breast reconstruction procedure during the mastectomy. With this option, patients will get tissue expanders placed during the mastectomy. Once the expanders have created enough room for the implant, a second procedure is performed to exchange the expander for an implant.
But some New Jersey women choose to get the mastectomy first and heal before they choose to have breast reconstruction. The breast reconstruction process using tissue expanders is the same no matter what. Patients can choose to get breast reconstruction anytime after their mastectomy–even years or decades later.
There are lots of other decisions and concerns that New Jersey patients will need to think through. We would love to help so make sure you contact us today at (973) 775-9248.
