Today's Breast Reconstruction

October 2009

By Warren Schutte, M.D.

Breast reconstruction is an opportunity to bring wholeness back into the lives of breast cancer patients. Multiple studies have demonstrated the devastating impact that mastectomy may have on patients' emotional well-being. Yet, few would attempt to argue that saving a life is not paramount to saving a limb. Breast cancer will occur in one out of every eight women in the U.S., and having a wife and three daughters myself, I feel grateful for the work of those physicians helping to protect the lives of our families.

It is an exciting time to discuss breast reconstruction due to the multiple options that patients benefit from today. Initially, the patient may choose between removing just the mass and possibly radiation treatment versus removing all of the breast tissue. Among available choices, there are several new surgical techniques that may improve the cosmetic results of breast reconstruction. Within certain parameters regarding tumor presentation, size, and location, patients may be able to have oncoplastic procedures. These oncoplastic procedures are designed to remove the cancer while, concurrently optimizing the aesthetics of the breast. The opposite breast often may be enhanced simultaneously to provide symmetry. Also, depending on the location of the cancer, excellent studies have now shown that it is safe, in certain instances, to keep the native nipple and/or areola complex intact.

If the patient undergoes mastectomy, the option to begin the reconstructive process immediately or to delay reconstruction until she is ready is a personal decision. And though, immediate reconstruction has been shown to have a higher overall patient satisfaction rating compared to delayed reconstruction, there is no time line in which the reconstruction must be performed. The breast reconstruction itself may consist of implant-based techniques, using the patient's own tissue, or a combination of both depending on the clinical scenario. The nipple, if not preserved, may later be reconstructed from native breast skin and a medical tattoo can provide a nearly identical match to the opposite breast.

With all the options available to a plastic surgeon today, I am privileged to offer these reconstructive techniques, restoring confidence and a sense of wholeness to the courageous breast cancer survivors in the Front Range community.

FrontRangePlasticSurgery.com • 303-872-8270

PERMANENT COSMETICS
Chemotherapy related hair loss affects facial hair including eyebrows and eyelashes. Many breast cancer survivors report that hair in these areas never returns to the volume that was once present. Permanent cosmetic procedures can restore the eyebrow to a more youthful volume and color. Permanent eyeliner will open up the eyes and will create the illusion of thicker and darker eyelashes.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL
The loss of body hair due to chemotherapy and radiation can be devastating to breast cancer patients. When your hair does return, the texture and color may be different than your original hair. Although many women welcome the return of scalp hair, patients often get used to being hair free in areas they would normally shave. Women often seek out laser hair removal so they can continue to have smooth skin on the legs, underarms and bikini area. In addition, laser hair removal is a desirable procedure for women who have had their lymph nodes removed. Quite often there is an indentation in the underarm that will not allow a clean shave. Many women have complained of nicking their skin with the razor.

MOISTURIZING & HYDRATING SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Dry skin can be uncomfortable and itchy. Several breast cancer treatments can make your skin dry and flaky. These include chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. Often the dry skin will last as long as the treatments and gradually go away after the treatment stops. Some tips to ease dry skin include:

• Apply a rich moisturizer to skin several times a day especially after you bath or wash your hands.
• Apply a sun block of SPF 15 or greater prior to going outdoors.
• Use lukewarm rather than hot water for showers and baths. Limit time to 15 minutes or less.
• Avoid harsh and drying soaps and pat yourself dry after bathing.

Harmony Laser Center has a wide array of skin care products to help correct dry skin. Consider coming in for a complimentary consultation with one of our Skin Care Professionals to assess your individual needs.

• Fort Collins: 2126 Milestone Dr Suite 107 |
• Phone: 970-282-8266 |
• Toll-Free: 866-325-8002 |
• Map