Breast Surgery Statistics Show Increase in All Procedures

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Breast Surgery Statistics – 

If you’re “on the fence” about considering breast surgery – including breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction – take a look at the most recent statistics! Data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows that thousands more people opt for breasts surgery year.

Of the nearly 1.8 million cosmetic surgeries performed in 2017, the number one surgery was breast augmentation – with more than 300,000 performed. This represents and increase of 3 percent over 2016. 

According to the ASPS President David H. Song, MD, MBA, FACS, “… traditional facial procedures and breast augmentations are still among the most popular … patients have more options than ever, and working closely with their surgeon, they’re able to focus on specific target areas of the body to achieve the look they desire.”

Breast Lift Surgery Statistics

Since 2000, ASPS statistics show that Breast Lifts Surgery increased by 90 percent from the year 2000 to 2017. Statistics reveal that 52,836 breast lift surgeries were performed in the US in 2000, compared to 99,614 breast lifts in 2015! In fact, breast lift surgery showed the most overall growth of any plastic surgery during that time period.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Statistics

Of the almost 2 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2015 and 2016 and 2017, the number one was breast augmentation surgery every year. 279,143 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in the US in 2015, 291, 367 were performed in 2016; and 300,378 were performed in 2017 – for a full 34 percent increase from the year 2000.

Breast Reduction Surgery Statistics

There were 68,106 aesthetic breast reduction surgeries performed in the United States in 2015. And, for the first time, men accounted for more than 40 percent of these aesthetic breast reduction surgeries.

A total of 27,456 breast reduction surgeries were performed on men in 2015, representing a 35 percent growth since 2000.

Said the President of the ASPS, “As plastic surgery is becoming more common and accepted in men, we’re seeing more of them undergo procedures to tighten and tone problem areas, like the breasts.”

He added, “This procedure is often done in younger men who face genetic challenges with the size and shape of their breasts, and when appropriate, surgery can make a big difference in their lives.”

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Statistics

For the past several years the ASPS has spearheaded a national Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign to educate and empower women to make informed decisions following breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. And, as more breast cancer patients become aware of breast reconstruction surgery options, the number of breast reconstruction surgeries continues to increase dramatically.

In 2015 breast reconstruction surgeries increased to more than 106,300, which represents a remarkable 35 percent since 2000.

“That’s encouraging, and we hope to continue to get the word out to all women who are facing breast cancer, so they will be well aware of all their reconstructive options from the outset of diagnosis,” said the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Best Troy MI Area Breast Implant Surgery

Women and men who choose to get breast  surgery universally report that it helps them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and gives them a greater feeling of well-being!

Top rated Troy area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers exceptional breast surgery results. He has helped thousands of women and men in Southeast Michigan look and feel better with his skilled breast lift, breast enhancement, breast reduction and breast reconstruction surgery techniques.

Schedule a breast surgery consultation with Doctor Ali to learn about your options, and decide if breast surgery is right for you.

Troy MI Area Breast Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Preparing for Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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Preparing for Your Breast Reconstruction Surgery

In our previous article we discussed the profound emotional effects of undergoing Breast Reconstruction Surgery after a mastectomy. Once you and your surgeon have made the decision that you are ready for breast reconstruction, it’s time to get the ball rolling and prepare.

Select an Experienced Board Certified Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

The best Breast Reconstruction Surgeons use the best technologies – but also are “artists” who can sculpt a beautiful new bust line. Make sure your surgeon has performed hundreds of breast reconstructions with amazing results. Look at their before and after photos.

In addition to be highly experienced they should be caring and compassionate – patiently answering all of your questions and involving you in selecting the options that are best for you.

Choose Your Type of Breast Reconstruction

Natural looking and feeling breasts can be reconstructed using either breast implants or your own tissue, or a combination of both.

Breast reconstruction with implants is a procedure where silicone or saline implants are inserted underneath the skin or muscle below where the breast tissue was. Fat grafting involves removing fat from the thighs, abdomen and buttocks and using it to build volume and shape in the breast.

Both techniques have their Pros and Cons. A caring and compassionate breast reconstruction surgeon can help you determine which is right for you.

Breast Expander for Breast Reconstruction Implants

If you chose to have breast implants you will typically need to undergo a surgery beforehand in which a tissue expander is placed under the skin or muscles of the breast. This gradually stretches the remaining tissue to create room for the implant.

Sterile salt water is then injected into the tissue expander on a weekly basis, gradually stretching the skin and muscle until it has reached the right size.

When to Have Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The optimal timing of your Breast Reconstruction Surgery will based on a variety of factors including your post cancer treatments. Some women have at the same time as the operation to remove the breast(s). Others may wait for several after a mastectomy, and some women even wait years.

If you have started any chemotherapy or radiation treatments, breast reconstruction is typically postponed until after you complete those treatments. Your surgeon will help you determine the right timing for you.

Getting Ready for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Your breast reconstruction surgeon will give you clear instructions on how to prepare for your day of surgery.

Hopefully you had already quit smoking before your mastectomy. If you have not, now is the time to quite because smoking can increase the risk of blood clots and delay healing, as well as cause more noticeable scars. If you can’t quit smoking a few weeks or months before your breast reconstruction surgery, ask your doctor for help.

Make sure your surgeon knows of every vitamin, medicine, and dietary or herbal supplement you are taking. You may need to quit taking some or all of this for a period of time before your surgery.

You will also be given instructions on eating and drinking prior to surgery.

Top Troy, MI Area Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Ali is a Troy, Mi area caring and compassionate board certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless women reclaim their bodies after cancer with breast reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your breast reconstruction surgery options.

If you are battling – or have battled – breast cancer, you are not alone. We are here to help you determine what you want to do, so you can move forward with your best life.

Troy, MI Area Breast Reconstruction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

Breast Reconstruction: The Day of Surgery

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Breast Reconstruction: The Day of Surgery

Your breast reconstruction surgeon will give you clear instructions on what to expect and how to prepare for your day of surgery. In this article we explain what a typical surgery day entails, but each surgery will be different as it is tailored specifically to each patient’s unique needs.

Getting Ready for Breast Reconstruction Surgery

You should have quit smoking before your mastectomy. But if you did not, it is imperative that you do not smoke before or after your breast reconstruction surgery. Smoking can delay healing, increase the risk of blood clots, and cause more noticeable scars.

Make sure you follow the instructions your surgeon gave you on eating and drinking prior to surgery.

As with any surgery, allow plenty of time for traffic and unexpected delays and try to arrive early.

How Long Breast Reconstruction Surgery Takes

Once you are admitted, preparations for breast reconstruction surgery may take up to 2 hours or more, including receiving anesthesia.

The length of surgery will depend upon many factors including the type and technique of surgery, as well as anything unexpected the surgeon may encounter along the way. Typically, once surgery begins, the reconstruction can take anywhere from one to six hours.

Your surgeon will give you a general idea of the length of time for your surgery. However, your family should not worry if the surgery takes longer. Dr. Ali will take as much time as necessary to sculpt and position a beautiful new bust line for you.

After breast reconstruction surgery, patients typically spend from two to three hours in recovery before being transferred to their hospital room.

After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Most patients get IV fluids for one or two days. Patients may also have a urinary catheter in place overnight, until they can walk to the bathroom the next day.

As the anesthetic wears off, any pain is managed with fairly strong prescription medications. Typically patients also have drains inserted at their incision sites.

Patients are typically encouraged to move their arms, but should not engage in any forceful activity such as pulling themselves up out of bed, or lifting anything heavy.

The day after surgery, patients can usually get up with the help of a nurse, and sit in a chair beside the bed. By the second day after breast reconstruction surgery most patients are up and walking without help.

The length of the patient’s hospital stay will depend upon the type of reconstruction and how well they are recovering. The average hospital stay is only 1 to 2 days with implants. More complex surgical procedures may sometimes require a longer stay of up to 5 days.

Top Birmingham, MI Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Ali is a caring and compassionate Birmingham, Mi area board certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless women reclaim their bodies after cancer with breast reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your breast reconstruction surgery options.

If you are battling – or have battled – breast cancer, you are not alone. We are here to help you determine what you want to do, so you can move forward with your best life.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

What to Expect After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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What to Expect After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

As with any surgery, it is normal to expect some soreness, swelling, and bruising. This can last for a week – up to two to three weeks. During the initial recovery period, patients are typically prescribed painkillers to manage any discomfort. Patients will also usually be advised to wear an elastic support bra to reduce swelling.

Most patients leave the hospital with stitches and drainage tubes in place at the incision sites. A drain is a small tube that’s inserted into the surgical area to remove extra fluid from the body as it heals.

If you go home with drains, your surgeon will give you written instructions on how to care for them and empty them. The surgeon will determine when the drains can be safely removed by monitoring how much fluid is collected each day.

You may also be required to apply medications to the stitches, and/or regularly change your bandages at home. You cannot shower or bath until your surgeon tells you it is OK.

Activity after Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Generally, the majority of women can return to normal daily activities within 2 to 8 weeks after breast reconstruction surgery. However, it may be several weeks before you engage in any strenuous physical activity or exercise.

The length of recovery will depend upon the type and technique of reconstruction used, as well as how well the patient heals. Your surgeon will monitor your condition and provide you with exact instructions regarding when you can resume activities, including exercise and sexual intimacy.

During the first 2 months, it is not uncommon for a woman who is recovering from breast reconstruction surgery to experience fatigue – as well as some restriction of movements, such as lifting the arms overhead.

Healing After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

It can take up to a year or longer for the tissues to completely heal and for scars to fade While the scars never go away completely, they are placed as inconspicuously as possible by the surgeon – and do fade considerably over time. Just be sure to keep scars out of the sun!

Your surgeon will tell you when you can go back to wearing regular bras. This will vary depending on the type of surgery you had. You may wish to avoid underwire bras and lacey or textured fabric for some time – in favor of smooth cottony bras – so as not to irritate the scars or skin.

Women who have breast reconstruction surgery may also go through a period of different emotions as they adjust to their new breasts. This is not unusual, and our caring staff is here to discuss these issues. We can help you find other women who have had breast reconstruction to talk to – which can be immensely helpful. Or, we can refer you to a counselor, support group or mental health professional to help you sort out your feelings.

Screening After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Typically, if you have had a complete mastectomy, future screening mammograms on your reconstructed breast (or breasts) are not needed. Ask your surgeon to be sure.

However, if you have silicone (not saline) gel implants surgeons generally recommend getting regular MRIs of the implants to make sure they aren’t developing a leak.  Usually the first MRI is scheduled 1 to 3 years after the implant surgery and then every 2 years after that. Your breast reconstruction surgeon will explain what is recommended in your case.

Top Bloomfield Hills Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Dr. Ali is a caring and compassionate Bloomfield Hills area board certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless women reclaim their bodies after cancer with breast reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your breast reconstruction surgery options.

If you are battling – or have battled – breast cancer, you are not alone. We are here to help you determine what you want to do, so you can move forward with your best life.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

The Emotional Impact of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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The Emotional Impact of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Battling breast cancer is a challenge no woman should have to face. In addition to dealing with the health implications and treatment options, a woman must face the possibility of losing a part or all of her breast or breasts.

We understand that facing a mastectomy can be an emotional rollercoaster for a women. We are here to offer breast reconstruction surgery with compassionate care – and the latest reconstruction technologies – to help you regain your natural shape and figure after cancer surgery.

Through the breast reconstruction process, many women find their self-confidence again – and are finally able to look forward to a new start on life after cancer.

Breast Reconstruction: a New Beginning

Every woman reacts differently, and it is impossible to predict how you will react to losing a breast until you are actually faced with that possibility.  It is perfectly normal to feel sad, nervous, anxious, worried, uncertain, grieving or even angry when you face a mastectomy.

Whatever your age, sexual orientation, or relationship status, a woman’s breasts can be an important part of your identity as well as your sexuality.  But with a good breast reconstruction surgeon, you can move forward, and take control of what you want to have happen next.

New breasts, through reconstruction, can be part of a new beginning for a new, cancer free you. You can restore your original appearance; or you can even change things up a bit with bigger or smaller – or higher, rounder or firmer – breasts.

In some cases women even opt to undergo a tummy tuck or liposuction at the same time for a body makeover that will help them with a fresh start.

Breast Reconstruction Options

Choosing breast reconstruction options is a very personal decision – and what is right for one woman is not necessarily right for another woman. Delving into your feelings and talking candidly with a caring and accomplished breast reconstruction surgeon can help you figure out what is best for you.

Some women may even choose to skip reconstruction. In these cases a woman can wear external breast forms or pads, or simply not change their post-surgery appearance at all. Many women may choose breast reconstruction to feel more attractive to themselves and to their partner. Other woman may simply want to look the way they did before – at home or work – in their regular clothes.

Whatever your motivation and personal desires for breast reconstruction, compassionate Birmingham plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will explain your options and help support your decisions – so you can realize your appearance goals after a mastectomy.

Improvements in breast reconstruction techniques and technologies mean that you have excellent options for restoring your ideal shape after a mastectomy! And, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 requires group health plans and health insurance companies that offer mastectomy coverage to also pay for reconstructive surgery after mastectomy.

Natural looking and feeling breasts can be reconstructed using either breast implants or your own tissue, or a combination of both. Dr. Ali will explain your options, so you can make the decisions that are best for you.

Top Birmingham, MI Breast Reconstruction Surgeon

Dr. Ali is a caring and compassionate Birmingham, MI board certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless women reclaim their bodies after cancer with breast reconstruction surgery. He will offer you a consultation to answer your questions and offer you understanding advice about your breast reconstruction surgery options.

If you are battling – or have battled – breast cancer, you are not alone. We are here to help you determine what you want to do, so you can move forward with your best possible life.

Breast Reconstruction Surgeon Consultation: 248-335-7200

How Breast Surgeons Correct Inverted Nipples

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Breast Surgeons Can Correct Inverted Nipples –

Many women desire cosmetic changes to their breasts, and one of the most common procedures performed by breast surgeons is correcting an inverted nipple.

Detroit area double board certified breast surgeon Doctor Ali has enhanced, restored and repaired hundreds of women’s breasts, giving them the appearance and the self confidence they desire. In this article he discusses breast inversion correction surgery.

What Is an Inverted Breast Nipple?

An inverted nipple is a nipple that protrudes inward, instead of outward. It can look flat, mishappen, or even appear to be a sunken hole where the nipple would normally be located.

Nipple inversion is more common than most people realize, affecting at least 2% of all men and women. Some people are born with inverted nipples, while others have nipples that become inverted later in life due to breastfeeding, a tumor pulling the nipple inward, trauma or other conditions.

An inverted nipple can cause embarrasment during intimacy, in the locker room or fitting room, or any time a woman’s breast may be seen. In addition to cosmetic concerns, inverted nipples can also sometimes cause functional problems, such as making breastfeeding difficult.

How Breast Surgeons Correct Inverted Nipples

Breast surgeons can perform a simple and routine surgery on the nipples that restores a natural appearance. There is usually no to very little scarring, and the milk ducts are not affected for future breastfeeding.

During inverted nipple breast surgery the surgeon reshapes the nipple and areola so that the nipple projects out from the breast. This changes the appearance of the breast and still preserves the sensitivity of the nipple. Certain procedures also make sure the milk ducts are still working so that women can still breastfeed afterwards.

What to Expect After Nipple Correction Surgery

You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery, but this is easily managed with pain medication. After the Nipple Correction Surgery, some bruising and swelling is normal, but this typically only lasts for a few days.

You will be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work as soon as you feel well enough. Many patients return to work as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity as well as sexual activity for a week or two. You should also avoid exposing the resulting small scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.

 

Top Detroit Breast Surgeon

The first step in correcting an inverted nipple is to have an examination and evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Ali can work with you to develop the best possible plan for your particular needs. In most cases, nipple correction requires minimal recovery time.

If you’re concerned about an inverted nipple or would like more information about our nipple correction procedures, contact Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali.

The vast majority of women who choose to get breast surgery, including nipple correction, report that their new breasts help them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a breast surgery consultation to help you learn about your options and decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Breast Surgeon Consultation: 248-335-7200

What Is The Difference Between Breast Augmentation & Breast Reconstruction?

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Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Reconstruction –

One of the many questions we are asked at Amae Plastic Surgery Center is “What is the difference between breast augmentation and breast reconstruction?” In this article Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali, explains these two different sugeries.

Breasts are usually a significant source of self-esteem for most women. Women who feel good about the size and shape of their breasts, also tend to feel better about themselves.

Conversely, when a woman is disatisfied with her breasts – whether it’s the size, shape, or position –  feelings of frustration and low self-esteem can result. And the pressure put on women today by celebrity standards and social media posts can make a woman even more self conscious about areas of her body that she doesn’t like.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures.  “Augmentation” is simply defines as the process of making or becoming greater in size or amount. So a breast augmentation involves increasing the size of a woman’s breasts. Typically, breast augmentation involves the use of implants to enhance the shape and size of the breasts.

Breast augmentation can help women who feel that their breasts are too small in size, and can also help women who wish to restore their breast’s fullness following pregnancy, weight loss, and aging.

Breast implants can be saline or silicone and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We have several articles in this Blog on breast implant size and shape:

Download our free white papers on breast reconstruction and breast augmentation.

Detroit area board-certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali will help you determine which type, size and shape of breast implant is best to obtain your desired appearance results.

During breast augmentation surgery, the incision will typically be put in an inconspicuous area (such as the armpit or lower half of the areola) so there is no need to worry about significant scarring.

During breast augmentation surgery, in addition to breast implants, a patient may also desire a “breast lift” to correct sagging skin and raise the breasts upweards to a more youthful looking position.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is aimed at restoring the breast(s) as closely as possible to its original appearance and size. This procedure traditionally follows a mastectomy (the surgical removal of one or both breasts) as a way to treat breast cancer.

Breast reconstruction surgeries may also follow mastectomies performed for other medical purposes such as the prevention of disease, and can be performed to correct a genetic mutation. In rare cases, burns or other trauma may have damaged or destroyed breast tissue. These situations can also be treated with breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast implants may or may not be needed or desired by a breast reconstruction patient. During a breast reconstruction procedure, the nipple and the darker area around the nipple (called the areola) can also be restored or added to the new breast.

For most patients, breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure that improves the patients’s self-esteem, self-image, and quality of life.

Top Detroit Breast Augmentation & Reconstruction Surgeon

The vast majority of women who choose to get breast augmentation or reconstruction report that their new breasts help them feel more self-confident, feel better about their bodies, and/or give them a greater feeling of well-being.

Detroit area board certified plastic surgeon Doctor Ali offers a breast implant consultation to help you learn about your options and decide if breast implants are a good option for you.

Breast Augmentation or Reconstruction Consultation: 248-335-7200

breast reconstruction

Detroit Plastic Surgeon Dr. M. Azhar Ali Hosts Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

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Detroit, MI – Amae Plastic Surgery Center in Bloomfield Hills is hosting a Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day for women affected by breast cancer. It is the only event in the country sponsored by the The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The event will be held on October 19, 2016, at Amae Plastic Surgery Center, which is located at 43940 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, 48302.

What Is Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day?

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day is part of the Breast Reconstruction USA Campaign, which is a co-initiative sponsored by the ASPS and The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF). Together, the two organizations have managed to create one of the few breast cancer campaigns that are dedicated to building awareness around the options available to viable candidates of breast reconstruction surgery.

Building Awareness Around Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction is a procedure that is designed to reform the breast following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. In starting the campaign, the ASPS and The PSF wants all women who are candidates for breast reconstruction surgery to have access to safe and timely treatment.

The campaign also wants women to know that Federal law mandates the coverage of breast reconstruction surgery for all breast cancer patients. This is the case even if the reconstruction procedure is delayed due to medical treatment.

Dr. Ali: One of the Country’s Top Breast Reconstruction Surgeons

Dr. Ali, who was recently honored with the coveted Top Docs 2016 award by Hour Detroit magazine, was chosen by the ASPS to host the Breast Reconstruction Awareness event because his practice provides the safe and timely treatment the ASPS and The PSF require as part of the campaign guidelines.

Dr. Ali boasts a 99% approval rating by his patients and is able to provide several breast reconstruction surgery case studies to showcase his expertise. Dr. Ali’s goal is to make all women aware of the breast reconstruction options that are available to them following a breast cancer operation.

Dr. Ali is proud to host the event and hopes that all women affected by breast cancer who live in the greater Detroit area will make an appearance.

“Come out and learn as much as you can about breast reconstruction surgery, which can improve your self-esteem and quality of life,” Dr. Ali said.

To learn more about Breast Reconstruction Day on October 19 or to schedule a breast reconstruction consultation with Detroit plastic surgeon Dr. Ali, visit https://drali.com/contact/.

About Us: Amae Plastic Surgery Center is operated by Dr. M. Azhar Ali, who was recently awarded one of 2016’s Top Docs by Hour Detroit magazine. The plastic and cosmetic surgery center is proud to serve the greater Detroit area, which includes the areas of Bloomfield Hills, Richmond Hills, Troy, Farmington Hills and Clarkston.

© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Breast lift

Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

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Bloomfield Hills, MI – If you are a breast cancer survivor, you’ve already been through so much, and having to feel self-conscious about your body is not something you should have to worry about. While breast cancer treatment has advanced tremendously, and in many cases mastectomy is no longer needed, there are still many women in the U.S. who undergo total mastectomies each year. And for these women, breast reconstruction can provide relief and healing.

In most instances, breast reconstruction will need to be done in stages. Together with her plastic surgeon, the patient will decide which type of reconstruction procedure is right for her – breast implants, flap surgery, or a combination of both. You may be able to combine your reconstruction with your mastectomy, or you may choose to wait until you have healed from the mastectomy to move forward.

In the first stage of the procedure, the surgeon will place a tissue expander under the chest muscle. The expander will be gradually filled with saline to stretch the muscle and create a pocket for the implant to be placed. After reaching the desired size, the expander will stay in place for several weeks to ensure the scar tissue has a chance to heal.

The next step for the patient is to choose the type of implant that will be ideal. Silicone implants are more natural and softer feeling than saline implants. During the procedure, the expander will be removed and replaced with the implant. The surgeon will then reconstruct the nipple, and an areola will be tattooed to give the reconstructed breast the most natural look possible.

Some patients may not desire a breast implant, but would still like to undergo breast reconstruction. For these patients, flap surgery may be an option. A TRAM flap uses muscle, fat and skin from the patient’s own abdomen to reconstruct a breast. Depending on your surgeon’s preferences and ability, the flap can remain attached to its original blood supply and then moved up through the chest wall, or it can be removed and formed into a breast-shaped mound. In some cases, patients require both flap surgery and breast implants, if there isn’t enough tissue to create a full breast mound.

Patients will be required to wear an elastic bandage and/or support bra to minimize swelling and provide support for the newly reconstructed breast. A draining tube will be inserted under the skin to remove any excess fluid or blood, but will be removed within a few days following surgery. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to help with discomfort.

Over the following weeks, as the swelling subsides, patients will see their newly reconstructed breasts taking shape.

“Breast reconstruction surgery is one of the most rewarding things I do,” says Dr. Ali, a Michigan plastic surgeon. “A cancer diagnosis can be devastating, and then to have to worry about your physical appearance after can just put added stress on patients. Being able to provide patients with natural looking breasts after a mastectomy can help them gain back some confidence that may have been lost after their diagnosis, and I am so humbled to be able to be a part of their journey back to health.”

To learn more about breast reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali today.

© 2016 Millionairium and Dr. Ali. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Millionairium and Dr. Ali are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Does Insurance Cover Breast Reconstruction for Cancer Patients?

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Many breast cancer patients are not aware that breast reconstruction is a viable option–both financially and physically–after a mastectomy.

Since 1998, the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) has helped women with breast cancer who wish to have breast reconstruction surgery following a mastectomy. The WHCRA mandates that insurance companies that offer mastectomy coverage must also cover:

  • Reconstruction of the breast(s) on which the mastectomy was performed,
  • Reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance (if only one breast underwent a mastectomy), and
  • The actual breast implant(s) used in the reconstruction of the breast.

WHCRA applies to group health plans for plan years starting on or after October 1, 1998, when the WHCRA was passed. However, the WHCRA is a complex law. It does not apply to Medicare and Medicaid, and several states have their own laws surrounding health plans and mandated coverage for mastectomies and reconstructive surgery. It is recommended that you contact your insurance company, your state’s insurance department and/or the US Department of Labor for more information.

If you are considering post-cancer breast reconstruction, contact Dr. Ali to discuss your options and learn more. Dr. Ali is highly recommended by oncologists and frequently gets involved with patients pre-mastectomy so that the reconstruction can be planned for.

For more information, download Dr. Ali’s free white paper, Introduction to Breast Reconstruction: Understanding Your Options.