Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
Many women who have had relatives with breast cancer will have considered the possibility of bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction to dramatically reduce their lifetime risk of breast cancer. Some doctors consider this to be a radical approach to the problem but in women who are also unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of their breasts, reconstructive surgery can also have an improved aesthetic outcome.
The issue has come to the public attention recently when American actress, Angeline Jolie decided to pursue this procedure to reduce her own breast cancer risk.
For women concerned about their familial breast cancer risk, it is recommended that they undergo genetic testing for the BRACA gene initially to more accurately quantify their risk. If women who are at high risk don’t want to undertake regular breast screening they may consider bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.
Who is a candidate for Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction?
The decision to pursue bilateral prophylactic mastectomy is extremely difficult for women. However in patients found to have a high genetic risk of breast cancer and have completed their child bearing and breast feeding obligations, it could be considered. Some women who are considering breast augmentation surgery following completion of their breast feeding obligations might be appropriate candidates for prophylactic mastectomy and implant reconstruction as an alternative if they have known breast cancer risk.
What to expect during and after Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
The breast reconstruction options after prophylactic mastectomy are similar to those following mastectomy for the treatment of breast cancer, with both autologous and implant options available. Dr Ross will be able to complete both the mastectomy and reconstruction in most cases as a single procedure. If implant reconstructions are chosen usually these can be undertaken in a single stage but sometimes a two stage tissue expansion reconstruction would be advised especially if a larger breast size is desired. An autologous reconstruction will be a longer procedure and recovery but in most cases will result in a more natural and longer lasting result.
If you are considering undergoing Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction please contact Bayside Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr David Ross, who will go over all the relevant issues pertaining to this procedure so you will be able to make an informed decision whether to proceed.
Why choose Dr. Ross to undertake your breast reconstruction procedure?
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is one of Dr. David Ross’s special interests since his plastic surgery training in Melbourne and subspecialty training in breast reconstruction in Atlanta, USA. He currently runs the Breast Reconstruction Clinic at Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne and has lectured extensively on the subject to other plastic surgeons, breast surgeons, and related allied health professionals managing women with breast cancer.
To find out more about breast reconstruction, contact our Melbourne plastic surgery practice
