In light of breast cancer awareness month, here are some facts: In the U.S., one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1990 thanks to early detection, better screening, increased awareness and new treatment options.
Last year, more than 100,000 patients had breast reconstructive surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. At Cape and Islands Plastic Surgery, we understand that the loss of a breast to breast cancer can be a life-changing and distressing event. The reconstruction of the breast can help you, or a loved one, move past cancer diagnosis and boost your self-confidence.
Breast Reconstruction Consultation
Many women choose to have reconstructive surgery, but it might not be for everyone. Dr. Michael Loffredo will perform a thorough patient evaluation, go over the pros and cons and help choose the “right” procedure for each individual patient. The doctor will make reconstruction recommendations based on the patient’s age, health, anatomy, and goals.
Advances in Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Dr. Michael Loffredo has received certifications in pre-pectoral breast reconstruction and has completed several advanced breast reconstruction courses over the last couple of years.
At Cape & Islands Plastic Surgery, Dr. Loffredo uses the latest technology and innovations—such as breast implants and tissue expanders—to create the most aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction. “We are now doing breast reconstructions that look like breast augmentations,” says Loffredo. “We are on the cutting edge of the newest techniques.”
Reconstruction procedures may also involve your own natural body tissue or a combination of both. Body tissues used for breast reconstruction, known as “flaps,” may come from either your back muscle (latissimus dorsi flap) or from your abdomen (TRAM flap). The TRAM (tranverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous) flap uses excess tissue from the lower abdomen to reconstruct the entire breast, simultaneously improving both areas.
In patients who opt for partial mastectomy and who also have large, heavy breasts, Dr. Loffredo may perform simultaneous breast reduction surgery as a means of immediate reconstruction.
Hidden Scar Surgery Technique
NBC 10 Boston recently featured a story on the few New England surgeons that specialize in “hidden scar surgery.” Dr. Loffredo teamed up with Dr. Kate Dalton of Cape Cod Hospital to perform the procedure, which one patient described as a “hidden blessing.” Watch the clip here
For more information about breast reconstruction surgery and what to expect, please call Cape & Islands Plastic Surgery at 508-771-8967.
