Page 29 - Inspire Health September/October 2016
P. 29
E after
mastectomy:
Breast Reconstruction
Can Improve Self-Image
For women battling breast cancer, a mastectomy can We also take into consideration lifestyle and the ultimate goal
be as much an emotional blow as a physical one. of reconstruction for each individual patient.”
But research has shown that immediate
reconstruction is safe and doesn’t impact cancer treatments. When reconstructing the breast with an implant, generally,
Plus, the psychological boost to the woman’s self image and there needs to be enough skin and muscle remaining after the
confidence benefits the woman too. mastectomy to cover the implant, according to the National
“The breasts are a part of the normal female anatomy Cancer Institute. Other considerations include if additional radiation
and often times when they are removed, women have a treatment is needed because the implant could be damaged.
severe sense of loss or feeling that they are not whole,”
says Dr. Samina Wahhab of Allentown, who is certified by Reconstruction with the woman’s own tissue is generally
the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of a longer procedure and the recovery period may be longer.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Reconstruction Other considerations include the possible complication of the
significantly reduces this feeling of loss and begins the positive transferred tissue dying and the procedure leaving a scar at
journey toward psychological healing and recovery.” the site from which the donor tissue was taken.
Immediate breast reconstruction is safe, with a low risk of
complications, according to a study from the American Society of “Women who have opted for reconstruction tend to
Plastic Surgeons. The study shows reconstructive surgery didn’t feel more normal than their counterparts who have not had
increase complications including causing delays in cancer treatment. reconstruction,” Wahhab says. “They are generally able to buy
The benefit of having immediate breast reconstruction — or and wear normal clothes, do not need to deal with a prosthesis
at least starting the procedure — is that the breast skin may be and are able to look at their own bodies in a positive light.
able to be preserved, which can produce better-looking results, They can more easily put the cancer diagnosis behind them
according to the American Cancer Society. and look to the future with a more positive outlook.”
Once a woman has decided to have breast reconstruction
surgery, there are two main types of operations to rebuild the shape Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy is covered
of the breast or breasts: breast implants and tissue flap procedures. by insurance plans that offer mastectomy coverage, as mandated
“During the initial consultation, I discuss reconstructive by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. The coverage
options and together the patient and I decide together which must include reconstruction, breast prostheses and treatment of
type of reconstruction is most appropriate,” Wahhab says. all physical complications, according to NCI. In addition, if surgery is
“Considerations include overall health of the patient, which required on the opposite breast for symmetry, this is also covered.
reconstruction is medically appropriate, risks and benefits. The act doesn’t apply to Medicare and Medicaid recipients,
however, and some health plans may also be exempt. Your doctor
can better advise you of the insurance requirements.
There are breast reconstruction options available to women
who have had a mastectomy to help them recover their lives.
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2016 INSPIRE HEALTH 29
mastectomy:
Breast Reconstruction
Can Improve Self-Image
For women battling breast cancer, a mastectomy can We also take into consideration lifestyle and the ultimate goal
be as much an emotional blow as a physical one. of reconstruction for each individual patient.”
But research has shown that immediate
reconstruction is safe and doesn’t impact cancer treatments. When reconstructing the breast with an implant, generally,
Plus, the psychological boost to the woman’s self image and there needs to be enough skin and muscle remaining after the
confidence benefits the woman too. mastectomy to cover the implant, according to the National
“The breasts are a part of the normal female anatomy Cancer Institute. Other considerations include if additional radiation
and often times when they are removed, women have a treatment is needed because the implant could be damaged.
severe sense of loss or feeling that they are not whole,”
says Dr. Samina Wahhab of Allentown, who is certified by Reconstruction with the woman’s own tissue is generally
the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of a longer procedure and the recovery period may be longer.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Reconstruction Other considerations include the possible complication of the
significantly reduces this feeling of loss and begins the positive transferred tissue dying and the procedure leaving a scar at
journey toward psychological healing and recovery.” the site from which the donor tissue was taken.
Immediate breast reconstruction is safe, with a low risk of
complications, according to a study from the American Society of “Women who have opted for reconstruction tend to
Plastic Surgeons. The study shows reconstructive surgery didn’t feel more normal than their counterparts who have not had
increase complications including causing delays in cancer treatment. reconstruction,” Wahhab says. “They are generally able to buy
The benefit of having immediate breast reconstruction — or and wear normal clothes, do not need to deal with a prosthesis
at least starting the procedure — is that the breast skin may be and are able to look at their own bodies in a positive light.
able to be preserved, which can produce better-looking results, They can more easily put the cancer diagnosis behind them
according to the American Cancer Society. and look to the future with a more positive outlook.”
Once a woman has decided to have breast reconstruction
surgery, there are two main types of operations to rebuild the shape Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy is covered
of the breast or breasts: breast implants and tissue flap procedures. by insurance plans that offer mastectomy coverage, as mandated
“During the initial consultation, I discuss reconstructive by the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act. The coverage
options and together the patient and I decide together which must include reconstruction, breast prostheses and treatment of
type of reconstruction is most appropriate,” Wahhab says. all physical complications, according to NCI. In addition, if surgery is
“Considerations include overall health of the patient, which required on the opposite breast for symmetry, this is also covered.
reconstruction is medically appropriate, risks and benefits. The act doesn’t apply to Medicare and Medicaid recipients,
however, and some health plans may also be exempt. Your doctor
can better advise you of the insurance requirements.
There are breast reconstruction options available to women
who have had a mastectomy to help them recover their lives.
SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2016 INSPIRE HEALTH 29
