The Importance of Seeing a Plastic Surgeon Before Your Breast Cancer Surgery

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year, but one hundred percent of women will be thinking about it. For women facing breast cancer, the news can be isolating and the treatment options can be daunting and add to the overwhelming experience. Removal of breast tissue will be necessary, and it can be life- saving but making the decision to receive this procedure, whether partial or complete or both sides, is rarely easy.  

But, just like any surgery, breast reconstruction requires careful consideration and planning and it can be very important to consult with a plastic surgeon prior to receiving any breast surgery. Plastic surgeons, proficient in complex breast revisions and breast reconstruction, can provide integral guidance and hope for women seeking to reclaim their bodies after the heartbreaking diagnosis of breast cancer. 

Few surgeries carry the same weight of responsibility and significance as breast cancer reconstruction. Dr. Maddox, a double board certified female plastic surgeon, has spent the last 12 years dedicated to the art of breast surgery and the technical intricacies of microvascular breast reconstruction. If you’re considering breast reconstruction after your mastectomy, here’s why you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Maddox first.

Understanding Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

A mastectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both breasts, primarily as a treatment for breast cancer. Breast conservation surgery involves a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy to remove only the damaged area of tissue. 

This step is the priority and critical in controlling the disease. Breast cancer is not just a physical battle; it’s an emotional and psychological challenge that affects a woman’s sense of self and femininity, leading the patient to feel unattractive in their own skin.

During this challenging time, there exists a pathway toward renewal and empowerment: breast reconstruction. Through this process, women find a way to reclaim their sense of completeness, rediscover familiarity in their reflection, and rebuild a positive connection with their bodies and self-perception.

However, breast reconstruction is not a one-size-fits-all approach. There are many different types of reconstruction options available, some more advanced than others.

That’s why it’s crucial to know all your reconstructive options before undergoing your breast cancer surgery, with the help of an experienced plastic surgeon.

The Role of a Plastic Surgeon in Pre-Mastectomy Planning

Plastic surgeons understand the emotional and physical distress that breast cancer surgery can lead to. Here to help you regain confidence in your skin, Dr. Maddox offers an indispensable support system in your breast cancer journey, from your initial consultation to post-operative care.
Her role extends beyond the realm of cosmetic surgery, focusing on your overall well-being. She is here to thoughtfully discuss all of your reconstructive options. This education empowers you to make informed choices that resonate with your unique preferences and medical considerations.

 

Personalized consultations

Dr. Maddox is known for her patient-centered approach. She takes the time to listen to her patients’ concerns, fears, and goals, fostering a collaborative relationship that extends beyond the operating room. This commitment to open communication ensures that each woman feels empowered and informed throughout her breast cancer journey. 

 

Expertise in Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Breast cancer reconstruction is a multifaceted process that requires a delicate touch and a comprehensive understanding of both aesthetics and functionality. Dr. Maddox specializes in utilizing cutting-edge techniques and the most advanced technologies to recreate or restore natural-looking breasts. Her expertise encompasses all reconstructive options, including implant-based reconstruction, autologous tissue transfer, or a combination of both, tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient. 

 

Collaborative planning

Pre-mastectomy planning with a plastic surgeon involves more than just scheduling surgeries — it’s about integrating the reconstruction seamlessly into the overall breast cancer treatment plan.
Dr. Maddox works together with your breast surgeon, oncologist and other healthcare professionals to verify that the timing and type of reconstruction are optimal, considering factors like cancer treatment stages and your overall health.
This collaborative approach ensures that the reconstruction is aesthetically pleasing, supports your broader health goals, and creates a balanced treatment from beginning to end.

 

Expectation setting

No matter the procedure, setting realistic expectations is a vital part of a plastic surgeon’s role.
Dr. Maddox helps patients understand the potential outcomes of different reconstruction options, recovery processes, and the long-term care of the reconstructed breast. During your pre-mastectomy consultation, she will discuss possible risks and how they might impact your lifestyle and future health.
By providing a clear picture of what to expect, Dr. Maddox helps you prepare mentally and emotionally for the road ahead, reducing anxiety and building a foundation for a positive post-operative experience.

Complex Revision Breast Surgery

Addressing complications or unsatisfactory outcomes from previous breast surgeries demands a surgeon to possess technical expertise and a focused problem-solving ability. Dr. Maddox’s extensive training in breast surgery and microvascular breast reconstruction allows her to navigate these challenging cases with grace and precision. Her commitment to achieving optimal results in the most difficult cases has earned her the trust and gratitude of many women seeking restorative solutions.  

The Artistry of Restoration

A female double board-certified plastic surgeon in New Orleans,
Dr. Maddox is here to help all women battling breast cancer reclaim their beauty within and without. Dr. Maddox approaches her work with a unique blend of artistic precision and feminine intuition, recognizing the importance of restoring not only the physical form but also the emotional well-being of her patients. Her commitment to personalized care ensures that each woman’s experience is met with empathy and understanding. 

She offers a variety of restorative breast reconstruction options, depending on your unique goals, preferences, and anatomy:

-Microsurgical autologous breast reconstruction: Dr. Maddox trained at LSU in New Orleans with the pioneer of the DIEP (Deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap, where skin and fat from your abdomen is transferred to the breast to recreate the breast shape in a natural way. 

-Oncoplastic breast conservation surgery: Dr. Maddox was a breast and general surgeon for 4 years before she pivoted toward reconstructive plastic surgery. She understands the surgery necessary to remove tissue and also the surgery necessary to rebuild the breast. Oncoplastic surgery allows the cancer to be removed and the breast tissue artfully rebuilt to restore the breast shape and prevent a breast deformity from a lumpectomy surgery. 

-Fat Transfer to Breast: Dr. Maddox specializes in the art of fat transfer to the breast, a technique that allows for natural restoration and contouring. After carefully examining donor sites, she harvests fat from 1-2 areas, depending on your anatomy and reconstruction goals. By using your body’s own fat, this method not only rebuilds the breast but also achieves a balanced contour, providing a gentle and authentic result.

-Implant Augmentation: For those seeking a more traditional breast reconstruction approach, Dr. Maddox offers implant augmentation. This involves the careful selection and placement of silicone or saline implants, resulting in fuller and symmetrical breasts that align with your desired size and shape.

-Breast Revision: Dr. Maddox offers breast revision surgeries for patients who may have undergone previous breast reconstruction procedures. Whether it’s for adjustments, corrections, or updates, her expertise ensures a seamless transition to your desired breast appearance while prioritizing your health and satisfaction. 

No matter your procedural preferences or the path your breast cancer journey has taken, Dr. Maddox will help you regain confidence and embrace the possibilities that breast reconstruction can offer.

Renew Your Sense of Self

Committed to the art of breast reconstruction, Dr. Maddox uses her experience, expertise, and empathy to accompany every breast cancer patient on their journey, meeting them and guiding them toward their desired goal.

Every woman deserves to go through this process with dignity. If you’re facing the uncertainties of breast cancer surgery, let Dr. Maddox help you regain your sense of whole. Schedule a consultation today, and see how breast reconstruction can put the power over your body back in your hands.