Whether you have a family history of breast cancer or you’re grappling with a BRCA gene mutation, your doctor might have presented a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce your risk.
Sometimes called a preventative mastectomy, this procedure removes currently healthy breast tissue to minimize the chance of breast cancer in the future. At The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, many patients choose a prophylactic mastectomy for peace of mind and to control timing of the reconstruction.
Who Should Get a Preventative Mastectomy?
According to the National Cancer Institute, a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy reduces the risk of breast cancer by at least 95% in women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation and up to 90% in women with a strong family history.
You might consider this procedure if:
- You have a mutation in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which can increase your risk of developing breast cancer to between 44 and 78 percent.
- You have a family history of breast cancer and want to avoid the treatments you’ve seen relatives go through.
- You had or have cancer in one breast.
- You have other gene mutations that increase breast cancer risk, including ATM, PALB2, TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome), CHEK2, PTEN (Cowden syndrome), CDH1, and STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers syndrome).
- You had chest radiation therapy before age 30.
Our experienced providers understand how jarring a BRCA gene mutation diagnosis or family illness can be. Considering your options is often overwhelming, and many patients experience anxiety, anger, or grief about choosing a prophylactic mastectomy. Sometimes this stems from worrying they won’t feel like themselves after the procedure. Fortunately, reconstructive techniques are more advanced than ever.
What Are My Reconstruction Options After a Prophylactic Mastectomy?
Our board-certified plastic surgeons offer numerous reconstructive options to help you feel comfortable in your skin again, including:
- Implant-based reconstruction using silicone or saline breast implants. This allows you to choose your breasts’ size, shape, and feeling.
- DIEP flap reconstruction to transplant tissue from your lower abdomen to your chest.
- Areola pigmentation (or nipple tattooing) to restore a natural appearance if you don’t qualify for a nipple-sparing mastectomy.
Schedule Your Prophylactic Mastectomy Consultation
Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons are autologous and implant-based reconstruction specialists. We’re happy to guide you through your options as you make a fantastic decision for your future health. Call 303-706-1100 to schedule a consultation at The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery in Lone Tree, Colorado.
