Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Serving Denver, Lone Tree, Colorado & Nationwide
A mastectomy is a type of breast cancer surgery. It involves removing breast tissue, and, depending on the type of mastectomy, the nipple, areola, skin, and underarm lymph nodes. The goal of the procedure is to treat or prevent breast cancer, and it is an appropriate option for many women.
Whether you have already had a mastectomy or are in the process of planning one, breast reconstruction is an option available to you. The board-certified plastic surgeons at The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery can help you look ahead to develop an integrated approach to mastectomy and reconstruction. Please call 303-706-1100  to speak to a compassionate member of our team.
Who Should Get a Mastectomy?
A mastectomy is a more extensive breast cancer surgery than a lumpectomy. Some women have the option to choose between a mastectomy and breast conserving surgery followed by radiation therapy. For others, a mastectomy is the clear way to proceed.
Your decision to get, or not get, a mastectomy is an important one. It should be made based on careful discussions with your oncologist, who can determine if this breast cancer surgery is the best choice in your situation. Our plastic surgeons will happily be part of this discussion to ensure you pick an option that will meet your aesthetic needs.
Types of Mastectomies
There are several ways to perform a mastectomy. The right approach for you will depend on a variety of factors, all of which will be reviewed by your oncologist, general surgeon, and our plastic surgeons. The most common techniques are:
- Skin-sparing mastectomy. If you are a candidate for an immediate, single-stage breast reconstruction, then your surgeon may recommend a skin-sparing mastectomy. This technique leaves the skin covering the breast intact, although the nipple and areola will probably be removed.
- Nipple-sparing mastectomy. This technique leaves the nipple and areola unaffected. Only the underlying breast tissue is removed. This procedure is also known as a "subcutaneous mastectomy." Not every woman is a good candidate for a nipple-sparing mastectomy, but your surgeons can help you decide if it is right for you.
- Prophylactic mastectomy. Some women inherit a harmful mutation of two specific genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. These women have a 60% risk of developing breast cancer. Depending on the recommendation of an experienced genetic counselor, women with mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may wish to undergo a risk-reducing prophylactic mastectomy.
- Unilateral mastectomy. In this technique, only the cancerous breast is removed. A reconstruction that will match the contralateral side is performed.
- Bilateral mastectomy. In this technique, both breasts are removed instead of one. Many women who choose double mastectomy are at a high risk of developing breast cancer in the other breast, so both are removed as a preventive measure.
There are a few other versions of mastectomy, which you and your oncologist and general surgeon will discuss as you plan your treatment. We will work closely with you and your medical team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan meeting your expectations.
Your Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction Options
After a mastectomy, many women choose to reconstruct their breasts. Reconstruction is an option every woman should be informed of prior to mastectomy, and you have a right to clear, accurate information so that you can decide whether a reconstructive procedure is right for you.
Reconstruction of one or both breasts can be achieved with the following techniques:
Procedures to reconstruct the nipple and areola and refine the look of the breast are also options post-mastectomy.
As you decide whether post-mastectomy reconstruction is right for you, our plastic surgeons will make sure you have all the information you need. Your reconstructive choices are dictated in part by the type of mastectomy you have; however, our plastic surgeons also want to hear what your wishes are and what you expect out of the procedure. Then they can make personalized, informed recommendations about your breast reconstruction.
Benefits of a Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a highly personal decision that offers several benefits for patients dealing with breast cancer or those at high risk. Below are some of the primary benefits:
- Effective Cancer Treatment:Â For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, a mastectomy can significantly reduce or eliminate the cancerous tissue, lowering the risk of recurrence.
- Risk Reduction:Â For individuals with a strong family history of breast cancer or those with genetic markers like BRCA1 or BRCA2, undergoing a preventive mastectomy can reduce the risk in the future.
- Enhanced Reconstruction Options: Patients who opt for a mastectomy may have a wider range of breast reconstruction options, including implant-based or autologous tissue reconstructions.
- Symptom Relief:Â In cases of large tumors or recurrent infections in the breast, a mastectomy may relieve discomfort, pain, or chronic issues.
Why Choose The Breast Center?
Choosing the right team for your breast care is an important decision. The Breast Center offers exceptional care led by two highly skilled surgeons, Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams. With their combined expertise, state-of-the-art accredited surgical facilities, and patient-focused approach, you can feel confident about your treatment.
Dr. Christopher Williams is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. With a passion for restoring both form and function, Dr. Williams utilizes advanced techniques such as DIEP flap and other microsurgical procedures to offer patients the best possible outcomes.
Dr. Jeremy Williams is also a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery. Known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to delivering natural-looking results, Dr. Williams is dedicated to helping patients regain their confidence after breast cancer.
At The Breast Center, we understand the emotional and physical difficulties that come with breast cancer and reconstruction. Our team offers personalized treatments tailored to each patient's needs, from initial consultation to post-operative recovery. We are committed to ensuring that every patient feels supported throughout their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the recovery after the surgery be?
Recovery typically takes four to six weeks, though this varies based on the extent of the surgery and any reconstruction.
Can breast reconstruction be done with a mastectomy?
Yes, immediate reconstruction is an option, though some patients may opt for delayed reconstruction after recovery.
Will I lose feeling in my chest?
It's common to lose sensation in the chest and nipple area after a mastectomy, though some sensation may return over time.
Can a mastectomy cure breast cancer?
A mastectomy can remove the cancerous tissue, but additional treatments may be needed to ensure the cancer doesn't return.
Is a hospital stay required?
Most patients stay in the hospital for one to three days, depending on the complexity of the surgery and reconstruction.
What is recovery like at home afterward?
You'll need rest and assistance with household tasks and may initially experience soreness, swelling, and limited arm mobility.
What kind of scars will I have after a mastectomy?
Scars vary based on the type of mastectomy and reconstruction, and they may fade over time but will not disappear completely.
Call Today For A Mastectomy Consultation In Denver!
To learn more about breast reconstruction after mastectomy in the Denver area, please call The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery at 303-706-1100 . You can also click here to fill out our online form for your consultation! Our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons are located in Lone Tree, Colorado, and are proud to serve women from across Colorado and the entire country.
