Dr. Anke Ott Young is your breast reconstruction expert in Garden City, NY. If you have had a mastectomy and are curious about breast reconstruction, we can help and answer your questions. Keep reading for answers to some of the most common questions we hear and come see us for a consultation.
Should I have reconstruction?
Whether or not to have reconstruction is a personal choice every woman needs to make for themselves. Many women choose reconstruction after a mastectomy to maintain their shape and feel feminine, but many women also decide the surgery is not for them. Some women wear prosthetic breasts inside a bra for clothes to fit better and to correct any lopsided-looking breast tissue. Some women enjoy being free from a bra and decide not to have any reconstruction. We are here to guide you through your options for reconstruction, and help you achieve whatever makes you feel your best.
What options do I have for reconstruction?
If you decide to have breast reconstruction in Garden City, NY, there are different ways to reconstruct the breast including using an implant, using your natural body tissue, or using a combination of those methods to build a breast.
What is the process like?
Breast reconstruction happens over a series of surgeries. The first surgery creates the breast and then once you heal, another surgery can be performed to improve symmetry. Your doctor can perform a breast lift or breast augmentation to make the breasts symmetrical and matching.
Reconstructing the nipple and areola is an additional surgery, but some women choose not to reconstruct the nipple. The process is different for each patient but we can find the right solution for you.
Can I have reconstruction if I may still need cancer treatment?
If you require more chemotherapy, your oncologist will typically wait until you are through with reconstruction. We don't want any complications from surgery to end up delaying needed treatment.
If you require radiation treatment, you may want to delay reconstruction until you are through with treatment. Radiation treatment can damage the reconstruction and affect the final cosmetic result.
Breast reconstruction by Dr. Anke Ott Young, Dr. Mary Pronovost, and Dr. Christine Hodyl can help you maintain your shape after a mastectomy. If you are interested in breast reconstruction in Garden City, NY, contact us for more information at (516) 742-3404.