2LikesDr. Placik's Breast Reconstruction FAQ
04-24-2012, 08:12 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,174
Dr. Placik's Breast Reconstruction FAQ
Info courtesy of Dr. Otto Placik
(Original article is located here.)
What is postmastectomy breast reconstruction?
During a mastectomy, one or both breasts are surgically removed. Historically, mastectomies have been the cause of both physical and emotional trauma. Today, however, new techniques exist that allow surgeons to reconstruct the breast surgically. Generally, this includes using breast implants or patient tissue to form a breast; the reconstructed breast is then fitted with a natural-looking nipple and areola.
Which types of breast reconstruction are available?
There are two major reconstruction techniques available to patients. In the first technique, Chicago Breast Surgeon Dr. Placik places a temporary implant in the chest. Over a period of weeks or months, he injects saline solution into the implant, which promotes the steady expansion of the tissue over the breast. The temporary implant is replaced with a permanent implant once the breast has reached the desired size, and patients undergo a separate surgery for nipple and areola reconstruction. In the second technique, Dr. Placik places tissue from another part of the patient's body (such as the back, thigh, buttocks, or abdomen) in the breast. The tissue either retains its previous blood supply, or Dr. Placik connects the tissue to a new supply.
How much does postmastectomy breast reconstruction cost?
Fortunately, the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 has helped ensure that breast reconstruction is an available option for many women. As a result of this act, most healthcare plans will cover postmastectomy breast reconstruction, provided the patient was eligible for the mastectomy itself. Usually, this coverage extends to surgery that may need to be performed on a natural breast to guarantee breast symmetry. Because healthcare plans vary, it is important to check with your provider to see how much of the reconstruction is covered.
What can I expect from the actual surgery?
Generally, patients can expect to be sedated using general anesthesia prior to the operation, and they can expect a short (one to five days) stay in the hospital. Additionally, reconstruction may involve more than one surgical procedure, particularly for the areola and nipple reconstruction, which typically happens once the skin over the breast has stretched to accommodate the new breast. Outpatients and additional follow-up procedures that do not require full sedation might also be required. Patients seeking breast reconstruction may undergo procedures as early as at the time of the mastectomy.
What is the recovery time for breast reconstruction?
The recovery period from most breast reconstruction procedures is approximately six weeks, although patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction tend to heal more quickly. During the recovery period, it is important to refrain from strenuous physical activity and overhead lifting. Once the recovery period has ended, patients may undergo nipple and areola reconstruction, and they may also opt to have surgery on a remaining breast to achieve symmetry.
When you visit Dr. Otto J. Placik, you will receive the best possible care and attention. If you would like to schedule a private consultation, please send our breast surgeon an email or call us at (847) 398-1660.
(Original article is located here.)
What is postmastectomy breast reconstruction?
During a mastectomy, one or both breasts are surgically removed. Historically, mastectomies have been the cause of both physical and emotional trauma. Today, however, new techniques exist that allow surgeons to reconstruct the breast surgically. Generally, this includes using breast implants or patient tissue to form a breast; the reconstructed breast is then fitted with a natural-looking nipple and areola.
Which types of breast reconstruction are available?
There are two major reconstruction techniques available to patients. In the first technique, Chicago Breast Surgeon Dr. Placik places a temporary implant in the chest. Over a period of weeks or months, he injects saline solution into the implant, which promotes the steady expansion of the tissue over the breast. The temporary implant is replaced with a permanent implant once the breast has reached the desired size, and patients undergo a separate surgery for nipple and areola reconstruction. In the second technique, Dr. Placik places tissue from another part of the patient's body (such as the back, thigh, buttocks, or abdomen) in the breast. The tissue either retains its previous blood supply, or Dr. Placik connects the tissue to a new supply.
How much does postmastectomy breast reconstruction cost?
Fortunately, the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 has helped ensure that breast reconstruction is an available option for many women. As a result of this act, most healthcare plans will cover postmastectomy breast reconstruction, provided the patient was eligible for the mastectomy itself. Usually, this coverage extends to surgery that may need to be performed on a natural breast to guarantee breast symmetry. Because healthcare plans vary, it is important to check with your provider to see how much of the reconstruction is covered.
What can I expect from the actual surgery?
Generally, patients can expect to be sedated using general anesthesia prior to the operation, and they can expect a short (one to five days) stay in the hospital. Additionally, reconstruction may involve more than one surgical procedure, particularly for the areola and nipple reconstruction, which typically happens once the skin over the breast has stretched to accommodate the new breast. Outpatients and additional follow-up procedures that do not require full sedation might also be required. Patients seeking breast reconstruction may undergo procedures as early as at the time of the mastectomy.
What is the recovery time for breast reconstruction?
The recovery period from most breast reconstruction procedures is approximately six weeks, although patients undergoing implant-based reconstruction tend to heal more quickly. During the recovery period, it is important to refrain from strenuous physical activity and overhead lifting. Once the recovery period has ended, patients may undergo nipple and areola reconstruction, and they may also opt to have surgery on a remaining breast to achieve symmetry.
When you visit Dr. Otto J. Placik, you will receive the best possible care and attention. If you would like to schedule a private consultation, please send our breast surgeon an email or call us at (847) 398-1660.
06-18-2012, 10:54 AM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,174
When you're looking for stuff on pissedconsumer.com, ALL you're going to find are negative reviews. You won't find ANY happy campers on there. I don't think I would factor anything from pissedconsumer into my decisions on whether or not to get plastic surgery.
07-23-2012, 03:15 PM
#4
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: fort worth
Posts: 82
Here is where I get confused. Is implant exchange different than revision. It's hard researching in because it seems to be placed under revision but not much info for no issues with implants just wanting exchanged since they are old.
03-03-2013, 07:18 PM
#5
Enjoy life for the fullest. It has an expiration date.
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Middle of the USA
Posts: 6,417
You are asking this question in the Reconstruction forum, the forum that is for questions about breast reconstruction after undergoing a mastectomy. I don't think that is your concern? You would probably be better off asking this in the Ask a PS forum. Choose one or more of the surgeons and ask them this question.
IMO, a revision is done because there is a problem with your current implants. An exchange would be just that - one set for another, without any problems occurring with the originals.
Slinky
IMO, a revision is done because there is a problem with your current implants. An exchange would be just that - one set for another, without any problems occurring with the originals.
Slinky
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