It can be a life-changing decision to undergo breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery after mastectomy. The patient should evaluate all facets of this procedure before committing to it.
The pre-operative consultation is an important element of the breast reconstruction process as it offers the patient a detailed understanding of the procedure and the various stages that it involves over several months.
During the consultation process, the patient will receive detailed information on the surgical procedure. The surgeon will create an individualized surgical plan for the patient based on the inputs that they gather during the pre-operative consultation.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides breast reconstruction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
Determining Candidacy
A patient may undergo a single or double mastectomy leading to the removal of her breast(s). Breast reconstruction plastic surgery is an effective procedure to restore breast appearance in such patients.
The surgeon will inform the patient about the physical and emotional advantages of this procedure. However, breast reconstruction is not an ideal procedure for every patient.
The surgeon will establish if the patient is presently free of cancerous tissue. In addition, they will review the patient’s lifestyle behaviors pertaining to smoking and drinking. The surgeon will also understand if the patient is committed to devoting significant effort and time on the prolonged process of breast reconstruction.
The surgeon will review the patient’s medical records to see if she has any medical conditions that may pose a risk during the reconstructive process. Stemming from this, the surgeon will understand how the patient coped with her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Developing Reasonable Expectations
The surgeon will help the patient in establishing realistic expectations from the reconstructive procedure by educating them about its benefits and limitations. They may present breast reconstruction cosmetic surgery before and after pictures to the patient to allow her to develop reasonable expectations from the procedure.
Every patient has a different experience with cancer. Their aesthetic and physical needs may vary as well. Good breast reconstruction candidates have reasonable expectations, precise goals, and a positive mind frame about the reconstructive process.
Surgical Planning
Breast reconstruction surgery can be performed using various techniques, according to the needs of the patient. Specific patients may choose to undergo mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery simultaneously while others may decide to wait for some time following their mastectomy.
The surgeon will recommend the most appropriate treatment options to the patient on the basis of her body type, tissue quality, and overall medical condition.
The two primary breast reconstruction surgery techniques are flap and implant reconstruction. Both of these techniques involve different surgical approaches.
Sharing Additional Information
At the time of the pre-operative consultation process, the surgeon will inform the patient about the potential risk related to the surgery. They will explain the anesthesia type to be used, the duration of the surgical procedures, and the approximate cost of the surgery.
A majority of patients will be eligible for insurance coverage for the reconstructive surgery under their health plans. In case the patient’s insurance provider does not offer full coverage, they can consider various other financing options available to them.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
