Online Breast Reconstruction Resources from the ASPS
January 23, 2011
Roughly 86,000 breast reconstruction procedures were performed in 2009 according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The individual decision to undergo breast reconstruction can be complex for many patients. A variety of reconstructive options exist including implants alone, tissue expanders followed by implants, and flap procedures which use tissue from the back, abdomen or other anatomic sites. Further complicating the decision process are these options: immediate vs. delayed reconstruction, saline vs. silicone gel filled implants, and whether or not to undergo nipple and areola reconstruction.
Patients tend to benefit greatly from discussing their options with a board certified plastic surgeon prior to mastectomy. Unfortunately, many patients complain that they never knew they were a candidate for breast reconstruction, or they did not know that breast reconstruction is covered by insurance. Just this last year a law was passed in the state of New York requiring that women have their breast reconstruction options explained to them prior to their breast cancer surgery.
The ASPS website has a section of their website with a number of helpful resources for patients interested in learning more about breast reconstruction. There is this video which discusses some of the useful stats. There is this section which allows patients to review before and after photos of patients who have undergone breast reconstruction. Lastly, there is this link to PSnet, an extremely useful site which contains a forum for patients to ask questions of other women who are considering or have already had breast reconstruction.
For more information on breast reconstruction, please contact our office at 888-799-8677.
