Breast Reconstruction

"I had researched my type of breast cancer, but I assumed I would be told what to do next. I found out I had options." —Janet Bauer

Whenever possible, women should plan on consulting with a plastic surgeon before having a mastectomy. Plastic surgeons can work in consultation with your oncologist, general surgeon, and your primary care provider. They can make recommendations about where or where not to make incisions. Preserving as much tissue as possible also helps preserve more options. This is important whether you're considering reconstruction right away or several years down the road.

A variety of reconstructive techniques are available depending on your treatment plans, aesthetic goals and medical condition. The number one goal is curing the cancer, but you should also consider how cancer treatment might affect your future aesthetic options.

Plastic surgeons with fellowship training in breast reconstruction can also evaluate the potential for complications. This is more common with reconstruction surgery than with cosmetic surgery because of scarring, tissue loss, and immune suppression problems.

Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is part of the treatment of a disease. Since this is not considered cosmetic surgery, insurance companies usually pay for these services. The expense for adapting the other breast for symmetry reasons is also normally covered. You should check with your own insurance company to be sure what your specific policy covers.

Learn More

• Register today for the "Girlfriend's Guide to Breast Surgery" program, presented by Allen Gabriel, MD: October 8, 2009, 6 p.m., Kearney Breast Center conference room. Space limited!
• Watch Fox TV's June 2009 "Better" segment about breast reconstruction (Pioneering Medicine)
• Read about Janet Bauer's journey from breast cancer surgery (with Toni Storm-Dickerson, MD) to breast reconstruction (with Allen Gabriel, MD)

Allen Gabriel, MD is fellowship-trained in breast and aethestic surgery. Located in Vancouver, WA, Dr. Gabriel is part of Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery.  For more information on Dr. Gabriel or to schedule a consultation, please call 360.514.1010.

Contact Us

Kearney Breast Center
200 NE Mother Joseph Place, Suite 420
Vancouver, WA 98664

360.514.6161 (Breast Center main number)
360.514.6164 (Nurse Navigator)
360.891.2642 (Radiologists)
360.213.9955 or 503.808.9803 (Southwest Medical Group Surgical Specialists)
360.514.1010 (Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery)

Published in Southwest Health, May/June 2009