What Are Breast Cancer and Breast Reconstruction?
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's natural to feel like your world has been turned upside-down. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, our dedicated team is here to support patients through every step of their journey. Breast reconstruction is an important option for many women who have undergone mastectomy or lumpectomy, offering a way to restore the breast's appearance and improve self-confidence.
Our Chicago, IL plastic surgeons specialize in advanced breast reconstruction techniques tailored to meet each patient's unique needs. Whether considering immediate reconstruction at the time of cancer surgery or delayed reconstruction after completing other treatments, we work closely with patients to explore all options. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of care, ensuring patients feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process. If you have any questions about breast cancer treatments or reconstruction after mastectomy, we invite you to reach out to Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery to learn how we can help you on your journey toward recovery.
How Is Breast Cancer Treated?
Breast cancer treatment often involves a combination of surgical and medical approaches. Breast surgery options include lumpectomy, which removes the tumor, and mastectomy, which removes the entire breast, with the choice depending on the tumor's size, shape, and location. During surgery, a lymph node biopsy is usually performed to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, which may require an additional technique (axillary dissection) to remove. Radiation therapy is frequently used after a lumpectomy and occasionally after a mastectomy to minimize recurrence risk. Chemotherapy is another common treatment, administered either before or after surgery to address or prevent the cancer from spreading. During your consultation and throughout the treatment process, our team at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery will work with you to keep you informed about your treatment and ensure you have the answers you need to make the most informed decision for yourself.
How Soon Can I Undergo Breast Reconstruction After A Mastectomy?
There are several options for when you can start breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, depending on your individual situation and preferences:
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Immediate reconstruction: This option involves starting the reconstruction process simultaneously with the mastectomy. It is common in facilities like our Chicago, IL office, where we specialize in both breast cancer excision and reconstruction. Patients benefit from this approach by waking up with a breast shape and volume, which can provide psychological comfort.
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Staged immediate reconstruction: Ideal for patients at higher risk for complications or when a plastic surgeon isn't immediately available. The initial cancer surgery is completed with input from our plastic surgeons, followed by reconstruction a few weeks later. This staged approach allows for flexible scheduling and reduced risk.
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Delayed reconstruction: Some patients choose to wait until all cancer treatments are finished or may opt for reconstruction years after their mastectomy. Although there may be some limitations, delayed reconstruction is always an option, offering flexibility for those who decide to pursue it later.
Breast Reconstruction Resource Reviews
I used Dr. Schierle (along with his incredible PA Monika) for my DIEP Flap Reconstruction after my breast cancer diagnosis. I interviewed multiple plastic surgeons but opted to go with him not only for his skilled background, but his ability to be upfront and realistic with me, while simultaneously compassionate. Hopefully I`ll never need him again for oncology reconstruction needs, but I would definitely use him for any elective future plastic surgery and recommend him to anyone who is looking for a very skilled plastic surgeon!
Very skilled plastic surgeon, highly recommend - I used Dr. Schierle (along with his incredible PA Monika) for my DIEP Flap Reconstruction after my breast cancer diagnosis. I interviewed multiple plastic surgeons but opted to go with him not only for his skilled background, but his ability to be upfront and realistic with me, while simultaneously compassionate. Hopefully I'll never need him again for oncology reconstruction needs, but I would definitely use him for any elective future plastic surgery and recommend him to anyone who is looking for a very skilled plastic surgeon!
I visited Dr Fine and his team after a failed breast reconstruction after being treated for cancer with mastectomy, chemo and radiation. From the first visit, there were noticeable differences between my prior surgeon and him. He and his team are empathetic and make their patients feel at ease and cared for. At each visit, he and his team have spent a lot of time with me. The visits never feel rushed. At my first visit, he looked at my infected reconstructed breast with an exposed implant and calmly explained what was necessary to fix it. He then explained the procedure he thought would be helpful and showed me before and after pictures of patients who had undergone the suggested surgery. The end result was gorgeous, by the way, in all of these pictures---even in post radiation patients. In this visit alone, he spent more time with me than my prior surgeon had spent with me over multiple visits. He answered all my very detailed questions. In my first visit with my prior surgeon, before my mastectomy, my husband and I were left alone in an exam room for about an hour with a saline-filled implant and silicone-filled implant on the counter to look at. The surgeon I went to before spent about 20 minutes with me in that visit and did not show me any before or after pictures. The choices presented to me were implant reconstruction with saline- or silicone-filled implants or an abdominal flap procedure that takes 2-4 months to recover from. I am very career-oriented and don't have 2 months to take off of work. Dr Fine, on the other hand, gave me the option of a latissimus doors flap with a significantly shorter recovery time, lower complication rate, and better aesthetic result. He gives you his honest opinion based on 30 years of experience. He tells you the hard truths: such as that 50% of implant reconstructions fail after radiation therapy. I wish I would have known that before I started on this journey because I would have made very different choices. The icing on the cake was when he took out the infected implant in his office, which makes a woman feel really terrible and ugly and scared, and his very kind PA told me I have beautiful eyes. Wow. What a caring team.
I visited Dr Fine and his team after a failed breast reconstruction after being treated for cancer with mastectomy, chemo and radiation. From the first visit, there were noticeable differences between my prior surgeon and him. He and his team are empathetic and make their patients feel at ease and cared for. At each visit, he and his team have spent a lot of time with me. The visits never feel rushed. At my first visit, he looked at my infected reconstructed breast with an exposed implant and calmly explained what was necessary to fix it. He then explained the procedure he thought would be helpful and showed me before and after pictures of patients who had undergone the suggested surgery. The end result was gorgeous, by the way, in all of these pictures---even in post radiation patients. In this visit alone, he spent more time with me than my prior surgeon had spent with me over multiple visits. He answered all my very detailed questions. In my first visit with my prior surgeon, before my mastectomy, my husband and I were left alone in an exam room for about an hour with a saline-filled implant and silicone-filled implant on the counter to look at. The surgeon I went to before spent about 20 minutes with me in that visit and did not go into detail. The choices presented to me were implant reconstruction with saline- or silicone-filled implants or an abdominal flap procedure that takes 2-4 months to recover from. I am very career-oriented and don't have 2 months to take off of work. Dr Fine, on the other hand, gave me the option of a latissimus dorsi flap with a significantly shorter recovery time, lower complication rate, and better aesthetic result. He gives you his honest opinion based on 30 years of experience. He tells you the hard truths: such as that 50% of implant reconstructions fail after radiation therapy. I wish I would have known that before I started on this journey because I would have made very different choices. The icing on the cake was when he took out the infected implant in his office, which makes a woman feel really terrible and ugly and scared, and his very kind PA told me I have beautiful eyes. Wow. What a caring team.
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Average Rating
Supporting You on Your Breast Cancer Journey
To learn more about your breast reconstruction options and find the best approach for your needs, schedule a consultation with our team at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery in Chicago, IL. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized care, guiding you through every step of your journey. Reach out to our practice today to set up your appointment with our team, and take the first step toward restoring your confidence and well-being.