Since 2002, The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook has been the best resource on this topic for women who have had a mastectomy. Equal parts science and support, it is filled with stories that illustrate the emotional and physical components of breast reconstruction.
Kathy Steligo, a gifted writer and breast cancer survivor who has twice had breast reconstruction, compassionately answers women's questions about how they will respond emotionally and physically to losing a breast, whether to treat or prevent breast cancer. Steligo provides detailed descriptions of the various surgical options for mastectomy and reconstruction, as well as information on choosing and paying for a surgeon, preparing for and recovering from surgery, and handling the many practical details and difficult decisions women will face along the way. A road map of the mastectomy and reconstruction journey, this book gives women the comprehensive, unbiased details they need to make their own informed decisions about whether reconstruction - and which reconstructive option - is right for them.
Readers learn how breasts can be recreated using implants or their own tissue and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Surgery timelines, recovery, and potential problems (and how they can be resolved) are also explained. A new foreword by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, of the PRMA Plastic Surgery Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, highlights the book's strengths and offers a medical perspective on breast cancer and reconstructive surgery.
The extensively updated text includes new discussions of
innovative reconstructive procedures
contralateral mastectomy
the benefits and limitations of nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomies
nipple delay procedure
patient-controlled tissue expansion
cohesive gel silicone implants
microsurgical advances that improve tissue flap procedures
fat grafting
nipple reconstruction
nipple and areola tattooing
reconstruction with the BRAVA system
pregnancy after TRAM
male mastectomy and reconstruction
decision making and solving cosmetic and medical post-op problems
surgical procedures that reduce the risk of cancer
the latest research data on mastectomy and reconstruction
and much more
Foreword, by Minas Chrysopoulo, MD Acknowledgments Introduction PART ONE DECISION: MASTECTOMY 1. Why Mastectomy? Inside the Breast Surgical Treatments Male Mastectomy Do You Really Need a Mastectomy? 2. Mastectomy without Reconstruction What to Expect The Prosthesis Alternative Paying for Mastectomy and Prostheses 3. Breast Reconstruction Basics Sorting through the Options Timing Your Reconstruction Health Matters Coordinating Reconstruction with Treatment 4. How Mastectomy Affects Reconstruction Mastectomy Cause and Effect Skin-Sparing Procedures Saving Your Nipple and Areola 5. Considering Prophylactic Mastectomy Should You Have Genetic Testing? How Real Is Your Risk? Preventive Surgeries That Reduce Your Risk Paying for Preventive High-Risk Services PART TWO RECONSTRUCTIVE PROCEDURES 6. Breast Implants Implants Inside and Out Are They Safe? Tissue Expander-to-Implant Reconstruction Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction Recovery Potential Problems 7. The Expander Experience Getting Your Fill Minimizing Your Discomfort Living in Limbo Exchange Surgery Potential Problems 8. Tummy Tuck Flaps Tissue Flap Basics Borrowing from the Abdomen TRAM Flap Procedures DIEP and SIEA Flaps Potential Problems 9. Other Flap Methods Flaps from the Back Flaps from the Buttocks Flaps from the Hips Flaps from the Thighs 10. Fixes with Fat How It's Done Is It Safe? BRAVA+AFT 11. Altering Your Opposite Breast Breast Augmentation Breast Reduction Breast Lift 12. Final Touches: Creating Your Nipple and Areola Icing on the Cake Building the Nipple A Colorful Finish Problems and Solutions Non-surgical Alternatives PART THREE PREP, POST-OP, RECOVERY, AND BEYOND 13. Preparing for Your Surgery Countdown: Four Weeks to Surgery Two Weeks before Surgery One Week to Go The Day before Surgery It's Reconstruction Day 14. What to Expect in the Hospital Admitting and Pre-op Showtime in the OR A Peek into Post-op Your First Day after Surgery The Rest of Your Hospital Stay 15. Back Home A Timetable for Healing Managing Medication Dealing with Drains Tips for an Easier Recovery Seeing Your New Breasts for the First Time 16. Dealing with Problems Inherent Surgical Risks Lingering Pain Lymphedema Cosmetic Do-Overs Improving Scars 17. Life after Reconstruction Adjusting to the New You Back to Work Dating, Intimacy, and Sex Surveillance after Mastectomy PART FOUR FINDING ANSWERS, MAKING DECISIONS 18. Searching for Dr. Right Shopping for a Surgeon Five Characteristics of an Ideal Plastic Surgeon Your Pre-appointment Footwork Making the Most of Your Consultation The Value of a Second (or Third) Opinion Tips for Travelers 19. Paying for Your Reconstruction Are You Covered? Appealing When the Answer Is No When All Else Fails Other Types of Insurance 20. Making Difficult Decisions Ten Steps in the Right Direction Other Sources of Information and Inspiration 21. Information for Family and Friends Hints for Family Members Food for Thought for Partners and Spouses Issues for Caregivers Dos and Don'ts for Friends Notes Glossary Resources Index
""This book is a must for a patient taking the steps to have a mastectomy due to cancer or for prophylactic purposes. It is also relevant to all healthcare staff who are caring for the patient through this journey and their families and loved ones.""
