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A woman in need of emotional support during her breast reconstruction journey after battling breast cancer.

The Importance of Emotional Support During Breast Reconstruction: How to Find Help

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Womens Health. No Comments on The Importance of Emotional Support During Breast Reconstruction: How to Find Help

Breast reconstruction is more than just a physical journey – it’s an emotional one that touches every aspect of a woman’s life. While much of the focus is often on the surgical procedure itself, the emotional support you receive before, during, and after reconstruction can be just as crucial to your overall healing and recovery. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we understand that emotional well-being is an essential part of the healing process.

Understanding the Emotional Journey

Every woman’s experience with breast reconstruction is unique, but many share common emotional challenges. It’s important to recognize and address these feelings, as they are valid and part of the healing process. Some of the emotional experiences that patients often face include:

  • Anxiety about the surgical process and what to expect
  • Concerns about body image and how reconstruction will impact self-identity
  • Feelings of grief or loss, particularly if the reconstruction follows a mastectomy
  • Uncertainty about the final outcome and how the reconstruction will look and feel
  • Impact on relationships and intimacy during recovery
  • Worries about recovery time and returning to daily activities

These feelings are normal, and acknowledging them is a crucial part of your overall well-being.

Building Your Support Network

Navigating the emotional landscape of breast reconstruction doesn’t have to be done alone. Building a support network can help you manage the mental and emotional aspects of recovery. Your support system should include both professional and personal resources.

Professional Support

  • Your Surgical Team: Beyond the physical care, your surgeons and nurses can offer emotional guidance, reassurance, and honest discussions about the process.
  • Mental Health Professionals: Counselors and therapists who specialize in breast cancer and breast reconstruction can provide emotional support, help you navigate complex feelings, and offer strategies for coping with anxiety or depression.
  • Support Group Facilitators: Trained professionals can guide group discussions, offering you a space to share and connect with others going through similar experiences.

Personal Support

  • Family and Friends: Open communication with loved ones about your needs and feelings can create a strong support system that nurtures your emotional recovery.
  • Support Groups: Whether in-person or online, connecting with others who understand your experience can be incredibly helpful. These groups offer empathy, advice, and shared wisdom from women who have been through similar experiences.
  • Online Communities: Virtual support groups and forums provide access to support 24/7, especially when you need someone to talk to outside of regular hours.

Tips for Finding the Right Support

  • Start Early: Begin building your support network before surgery. This allows you to feel prepared and empowered when the time comes.
  • Be Specific: Don’t hesitate to tell people exactly what kind of support you need, whether it’s emotional or practical.
  • Stay Connected: Regular check-ins with your support system help maintain emotional well-being and ensure you feel cared for during recovery.
  • Explore Options: Try different types of support to find what works best for you—whether it’s one-on-one counseling, group therapy, or online support.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Choose support resources that make you feel comfortable and understood. It’s important to feel safe and supported in the process.

Professional Resources Available

There are many resources available to help you along your emotional journey during breast reconstruction:

  • American Cancer Society’s Reach To Recovery program – offering peer support from others who have gone through breast cancer and reconstruction.
  • Local Breast Cancer Support Organizations – These groups provide community support, resources, and events for patients.
  • Hospital-Based Support Groups – Many hospitals have groups designed to provide emotional support for women undergoing breast reconstruction.
  • Online Support Communities – Virtual spaces where you can connect with others anytime, anywhere.
  • Professional Counseling Services – For those seeking personalized therapy during the reconstruction process.

How We Can Help

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we understand that emotional support is a vital component of your reconstruction journey. Our team is committed to providing care that addresses both your physical and emotional needs. We offer:

  • Connections to local support groups and resources
  • Referrals to mental health professionals who specialize in breast cancer and reconstruction
  • Educational materials for you and your family
  • Extended consultation times to address your concerns and questions
  • A compassionate team ready to support you through every step of the process

Moving Forward

Remember, seeking emotional support is not a sign of weakness – it is a powerful step toward healing and recovery. Every woman deserves to feel supported and understood during her reconstruction journey. Whether you are considering breast reconstruction or are already on your path to recovery, we are here to help guide you every step of the way.

Would you like to schedule a consultation to discuss your reconstruction journey and learn more about our support services? Contact our office to speak with our caring team at Breast Reconstruction Associates.

Breast cancer awareness and prevention tips for 2024

How Common is Breast Cancer? Updated for 2024

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Womens Health. No Comments on How Common is Breast Cancer? Updated for 2024

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting American women, with one in eight women diagnosed during their lifetime (12.5% risk). There are several risk factors that can affect a woman’s risk, some of which are modifiable while others are out of our control.

Modifiable Risk Factors

  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Weight can significantly increase a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer as adipose (fat) tissue stores estrogen. Being overweight or obese increases estrogen exposure and cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy BMI is essential not only to lower your breast cancer risk but also to decrease the risk of recurrence if you are a breast cancer survivor. A balanced, nutritious diet and avoiding processed foods play crucial roles in achieving this.
  • Alcohol Consumption: The more alcohol you consume, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. Limiting your intake to less than 3 to 4 drinks per week is recommended.
  • Tobacco Use: Nicotine use increases breast cancer risk and inhibits wound healing. It’s crucial to quit all nicotine products before undergoing surgical management.
  • Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk for breast cancer. Aim to engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week, though ideally, you should aim for 300 minutes for optimal risk reduction.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Combination HRT (estrogen/progesterone) increases breast cancer risk. Most women must stop these medications once diagnosed. It’s especially important to perform routine self-breast exams and screening mammograms while taking HRT.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

  • Age: Breast cancer is predominantly diagnosed in women over the age of 50.
  • Gender: While women are overwhelmingly more affected by breast cancer than men, men constitute 2% of all breast cancer diagnoses each year. Men should also be aware of this risk and practice breast awareness.
  • Genetics & Family History: Certain genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Other genes include CHEK2, PALB2, and ATM. Even if genetic testing is negative, a family history of breast cancer can still place you at higher risk.
  • Lifetime Estrogen Exposure: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause, delaying childbirth after age 30, or not having children at all increases estrogen exposure and breast cancer risk.
  • Atypical Breast Cells: Not every breast biopsy is malignant; many are benign like fibroadenomas or cysts. However, some biopsies reveal high-risk lesions like atypical ductal and lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ.

While breast cancer rates have been increasing, more women are surviving this diagnosis thanks to increased awareness, early detection, and improved treatment options. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or a genetic mutation and are considering breast reconstruction surgery, reach out to us at our Fort Worth, Austin, Bozeman, or Oklahoma City offices. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we are committed to our patients’ overall health and reconstructive goals.

Learn more about breast cancer prevention and modifiable risk factors to take proactive steps in reducing your risk.

For more information and personalized advice, book a call with one of our specialists today!

Oncoplastics Breast Surgery | Breast Reconstruction Associates

Oncoplastic Breast Surgery: What Is It? Am I a Candidate?

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Reconstruction, Womens Health.

Oncoplastic breast surgery is a surgical approach that integrates breast cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques. Historically, breast conservation therapy, or the combination of a lumpectomy and radiation therapy, was performed to preserve a portion of the breast and still offer patients equivalent survival rates as a mastectomy. However, a traditional lumpectomy often leads to deformity of the breast; this is why combining lumpectomy with a plastic surgery technique has potential benefit for patients. The goal of oncoplastic breast surgery is to improve aesthetic outcomes without compromising the resection and treatment of breast cancer.

In general, ideal candidates for breast conservation are those who have a small tumor relative to total breast size. Oncoplastic breast surgery can be integrated with any lumpectomy procedure, but patients with large breasts or breasts with a fair degree of ptosis (or “droop”) are the optimal candidates. In these cases, the tumor can be safely removed using standard breast reduction or breast lift techniques while also improving the overall appearance of the breast. A balancing breast lift or reduction of the other breast is typically performed simultaneously for symmetry purposes.

Oncoplastic breast surgery can also be a good strategy for women who are wanting mastectomies and reconstruction but also would require post-mastectomy radiation (usually for an advanced cancer or cancer in the lymph nodes). In order to prevent radiating a total breast reconstruction, oncoplastic surgery is followed by radiation. Completion mastectomies and total breast reconstruction can then be performed at a later time after the patient has recovered from radiation therapy.

Pain After Breast Reconstruction | Breast Reconstruction Associates

Pain After Breast Reconstruction

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Reconstruction, Womens Health.

Most surgical interventions come with some degree of postoperative pain or discomfort. This can be a source of fear and anxiety for many patients facing mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we use a specific pain control protocol that has proven efficacy, and we work together with patients to achieve the optimal degree of pain control. Most of our patients have been pleasantly surprised that their pain was less than expected. Here is some insight into the way we approach pain control.

While it is not feasible to guarantee a pain score of 0/10, even with adequate pain medications, we are committed to helping you remain as comfortable as is safely possible after surgery. Our goals are to reduce your discomfort to a degree that is tolerable so regular activities of daily living can be performed, to avoid over-sedation, and to avoid adverse medication side effects.

There are many different types of pain that are experienced after mastectomy and breast reconstruction—general post-operative pain of incision sites, neuropathy (nerve-related pain) and musculoskeletal pain. In our pain control protocol, we prescribe medications that target each type of pain to yield better overall pain control.

The post-operative pain medication regimen used at Breast Reconstruction Associates is aligned with the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol.  This protocol was developed to be a perioperative strategy that promotes quicker recovery after surgery and helps patients avoid opioid-based pain medications. The medication regimen associated with this protocol is supported by evidence-based research and is used worldwide.  Our practice takes a patient-centered approach to the use of this regimen and we have had great success with our patients’ post-operative recovery.

Our patients are our priority. Your post-operative comfort and care are important to us. If you are considering DIEP flap breast reconstruction and have questions about post-operative pain, reach out to our plastic surgeons at Breast Reconstruction Associates.

Common Plastic Surgery Risks | Breast Reconstruction Dallas Forth Worth, Austin & Oklahoma City, OK

Surgical Risks of Breast Surgery and Reconstruction

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Womens Health.

Making the decision to undergo surgery, regardless of the operation, can be overwhelming. At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we understand that discussing the surgical details in plain English as well as reviewing the potential risks involved imparts the needed information that leaves patients feeling informed and confident.

A few of the general risks associated with any surgery are bleeding, infection of the surgical site, blood clots, and adverse reactions to general anesthesia. During your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you will review these general risks as well as the risks specific to breast surgery and/or reconstruction in detail. Although most women do not experience the following complications, here is a brief preview of the risks that will be covered in your discussion:

Fluid collections

Fluid or blood (seroma or hematoma) may accumulate between the skin and underlying tissues following surgery. Drains may be left in place after surgery to prevent this accumulation. Should this problem occur after drain removal, it may require additional procedures for drainage of the fluid.

Changes in sensation

The surgery will alter the sensation to the nipple, areola and surrounding breast skin. It’s important to discuss the possible extent of these changes with your surgeon, as it will depend on what type of surgery has been recommended for you.

Potential loss of the nipple-areola complex

If you are having a procedure that spares the nipple and areola, there is a risk of decreased vascular supply to these structures which can lead to necrosis (or death). This can either be self-limiting or require intervention.

Mastectomy flap necrosis

The breast skin remaining after mastectomy can have trouble healing from a lack of blood supply. When the blood supply is low enough, breast skin can die.  This is more common in larger breasted women.  Tobacco use and previous radiation history can also increase the risk of mastectomy flap necrosis.

Delayed wound healing

Wounds may separate after surgery. This may require daily home wound care or further surgery to correct the defect.

Microvascular thrombosis

Autologous breast reconstruction is associated with the risk of clot formation within the artery or vein providing circulation to the flap. This most commonly occurs during surgery but can happen afterwards, usually within the first 24-48 hours after surgery. This requires a second operation to attempt salvage of the tissue. The risk of this occurring is low and will be discussed in further detail with your surgeon.

Failure of the reconstruction –

Regardless of the method selected (implants, DIEP flap, or other flap), the reconstruction can fail which leaves the patient with a flat chest wall.  Alternative methods would be considered if the patient elects to proceed with secondary reconstruction. In general, in properly selected patients, failure is uncommon.

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we are committed to helping you navigate your surgical options, weigh the risks and benefits of surgery, and make the best decision specific to your care.  Reach out to our plastic surgery office in Fort Worth, Austin or Oklahoma City if you have questions. We are here as a resource for you.

Smoking and Breast Reconstruction Surgery | Breast Reconstruction Surgery Specialist in Dallas

Smoking and Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Reconstruction, Womens Health.

It’s estimated that there are currently over 30 million active cigarette smokers in the United States. The general health impact of cigarette smoking has been well established, and issues include elevated risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and COPD. The mass distribution of this information, as well as new smoking-cessation strategies for smokers, has decreased overall cigarette consumption over the last decade. 

It’s important to know that there are multiple issues with cigarette smoking.  There are cancer-causing agents introduced to our lung, and there is also nicotine absorbed into our blood.   Nicotine has a direct impact on the health of our blood vessels.  As reconstructive surgeons, it’s the nicotine absorbed into the blood that concerns us, as this causes issues with healing after surgery.  

The recent trend in smoking behavior is in the form of e-cigarettes or “vaping”.   These e-cigarettes come in multiple forms, some with nicotine and some without.  There is new research emerging that suggests e-cigarettes come with their own spectrum of lung issues.

Its also important to know that nicotine consumption, in any form, whether it be cigarettes, e-cigarettes, gums, patches, or lozenges, still increase the risk of complications with surgery.  For this reason, your plastic surgeon will need to know if you are using any nicotine products.  At your consultation, your plastic surgeon can discuss with you in detail the nicotine-related risks of breast reconstruction, in a way that is tailored specifically to your case. You will be asked to discontinue use of all nicotine products for at least 4-6 weeks prior to your surgery date.  It is possible your surgeon will choose to test your blood or urine for the presence of nicotine.

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, your breast reconstructive specialists in Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and Oklahoma City, we are here to help you make the best possible decision for your general health and wellbeing, as well as to prepare you for the best possible surgical outcome.

Breast Surgery for Older Women | Breast Reconstruction Associates

Breast Surgery for Older Women

Written by Breast Reconstruction Associates on . Posted in Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Womens Health.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting American women with 1 in 8 women diagnosed during their lifetime.  There are several risk factors involved in the development of breast cancer, some of which are modifiable (weight/BMI, hormone use, smoking and alcohol use) while others cannot be changed or controlled (age, genetics).  Increasing age is considered the most significant risk factor for this diagnosis, and it may contribute to the treatment decisions as chronologically advanced women may have other co-morbidities that must be considered.

As we age, our organs experience various changes that can affect surgical healing.  For example, the skin becomes thinner and has less connective tissue like collagen and elastin, all of which can lead to delayed healing.  While we cannot reverse this physiologic process, we can control other components like smoking. All nicotine products cause vasoconstriction, which makes it more difficult for the arteries to deliver necessary oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissue.  Smoking and the use of nicotine products exponentially increases the risks of surgery and can sometimes disqualify a patient from reconstructive surgery.  We prefer that any patient undergoing reconstructive surgery be off all nicotine products for at least 6 weeks.

General anesthesia is required during breast reconstructive surgery whether using implants or autologous aka tissue-based reconstruction.  At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we use a two-surgeon team on all autologous cases to minimize the length of surgery and therefore the amount of anesthesia, which directly correlates to quicker recovery times.  Age is a consideration for these surgeries as there are increased risks of post-operative delirium and post-operative cognitive dysfunction in patients aged 65 and older.  These patients are at higher risk if they have an established diagnosis of any form of cognitive impairment.

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we offer various reconstructive options for our patients and always involve the patients in this discussion and decision process.  Each patient is unique due to their age, medical and family history, and tumor profile among many other considerations.  We want to work with you and your breast cancer team to determine the best possible outcome, so please contact us today to set up a consultation.

Sources:
“Preparing for Surgery – Age Risks,” American Society of Anesthesiologists, https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/preparing-for-surgery/risks/age/.