Nov 18, 2010

New procedure beneficial to breast cancer patients

Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may sometimes opt for a mastectomy, a procedure where the entire breast is removed. Following this surgery, many may undergo breast reconstruction, which is often a two-stage operation.

The approach often involves expanding the muscles that are used to cover the implant. Patients have expanders inserted and for the next six to eight weeks, a doctor adjusts them. Once that is complete, patients then have their implants inserted.

Dr. Sami Bittar is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has introduced a one-step procedure for breast reconstruction. In his surgery, instead of inserting an expander, he utilizes the latissimus muscles from the front to help provide plenty of muscle and skin coverage.

By doing this, he has eliminated the need for incisions to be made on a patient's back, thereby reducing the scarring that may occur. The procedure also can be done using the mastectomy outlines.

To help with their recovery, patients may want to use silicone gel sheeting, which may help reduce the appearance of scarring that is the result of their procedure.

 

Biodermis RSS Site Feed