breast reconstruction after mastectomy Atlanta

March 31, 2014

Research Shows More Women Choosing Reconstruction after Mastectomy

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For over 25 years, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. L. Franklyn Elliott has performed breast reconstruction for patients who have undergone breast-cancer removing procedures. Breast reconstruction is an emotional experience, and Dr. Elliott discusses concerns and questions with each patient to find the best technique to fit their unique needs and provide natural-looking results. As a result of new research, studies find that the majority of women with breast cancer are opting to undergo breast reconstruction following their mastectomies, indicating a shift in outlooks towards the reconstructive procedure.

breast-reconstruction-atlanta In 1998, researchers from the study discovered as many as 46% of women who had a mastectomy underwent breast reconstruction surgery. This has grown nearly 20%–by 2007, 63% of women undergoing mastectomies were opting for reconstructive procedures.

The researchers reviewed insurance data claims from a nationwide employment-based database of medical-related claims. A total of 20,506 women underwent a mastectomy to treat their breast cancer between 1998 and 2007. Overall, the rate of women getting bilateral mastectomies increased six times during the study period, and 75% of those women had breast reconstruction. Geographic variation influenced the amount of women undergoing reconstruction following breast cancer removal—the quantity of women was linked to the number of plastic surgeons in their state.

“Breast reconstruction has a big impact on quality of life for breast cancer survivors. The improvement in techniques and results has been a significant part of the increased interest in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, in my opinion. Thus the quality of life has been enhanced after reconstruction, results have improved, and recovery times have shortened,” declares Dr. Elliott.

Many women are good candidates for breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer removal. While you may not be a candidate for all breast reconstruction surgery types, there is an assortment of reconstructive options to meet your needs. During a consultation with Dr. Elliott, he will discuss which breast reconstruction technique can best fit your needs.

For more information about breast procedures performed by Dr. Elliott please call our office today to schedule a consultation. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for all the latest information on breast research and technology.

February 10, 2014

Deciding Between Immediate or Delayed Breast Reconstruction

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Choosing breast reconstruction after mastectomy is a choice that should be made with thorough education, awareness, and extensive research. For over thirty years, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott has performed breast reconstruction in two time frames: immediate and delayed. While each has benefits and effective methods for rebuilding the breast, it is up to the patient to make the final choice on the timing of the procedure they would prefer. Dr. Elliott always encourages his patients to conduct research, educate themselves, and ask as many questions necessary to help them feel at ease with the procedure and follow through with realistic expectations.

Immediate breast reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy, while delayed is performed after the patient has fully recovered after breast cancer removal. Below, Dr. Elliott describes the variances between procedures as well as provides suggestions and clarity for patients who may be struggling to make a decision.

We will be posting new videos from Dr. Elliott discussing various aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery in the coming months. If you would like to schedule a consultation in order to have your questions answered personally, please contact us today. For more on breast reconstruction and other procedures, please visit Dr. Elliott’s website and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.