One Stage Breast Reconstruction

“It is exciting and rewarding to provide a new choice for breast cancer patients who are undergoing mastectomy or in some cases remove and immediately reconstruct the breast. Eliminates the risks of multiple surgeries and more importantly, helps minimize the sense of loss”.

DR. ELENA TZAMANTAKI BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON AND DR. KRASONIKOLAKIS TITOS BOARD CERTIFIED BREAST SURGEON

With more woman than ever choosing to undergo mastectomy for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer, the desire for a better type of reconstruction has grown. With our breast specialists Doctors innovative technique allows woman to awaken from mastectomy surgery with intact breasts and minimal or no scaring. Every year we perform many breast reconstructive procedures. This includes nipple reconstruction, revision implant reconstruction and fat grafting. More than half of those cases had primary breast reconstruction done at the time of the mastectomy.

THE CURRENT STANDARD OF CARE

 “We are so frustrated with the bad – looking results we see. The traditional process is painful, requires multiple surgeries and gives unattractive outcomes.  We are working to change the “standard of care” for breast Reconstruction, because woman deserve better. We want woman to know that better options exist”.

Most plastic surgeons place tissue expanders at the time of mastectomy to stretch the chest muscles and make space for breast implants. Over the next several months the expanders are inflated using saline injections. Then in a second surgery they are removed and replaced with breast implants. Many women find that breast reconstruction after mastectomy is one of the most demoralizing, difficult and disappointing parts of breast cancer treatment. It has months of chest wall expansion and a mandatory second surgery to swap the expanders for permanent implants. After two surgeries, the patient may be left with constructed breasts disfigured by large unsightly scars and a distorted breast shape.

NOW YOU HAVE A BETTER ALTERNATIVE ONE STAGE BREAST RECONSTRUCTION

It starts with a mastectomy performed through very small incision rather that the large across – the- breast scar that used to be common. The breast implant is placed during the mastectomy surgery, eliminating the need for appointments to place painful and prolonged tissue expanders. Our doctors use a natural collagen substance called TLOOP that is acellular matrix to create an internal bra to support the implant. With this method, the breasts can be recreated in a more natural position compared to a typical breast reconstruction and looks good immediately after the surgery. Our experienced and skilled doctors provide a very symmetric cosmetic result and can produce virtually any desired breast size. The final scar is minimal or it may even be completely absent. The results are beautiful, natural – looking breasts. The Nipple Sparing mastectomy is as safe as the more radial surgeries. Different studies in a large meta – analysis, that included 5.276 patients, revealed that mastectomies preserving the nipple and an envelope of breast skin are as safe as surgeries that remove even more tissue.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ONE STAGE BREAST IMPLANT RECOSTRUCTION

• Only one surgery – lowers overall risk, decreases cost, and minimizes discomfort
• Avoiding months of painful tissue expansion
• After waking up from a mastectomy surgery you will have whole breasts
• The risks are the same, or even better, comparing a traditional tissue expander technique
• Patients enjoy beautiful new breasts that look and feel natural

GETTING THE RIGHT MASTECTOMY

Getting the right kind of mastectomy is critical. The best results are achieved with either a skin – sparing mastectomy or a nipple/areola – sparing mastectomy. Our team of breast reconstruction specialists perform these types of mastectomies.

SKIN SPARING MASTECTOMY

For patients with BRCA+* those with DCIS or LCIS ONLY, and for breast cancer patients where the tumor is not directly adjacent to skin, Skin – Sparing Mastectomy is absolutely safe and cosmetically superior to traditional mastectomy. *BRCA Definition: The BRCA gene test is a blood test that uses DNA analysis to identify harmful changes (mutations) in either one of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited mutations in these gens face a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer compared with the general population. Often that test positive for the BRCA gene opt to have bilateral mastectomies and breast reconstruction to prevent possible future breast cancer. With Skin – Sparing Mastectomy only the nipple and areola skin are removed. The breast tissue is removed through the hole left by the areola. The reconstruction is them performed through the same small incision. In a later surgery the nipple and areola are reconstructed and placed so that the incision is hidden in the areola producing a scar less result.

NIPPLE/AREOLA SPARING MASTECTOMY

The most superior cosmetic results are obtained with the Nipple Areola – Sparing Mastectomy. Through the creases under the breast the breast tissue is removed and the breast is reconstructed. Not all patients are candidates for this type of mastectomy reconstruction, as the nipple and the areola can contain a small amount of breast ductal tissue. This option is often chosen by woman who are deciding between mastectomy and screenings because they have high risk factors such as BRCA+ or strong family history of breast cancer. Woman who have breast cancer further away from the nipple are also good candidates. All mastectomies are performed at local Hospital “Iatriko” from our mastectomy and breast reconstructions colleagues, who are board – certified  general surgeons specializing in breast and oncological surgery. Their expertise helps make your single stage breast reconstruction go smoothly with excellent results.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOUR SURGERY

After your single stage breast reconstruction, you will stay in the hospital until you can comfortably move around without assistance. That usually means a two – night stay in hospital. Our doctors will see you post – operatively at our office in Athenian Riviera. Most patients are able to return to work two weeks later. We advise you to inform your primary care physician aware of your surgery and that you will follow up with him/her once you return home. Your health and safety are our main concern. Before your surgery we will give you a planner that is full of helpful and important steps to be fully prepared for your breast reconstruction and have a smooth, comfortable and safe recovery.

SCHEDULING YOUR SINGLE STAGE BREST RECONSTRUCTION

Once you have decided to proceed a 50% deposit is required to reserve your surgery date. The balance for your surgery is due two weeks before your surgery date. We accept the following payment options: Cash, international money transfer, Visa, American Express, Master card and credit card (from 12 interest free doses). Once you have booked your surgery you will receive by mail your pre – operative instructions and surgical operation consent form. This must be read carefully and instructions followed closely. Details of any blood work pre-surgical tests required and medical examination will be included in the package.