Breast surgeons in Nashville

Understanding Prophylactic Mastectomy

Prophylactic mastectomy is a preventive surgical procedure aimed at reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. This elective surgery involves removing one or both breasts to significantly lower the chance of cancer occurrence.

Who Should Consider Prophylactic Mastectomy?

Individuals with High-Risk Factors:

• Genetic Predisposition: If you carry gene mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which dramatically increase your risk of breast cancer, this surgery may be an option.
• Family History: A substantial family history of breast cancer could make this procedure a viable consideration.

For Those Seeking Peace of Mind:

• Many choose this surgery for the reassurance that they are actively reducing their cancer risk.

Important Considerations

• Irreversibility: Once performed, the surgery cannot be undone.
• Breastfeeding Impact: Reconstructed breasts post-surgery will not retain breastfeeding ability.
• Sensory Changes: Reconstructed breasts typically lose sensation, affecting how they feel.
• Body Image: It’s crucial to consider the emotional and psychological impact, as changes in body image can occur.

Before deciding, consult with healthcare specialists who can guide you through the pros and cons, ensuring your decision aligns with your personal health needs and goals. For those who chose this path, expert care is available to ensure comfort and support throughout the process. Our doctors at the Surgical Clinic can discuss your options for breast implants and reconstructive surgery to ensure you feel confident following a mastectomy.

Cancerous Breast Conditions Surgically Treated

There are a wide range of different types of breast cancers. Here are some that can be treated surgically:

Angiosarcoma → A rare form of cancer that begins in the blood vessels.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) → A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer → A rare but aggressive type of breast cancer where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) →These are the most common types of invasive cancers, spreading beyond the ducts or lobules into nearby breast tissue.
Metastatic Tumors → These are tumors that have spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body and may require surgical intervention as part of a broader treatment plan.
Paget’s Disease of the Breast → This condition begins in the ducts and spreads to the nipple and surrounding areas, often requiring surgical treatment.
Phyllodes Tumor → A less common condition that may be benign or malignant, involving tumors that develop in the connective tissue of the breast.
Rare Cancerous Tumors → There are various uncommon cancerous tumors that may also require surgical management.

Breast Cancer Surgery Options

What Type of Surgery Does The Surgical Clinic Offer for Breast Cancer?

With a diagnosis of breast cancer, we know that you want both the best surgical options for getting rid of the disease and the best options for what you can do to heal. Many times women who have lost one or both breasts due to disease can elect to have breast reconstruction surgery. Sometimes the reconstruction and cosmetic surgery can begin at the same time as the diseased tissue is removed. In some cases, it may make the best sense to recover from the first surgery and deal with cosmetic surgery later.

Your approach to surgery will depend on a number of factors, including the stage of your cancer, the ‘personality’ of the cancer, and what you decide is best for your long-term peace of mind. At The Surgical Clinic, your physician and the entire surgical team are focused on supporting you with the most advanced approaches to Breast Cancer surgical techniques in the greater Nashville area.

At The Surgical Clinic in Tennessee, breast specialist cancer surgeons work collaboratively with reconstruction and cosmetic surgeons and you to make sure that you understand your options so that, together, you make the choices that are right for you.

How Urgent Is Breast Cancer Surgery?

As mentioned, breast cancer surgery is life-saving. According to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database, the five-year relative survival rate of people who undergo treatment across all stages of breast cancer is 91%.

It is important to note that the sooner the breast cancer surgery is performed, the better the chances of stopping the cancer from progressing. With that in mind, early detection and timely treatment are crucial to achieving a successful outcome. Waiting to undergo surgery can result in the cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body, making it more challenging to treat.

Can You Live a Normal Life After Breast Cancer Surgery?

It’s natural to wonder how your life will change after breast surgery. You might be concerned about how you’ll feel physically and emotionally and whether you’ll be able to resume your normal activities.

What is breast reconstructive surgery?

Breast reconstruction enhances or restores the look, shape, and feel of the breasts after a mastectomy or breast cancer treatment surgery. Reconstructive surgery can happen the same day as a mastectomy or at a later date. Often, breast reconstruction helps women return to normalcy after breast cancer. Therefore, it can be an emotional and sensitive process that can feel overwhelming at times.

For those opting for immediate reconstruction, there are several innovative approaches available:

• Autologous Tissue Flaps: This method involves using tissue from other parts of the body, such as the back, stomach, thighs, or buttocks, to recreate the breast. This technique can offer a natural look and feel.
• Implants: Silicone-based gel implants are frequently used and known for their durability, even in the rare event of a rupture. The process often starts with a tissue extender, a temporary, balloon-like device used to achieve the desired size and shape before the final implant is placed.

The collaboration between breast surgery and plastic surgery specialists enables immediate reconstruction during the mastectomy procedure. This approach is advantageous as it combines two surgeries into one, minimizing the need for additional anesthesia and recovery time.

By integrating both the emotional and practical aspects of breast reconstruction, women can make informed decisions that align with their personal and medical needs.

There are several types of breast reconstruction. Sometimes tissue is taken from your tummy, back, or buttocks to create a breast, sometimes an implant filled with saline or silicone gel may be used. There are procedures that will combine your body tissue with implants. Your reconstructive surgery will depend on your body, your lifestyle, and your preferences.

Types of Breast Reconstruction Surgery

The board certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons in Nashville perform all types of breast cancer reconstructions, while several of our breast surgeons specialize in the removal of breast cancer. Together, our network of surgeons work collaboratively to ensure each patient is treated with the most personalized care available today.

Breast implant surgery versus tissue based reconstruction

Which type of breast reconstruction surgery you choose is a personal choice. You may also opt for a mix of different reconstruction methods or reconstruction over a period of time. Talk with your surgeon about any concerns you have, and they will help you decide the best option.

What is implant based breast reconstruction?

Once the breast cancer is removed, patients may opt to have breast implants to replace the lost breast tissue. Breast implants restore shape and volume to the chest, and there are several options of implants to choose from. The surgeon will place the implant either over or under your chest muscle and cover it with your original breast skin or using a skin graft.

While breast implants are a fairly popular choice, the procedure can also be done with a tissue reconstruction, where the surgeon uses both implants and a flap to reconstruct the breast.

What is tissue based breast reconstruction?

Tissue based breast reconstruction is often referred to as a ‘flap’ reconstruction. This is when the surgeon uses tissue from another area of the patient to reconstruct the breast. The surgeon will take skin, fat, and muscle from your belly or buttocks, which resemble breast tissue, to reconstruct the breast. Combining tissue based reconstruction and implants produces a more realistic result.

How long does it take to recover from Breast reconstruction surgery?

Recovery in the hospital typically lasts about 2-8 hours. Following breast reconstruction surgery, patients will require plenty of rest, limited movement, and bandages which help minimize movement of the breast area. Pain medication will be used as needed. A special surgical bra may be required for several weeks once the bandages are removed.

About one to two weeks after your surgery, your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to check in on your healing progress. They will look at your condition, inform you about test results, like negative margins, and map a plan for your next recovery steps. However, if you experience unexpected or extreme symptoms, contact your doctor to examine possible surgery complications.

What Are the Options for Lymph Node Reconstructive Surgery?

Lymph node reconstructive surgery offers innovative solutions for those dealing with lymphedema after lymph node removal. Here are some options available:

1. Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT): This procedure involves transplanting healthy lymph nodes from one part of the body to another, aiming to restore lymphatic function and reduce swelling.
2. Lymphovenous Bypass: Surgeons connect lymphatic vessels to nearby veins. This facilitates improved lymph fluid drainage, diminishing the risk of fluid buildup.
3. Reverse Lymphatic Mapping: Before transferring lymph nodes, this technique identifies safe donor sites. It ensures the nodes removed won’t compromise lymphatic function in the donor area.

These breakthroughs in surgery help manage and prevent lymphedema with great success, offering hope and relief for many patients. The availability of these options often depends on the specific health system’s expertise and resources.

Breast Reconstruction in Nashville, Tennessee

At The Surgical Clinic in Nashville, TN, most types and stages of breast cancer require breast reconstruction surgery as part of the treatment plan. We at The Surgical Clinic are committed to helping you find the best treatment option and type of breast reconstruction and guide you along every step of your treatment journey. For more information about our Middle Tennessee clinics and breast surgeons, watch the videos below and click on our surgeon profiles.

We have multiple skilled surgeons across the Middle Tennessee area. Find the one best suited for you and book an appointment today!