Danbury Breast Reconstruction doctors

compared with a woman who has never had radiation therapy.  Having said that, I would not eliminate expanders and implants as an option before having a consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in both implant and autologous (or self) tissue reconstruction of the breasts.  It may be that in your particular case the expander implant approach is still a good option despite the higher complication rate.  And when we speak of complications related to radiation, we're typically talking about a failed reconstruction requiring another approach rather than any life or limb threatening complication.  There are so many factors involved in this decision that it really is best tailored to your individual situation, and you would be best served by consulting with two or three different surgeons in your area....

optimizing your result.  Our breast surgeons routinely have their patients discuss reconstructive options with plastic surgeons prior to lumpectomy, and often a coordinated approach could tremendously improve the results.  For example, in a patient with droopy breasts, the lumpectomy can be combined with a mastopexy or breast lift performed at the same time, with a similar lift on the opposite, non involved breast for symmetry.  The same approach can be used in a patient who would benefit from a breast reduction.  With careful planning by the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon, the tissue that needs to be removed to treat the involved breast can be part of the planned reduction.  Many of our patients who choose lumpectomy and radiation to treat their breast cancer, and undergo immediate reconstruction and surgery on the opposite breast for symmetry, end up with a cosmetic improvement in the appearance of their breasts, at the same time the cancer or disease is treated...  In your case, it may be possible to do a local tissue transfer, or use a small implant to reconstruct the defect from removal of the fibroadenoma.  I can't tell without seeing your pictures, but I would certainly advise taking the time to see an experienced plastic surgeon.  

The two key points here are that you need to discuss this with your oncologic surgeon, who is performing your mastectomy.  If the feeling is that radiation may be necessary after the mastectomy, or that chemotherapy needs to be started immediately after the surgery, then you may want to consider postponing the reconstruction to a later date.  If however, your oncologic surgeon feels you are a good candidate for immediate reconstruction, then there are many advantages to an immediate reconstruction.  First, skin sparing or even nipple sparing mastectomy can be used to preserve the natural skin envelope of the breast and improve the ultimate appearance of the reconstruction.  Second, multiple studies have shown psychological benefits for woman who can wake up from their cancer operation having already started the reconstruction process.  FInally, there are time savings in terms of both anesthesia time and recovery that are provided by the immediate reconstructiont echnique.  Regardless, it is a very good idea to discuss your situation with an experienced reconstructive surgeon before your mastectomy, as this information can help you to decide the best course of treatment in your particular situation.