Erik Hoy, MD

I have been monitored very closely for breast cancer for the past 15 years due to a strong family history. ( one of my sisters lost her battle with stage 4 breast cancer at the age of 53 ) So, when my doctor told me I had early stage breast cancer and I needed a lumpectomy I did not hesitate to say I wanted a double mastectomy . Within 4 days I found myself sitting in Dr. Hoys office very nervous , anxious, and confused. From the moment I met Dr. Hoy he put me at ease! He is very genuine and caring . He explains everything slowly and is very thorough. He never made me feel rushed . He makes you feel like you are his only priority during your appointment . I also have ulcerative colitis and Dr. Hoy was very concerned about this . He was more concerned than my gastroenterologist was that I could get an infection after the surgery due to my UC medication. Dr. Hoy actually called me himself a few days after my first appointment just to be sure I was doing OK and that I wasn't getting too anxious about waiting for a surgery date . Most importantly Dr. Hoy is an expert in his field. He explained all my different options for implants in detail and answered any questions I had. Dr. Hoy suggested that I have the expanders put in immediately after my double mastectomy surgery . This was to help prevent infections and because I was small ( 32A ) and wanted to go bigger. With all my follow-up visits Dr. Hoy was so careful in making sure that I never got an infection . I had my second surgery 3 months later to have the expanders taken out and my implants put it. I had the tear drop shaped implants that Dr. Hoy reccomended. I also had some fat transfered from my inner thigh and put on top of the implant to help it blend better in my chest bone area. Once again Dr. Hoy did a phenomenal job and took great care of me during surgery and with all my follow-up visits. I am very happy with my results.my husband came to all these Drs. Appointments with me and he too was very impressed with Dr. Hoy . The staff in his office are all very professional and friendly as well. I truly feel that my experience with breast cancer was less daunting due to the great care I received from Dr. Hoy .

I was unhappy with the "frumpy" way I looked in dresses and my tight pants that never were tight before. Started in mid 50s and I was not able to get rid of them. I was unhappy, Didn't want to get dressed up and go out. I decided on liposuction after discussing with my husband. I had a good experience pre-op, minimal discomfort post-op. Did have to wear an abdominal binder for 2-3 weeks which was just a little bothersome. The results were good at 2 weeks but at 6 weeks, WOW. I had my flat belly back and hips were shapelier. I can wear dresses now and feel good about how I look and my pants fit great. My husband is happy with the results and is always telling me how good I look.

Dr. Hoy has been absolutely wonderful since I met him in May 2014 for the initial consultation before my double mastectomy after a diagnosis of breast cancer for second time in three years. He takes his time to explain everything carefully every step of the way and answers every question you may have. He has the best bedside manner and truly cares if you are happy every step of the journey he takes with you. The care given throughout this entire process has been remarkable. I am heading into the final stretch of the entire process and couldn't be happier with my care and results. You won't be disappointed at all with Dr. Hoy!!

Updated on 23 Apr 2015:
I was asked to provide more details to my review and am happy to do so. I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2011. I had a lumpectomy in April 2011 but needed to have a re-excision in May 2011 since pre-cancer cells were found on outer edge of the tissue removed during the lumpectomy. This was followed with Tamoxifen and 33 radiation treatments that caused the usual side effects, burnt skin, shrinking and hardening of the breast and much thinner skin on the breast. In May 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer a second time in the opposite breast. It was an immediate decision to schedule a double mastectomy with reconstruction since the Tamoxifen failed me from a recurrence. Double mastectomy surgery was in June 2014. Due to the radiation damage from the first diagnosis, it was necessary to have a latissimus flap (back muscle brought around to the front) to help with better blood flow and support the implant. Tissue expanders were placed at the same time. It was one long surgery (8 hours) for the breast tissue removal by the breast surgeon then Dr. Hoy took over to do the latissimus flap and place the expanders! Skin was also taken from my back during the surgery to add to the breast damaged by radiation. Once all the drains were removed (3 weeks post op for the last drain) then saline was added to the expanders over a few visits. Final implants were placed in November 2014. I chose the Natrelle implant (AKA "Gummy Bear" implants) because it is more naturally shaped than the big round implants we are used to seeing. I have two different size implants. The smaller one is on the side damaged by the radiation treatments because it is necessary to account for the muscle mass that was brought around to the front. These implants require you to be bound to hold the top of the implant down for a while. I also had months of specialty rehab therapy, provided by Occupational Therapists, to massage the entire chest and arm area to reduce swelling and massage the breasts to help the implants "drop" within the capsule that develops around the implant. At 6 months post final implant, I am very pleased with the results so far. I have a little more therapy to go to help the bigger implant to "drop" more within the capsule. I plan to have nipples added sometime after the 9 month post op mark .

Updated on 23 Apr 2015:
Forgot to say that I also had liposuction during the final implant surgery.

Overall it has been a good experience so far.
My anxiety hasn't been easy through all of the healing process I'm 4-5 days away from it being. Three weeks post op.
Over all I feel as tho my healing process has been rushed somewhat.
Dr Hoy is amazing when it comes to answering questions and guiding me through the process and the day of the surgery was really nice.

When sorting breast cancer reconstruction explore beyond Dr. Erik Hoy. There is a doctor/patient fit for everyone but my consult was awkward and left me feeling insecure about his ability to rebuild my femininity respectfully. Found other RI plastic/cosmetic surgeons with double the years of experience with the reconstruction craft (sooo important!) and compassion for the complicated emotions of cancer reconstruction patients. Dr. Hoy's shared office space and staff were cold, and were dismissive since I was there to see a "plastic surgeon" and was tired after waiting almost an hour. (I was post lumpectomy and recommended for a mastectomy.) I left feeling icky and more emotionally bruised after my consult. He gladly shared all of the reconstruction data that he had (some technique turned out to be out dated which ultimately would have impacted my recovery/comfort), but he did not really listen to me or connect with me as a person, which was clear when he and his assistant stayed in the room while I undressed to have my breasts evaluated. Awkward to say the least! The Women and Infants Breast Health Center should provide a full list of plastic surgeons with operating privileges at their hospital to their breast cancer patients -- not just promote those on their BHC staff!! You spend a lot of time with the cosmetic surgeon post a Mx so it is important that you feel safe and respected by this member of your BC team. For some, reconstruction is an element in healing their BC trauma, so be good to yourself and get a second opinion so you have peace of mind with your choice as you heal:-)