Cancer Survivor; Breast Equalization and Fat Grafting - Richmond, VA

The effects of radiation and a lumpectomy 11 years ago, left my left breast scar lumpy and dimpled. The right breast had dropped and was noticeably different from my left breast. I had been to a different doctor several years ago and did not proceed because I was not comfortable with him or his process. During a checkup in summer, 2015, I mentioned my appearance and I was referred to Dr. Cohen. I wasn't sure what I was looking for but I immediately found it with Dr. Cohen. She was so very kind! I explained why I was there and when she examined me, I felt like she looked at me as a woman and not as a patient. She validated my reasons for being there and reassured me that doing something that made me feel better about myself was absolutely OK. I beat cancer - I could do this cleanup for me! She thought a fat transfer to the left breast to repair the dimpling and depression would be appropriate but she first checked with my oncologist and surgeon to make sure they agreed. Her thoroughness in coordinating my total health care impressed me. She personally called me to discuss their approval and next steps (how many doctors actually call you at home??) I went in for another consultation and she took measurements of the right breast and explained how she would lift the breast so both breasts would be even. She explained the surgery, recovery time, and scar management. There was no pressure and she patiently answered ALL my questions (and I had a lot).
The day of the surgery was early (6:00 a.m.) but the entire surgical staff was amazing. I am a nervous talker and they just listened and joked with me and made me totally comfortable. Dr. Cohen came by for one more peek and to draw lines on my breast. She was reassuring and took her time as though I was her only patient. She told me everything that would happen and what my bandage and compression bandages would look like and feel like. The fat transfer is like a mini-liposuction (she took fat from my abdomen and injected it into the left breast to fill out the roundness and fill in the dimpling).
The first day was pretty calm; I slept and took my pain medicine. The pain was manageable and after a couple of days, I just took advil. My stomach was very sore and I had to wear the compression document for 6 weeks until I healed internally and the swelling dissipated.
For the first time in 10 years, I can wear pretty bras again. My husband even commented on how I looked in a tshirt. I am still healing but the scar management is working; she made the cuts so that they fold into my skin. Not to be too graphic, but her handiwork around the nipple is like a fine seamstress - no suture marks, perfect seam! Unbelievable!
Her compassion and caring made the difference for me. I was so self-conscious and she put me at ease and understood my mental reasons as well as my physical reasons.