Forum Discussion
With or without a plastic surgeon? How common is a mastectomy and reconstruction without p.surgeon
Hi everyone, my family member’s breast cancer doctor said she can perform her mastectomy and reconstruction without the help of a plastic surgeon. This makes my family member nervous. As she was told...
My Mastectomy with axillary clearance was done by a Breast Surgeon.
He did not talk about reconstruction in any detail, prior to surgery to remove the cancer, and have 20weeks Chemo and 5weeks R/T.
After all of that, he talked about Recon.
He told me which ones could do confidently and with experience.
He referred me for an opinion for DIEP to a PS. That is very long 10-12 hrs and is microsurgery.
I wasn't suitable.
I sought a second opinion from a different PS, who also decided that I wasn't suitable. Based on a CT scan of my abdominal blood vessels.
I don't know why, but had my surgery with the second PS, mostly based on one personal recommendation from a friend from work. She was very happy.
I believe any of these Drs could have done my surgery well.
I had a Lat Dorsi (Cancer side) and prophylactic Mastectomy to other side (actually done by my breast surgeon, present in theatre at the same time) I had Bilateral tissue expanders and closed by the PS.
The PS did most of the surgery. Perhaps the Breast surgeon can identify and remove breast tissue better.
I don't know if a General surgeon would do a Breast Reconstruction.
My story and photos are in 'Choosing Reconstruction'
He did not talk about reconstruction in any detail, prior to surgery to remove the cancer, and have 20weeks Chemo and 5weeks R/T.
After all of that, he talked about Recon.
He told me which ones could do confidently and with experience.
He referred me for an opinion for DIEP to a PS. That is very long 10-12 hrs and is microsurgery.
I wasn't suitable.
I sought a second opinion from a different PS, who also decided that I wasn't suitable. Based on a CT scan of my abdominal blood vessels.
I don't know why, but had my surgery with the second PS, mostly based on one personal recommendation from a friend from work. She was very happy.
I believe any of these Drs could have done my surgery well.
I had a Lat Dorsi (Cancer side) and prophylactic Mastectomy to other side (actually done by my breast surgeon, present in theatre at the same time) I had Bilateral tissue expanders and closed by the PS.
The PS did most of the surgery. Perhaps the Breast surgeon can identify and remove breast tissue better.
I don't know if a General surgeon would do a Breast Reconstruction.
My story and photos are in 'Choosing Reconstruction'