When should I make a decision about breast reconstruction?

The American Cancer Society recommends that you consult a plastic surgeon about your options for breast reconstruction before you undergo a surgical procedure that will remove all or part of your breast. The most successful reconstructions require careful consideration of all the issues, and accurate planning of which tissues are to be removed.

If you are considering breast reconstruction, then it is important for your entire surgical team to be part of the planning for your surgeries.

To find out if you are a candidate for Cassileth One-Stage Breast Reconstruction, call our office at 888.465.5106 to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Cassileth.

Getting the right mastectomy is critical to a successful breast reconstruction

Getting the right kind of mastectomy is critical. The best results are achieved with either a skin-sparing mastectomy or a nipple/areola-sparing mastectomy. Our team of specialists, based at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, and Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, perform these types of mastectomies.

Skin-Sparing Mastectomy

For patients with BRCA+, those with DCIS or LCIS only, and for breast cancer patients where the tumor is not directly adjacent to skin, Skin-Sparing Mastectomy is safe and cosmetically superior to traditional mastectomy.

With Skin-Sparing Mastectomy, only the nipple and areola skin are removed. The breast tissue is removed through the hole left by the areola. The reconstruction is then performed through the same small incision. In a later surgery, the nipple and areola are reconstructed, and placed so that the incision is hidden in the areola, producing a scarless result.

Nipple/Areola-Sparing Mastectomy

The most superior cosmetic results are obtained with the Nipple/Areola-Sparing Mastectomy. Through the crease under the breast, the breast tissue is removed and the breast is reconstructed. Not all patients are candidates for this type of mastectomy, as the nipple and areola can contain a small amount of breast ductal tissue.

This option is often chosen by women who are deciding between mastectomy and screenings, because they have high risk factors such as BRCA+ or a strong family history of breast cancer. Women who have breast cancer further away from the nipple are also good candidates. All mastectomies are performed at a local Los Angeles hospital with Dr. Cassileth's colleagues who are board-certified general surgeons specializing in breast and oncological surgery.

Out of town patients are welcome

Because of the success that Dr. Cassileth has had with breast reconstruction, and the excellent team of surgeons available for the joint surgery, patients from all over the world chose to come to Dr. Cassileth’s office for breast cancer reconstruction. We do our best to make it simple and comfortable for our out of town guests. You will want to plan your visit to Beverly Hills for your surgery, and we’ll be glad to help.

Learn more about our accommodations for out of town patients.

To find out if you are a candidate for Cassileth One-Stage Breast Reconstruction, call our office at 888.465.5106 to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Cassileth.