Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction in New York

Getting a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction in New York

There are several reasons you might be considering a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. Suppose you are at high risk of developing breast cancer. In that case, you may find preventative surgery to provide you with more emotional and mental well-being than waiting and continually screening to see if cancer develops. With all the what-ifs, things to consider, and decisions to be made, finding the right team to help guide your care and answer your questions is crucial.

Finding the right surgeon and office to work with can alleviate much of the stress surrounding prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction. In New York, one of the leading experts in immediate breast reconstruction is right next door on Long Island.

Reasons To Consider a Prophylactic Mastectomy

A prophylactic mastectomy is typically indicated when someone is considered at high risk for breast cancer. Women might choose to undergo a  preventative mastectomy for many reasons, including:

  • Genetic Predisposition
  • Family History of Breast Cancer
  • Previous Breast Cancer Diagnosis
  • Prevent Recurrence
  • Personal Empowerment
  • End Ongoing Surveillance

For women considering prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction in New York, deciding between continuing to monitor and screen for tissue changes and having life-changing surgery can be overwhelming. There are many pros and cons for both choices that should be evaluated and weighed so you can make an informed decision. While the decision is entirely personal, there are experts who can help you find all the information you need to make these decisions.

Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Reconstructions Surgeries

A plastic surgeon-first consult allows you to tailor your surgical needs to your desired outcomes. Your plastic surgeon and breast surgeon can create a treatment plan with the best mastectomy/reconstruction pairing to improve both your health and aesthetic outcomes.

Options for Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction

Mastectomy Options

There are options for how much and what types of tissue you remove:

  • Nipple-Sparing

    • Breast tissue is removed, the nipple and areola are kept for better cosmetic results. 

  • Skin-sparing

    • Both breasts are completely removed — including all breast tissue, nipple, areola, ducts, and lobules. 

  • Contralateral 

    • Removing the opposite healthy breast if you had a previous breast cancer diagnosis in the other breast.

Reconstruction Options

The two main reconstruction options are implant or autologous flap. If needed, after reconstructing the breast mound, you can opt for areola and nipple reconstruction as finishing touches on your new breast.

  • DIEP – Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator 

  • SIEA – Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery 

  • TRAM – Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous

  • Latissimus dorsi 

  • Aesthetic Flat Closure 

    • Another option to discuss with your plastic surgeon. Instead of recreating the breasts, post-mastectomy, the tissue is sutured closed to create an aesthetic flat chest.

Meeting with a plastic surgeon before your prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction in New York can improve your overall experience. 

How to Find the Best Plastic Surgeon For Your Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction

Once you know you’ve decided on a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction, you should first consult with a plastic surgeon specializing in immediate reconstructions. A plastic surgeon can help you determine your overall reconstruction goals before undergoing any surgical procedures and connect you to a trustworthy breast surgeon to help you meet your goals. 

Consulting with a plastic surgeon before mastectomy provides you with several added benefits.

Consulting with a plastic surgeon

When looking for a plastic surgeon to coordinate your prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction, you should choose one who meets the following criteria:

Harris Plastic Surgery has a robust history of helping women make deeply personal surgical decisions and delivering outcomes to match their lifestyle and procedure goals. Dr. Harris is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in microsurgical techniques and cutting-edge breast reconstruction procedures. Joanne Parrinello is the face of the office and can help you get the most from your insurance coverage and navigate surgical scheduling. 

Are you Considering a Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction in New York?

Dr. Harris is the go-to plastic surgeon for all New York and Long Island prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction procedures. With his decades of experience in all reconstruction techniques and connections with expert breast surgeons, Dr. Harris and the rest of the team at Harris Plastic Surgery are here for you.

 

Harris Plastic Surgery Experts in Breast Reconstruction and Revision

Deciding to get a prophylactic mastectomy is no small matter. Our office is here to empower you and help you make the best decisions to fit your life and goals. 

Contact us online or by phone/text if you have questions or are ready to schedule your consultation. 

Stephen U. Harris, MD FACS

Dr. Stephen U. Harris is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and recognized expert in breast reduction and reconstruction surgeries, having performed thousands in his career. When it comes to patient care, his philosophy is that every surgery should improve his patient’s overall quality of life, not just their appearance. Dr. Harris stays up-to-date on all the latest advancements in breast augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction and is a recognized innovator in the field. In fact, he was the first surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital to offer primary prepectoral implant breast reconstruction, as well as secondary prepectoral revision surgery.

Dr. Harris also serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, New York and is an active staff surgeon (and former Chief of Plastic Surgery) at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore, New York.