Breast Reconstruction in Bellevue can be a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for women who have lost one or both breasts to cancer or other conditions. The creation of a new breast can help you regain your self-image, self-confidence, and quality of life. Dr. Min is passionate about helping women regain their confidence and their natural figure. Reconstruction is a very personal decision. Many of our breast reconstruction patients require several breast surgery consultations, and we are more than happy to take all the time required to ensure our patients feel confident, informed, and comfortable with their treatment plan. Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized Bellevue procedure that is generally achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near-normal shape, appearance, and size following mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can involve several procedures performed in multiple stages. It can begin at the same time as a mastectomy or be delayed until you heal from the mastectomy and recover from any additional cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy. Note: It is generally advisable to make a plan for reconstruction prior to undergoing your mastectomy if possible (even if your procedure will happen later), and Dr. Min is happy to consult with the surgeon performing your mastectomy.
The role of the consultation (or consultations many patients require multiple appointments) is to ensure that you feel informed, confident and excited. During your initial consultation in Bellevue, Dr. Min will ask you about your health and your mastectomy procedure (post-op or planned), and you will discuss the position, shape, and size you are looking for, as well as any specific concerns you have about their feel or appearance. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the different breast reconstruction procedures, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos and see examples of the different procedures you’ve discussed. Dr. Min will then ask you questions about your health and lifestyle and assess your breasts for shape, size, symmetry, and areola position. He will share and explain his opinions with you about which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you based on your desired outcome and the results of your exam, and together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure. Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, what you will experience while you recover, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.
Our approach at Newvue is to put our patient’s safety above all other concerns. We have invested in state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards. Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all of our Bellevue patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with the breast reconstruction surgical procedure. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with breast reconstruction include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma, and asymmetry or deformation. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.
Prior to your surgery, we will schedule a preoperative appointment with Dr. Min. The purpose of this meeting in Bellevue is to make sure that your breast reconstruction goes smoothly and efficiently. Our staff will review the risks and benefits of the procedure and your consent forms and answer any questions you may have. You may be given your prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. You will be given a list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.
We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your breast reconstruction procedure in Bellevue. After you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Min and with your anesthesiologist. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax. You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a general anesthetic. You will wake up in the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored. We will let you know how everything went and advise you on what to expect as you recover. You want to be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first couple of days as you adjust.
You are still our Bellevue patient after you leave, and we will be there for you as you recover from breast reconstruction to answer any questions you may have and advise you on any side effects you may be feeling.
You can expect to feel tired and sore after the surgery, and you will experience some swelling and discomfort at the point of your incision, both of which can be managed with medication.
Light activity is encouraged during your recovery, and you can resume regular, non-strenuous activity after a few days of rest. You should avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks and avoid high-impact activities (skiing, wakeboarding, contact sports) for the duration of your recovery (6-8 weeks). Your stitches will dissolve and be absorbed by your body, so you will not have to worry about getting them removed.
Your procedure will likely involve a 2-3 day inpatient stay in a hospital. You can expect some pain and discomfort, which will be controlled intravenously. You will wear a surgical bra over your incisions for 2 to 3 days. Plan on very limited physical activity for at least six weeks. No lifting over fifteen pounds for 6 weeks. You will have drains that will require you to measure and record the fluid that your body expresses. These are usually removed in 1 to 2 weeks in the office.
Your follow-up visits will begin 3-4 days following your discharge from the hospital. During your postoperative visits, Dr. Min will review activity limitations, incision care, and concerns you may have. You can expect follow-up visits at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, then every year thereafter. Surgical revisions and nipple reconstruction are frequently necessary to complete the final process.
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