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Reconstructive SurgeryDr. Nichols provides a wide variety of reconstruction services including:
 Breast Reconstruction
Learn more about Alloderm Tissue Matrix for breast reconstruction YOUR BREASTS, YOUR HEALTH: What Women Need to Know - Breast Reconstruction News ArticlesTV segment on ABC affiliate in Windham, NH featuring breast cancer reconstruction: http://www.schwartz-pr.com/files/WMUR-TV_ABC_Windham_NH_11.18.09.zip The Doctors Talk Show covered a mother-daughter breast reconstruction. Both had reconstruction and focus is on awareness around breast reconstruction: http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/357?section=synopsis Article on breast reconstruction featured in an online issue of The Saturday Evening Post. What is breast reconstruction?Breast reconstruction is achieved through several plastic surgery techniques that attempt to restore a breast to near normal shape, appearance and size following mastectomy. Although breast reconstruction can rebuild your breast, the results are highly variable:
A note about symmetry: If only one breast is affected, it alone may be reconstructed. In addition, a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation may be recommended for the opposite breast to improve symmetry of the size and position of both breasts. Preparing for surgery Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Special instructions you receive will cover:
You'll need help - If your breast reconstruction is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. Recovery Following your surgery for flap techniques and/or the insertion of an implant, gauze or bandages will be applied to your incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra will minimize swelling and support the reconstructed breast. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. A pain pump may also be used to reduce the need for narcotics. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling decreases and breast shape and position improve. Continue to follow Dr. Nichols' instructions and attend all follow-up visits as scheduled. Results The final results of breast reconstruction following mastectomy can help lessen the physical and emotional impact of mastectomy. Over time, some breast sensation may return, and scar lines will improve, although they'll never disappear completely. There are trade-offs, but most women feel these are small compared to the large improvement in their quality of life and the ability to look and feel whole. Careful monitoring of breast health through self-exam, mammography and other diagnostic techniques is essential to your long-term health. When you go home If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary. Be Careful Following your physician's instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. Important facts about the safety and risks of breast reconstruction The decision to have breast reconstruction surgery is extremely personal. You'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Dr. Nichols and his staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications. The possible risks of breast reconstruction include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, poor healing of incisions, and anesthesia risks. You should also know that:
Breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer is considered a reconstructive procedure and should be covered by health insurance. However, your coverage may only provide a portion of the total fee. Tissue ExpansionTissue expansion is a procedure that enables the body to "grow" extra skin for use in reconstructing the breast and other parts of the body. After a mastectomy, a silicone balloon expander is inserted under the skin and then gradually filled with salt water (saline) over time, causing the skin to stretch and grow. It is most commonly used for breast reconstruction following breast removal-but it's also used to repair skin damaged by birth defects, accidents or surgery, and in certain cosmetic procedures. The Pros and Cons Tissue expansion offers a near-perfect match of skin color and texture. The skin remains connected to the donor area's blood and nerve supply and the skin doesn't have to be moved from one area to another, so scars are often less apparent. Skin expansion has one significant drawback - the length of time required to grow additional skin. For breast reconstruction, tissue expansion can take as long as three to four months. The procedure requires repeated visits to our office for injection of saline that inflates the balloon. The Risks The most common concern is that the silicone expander used in the procedure will break or leak while it is in the body. While expanders are rigorously tested and placed with care, leaks do occur. If the expander should leak, the saline used to fill the expander is harmlessly absorbed by your system and the expander is replaced in a relatively minor surgical procedure. A small percentage of patients develop an infection around the expander. While this may occur at any time, it's most often seen within a few weeks after the expander is inserted. In some cases, the expander may need to be removed for several months until the infection clears. A new expander can then be inserted. Breast Cancer Support Websites: Carol Milgard Breast Center in Tacoma: Breast Cancer Resource Center of Tacoma: Breast Cancer Society: American Cancer Society Wig Bank in Tacoma, Seattle & Everett: |
The Puget Sound area has the highest incidence of breast cancer in the country. One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Many breast oncologists, breast cancer surgeons and radiation oncologists in the area refer to Dr. Nichols for reconstructive options. Many options are available immediately following a mastectomy or for a delayed reconstruction. Dr. Nichols can help you make the choice that is right for you. You can read more about breast reconstruction choices by 
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