When women are first diagnosed with breast cancer, they are very afraid. They fear the surgery, the pain, and the possibility that they may not survive. They often grieve for the loss of their breast, their hair—their overall attractiveness.
After a mastectomy, many cancer survivors experience anxiety and depression; many take a hit to their self-esteem and their body image and begin feeling as though their “old self” is gone. Thus, if a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, it is advisable that she consult with both a psychologist and a plastic surgeon prior to getting a mastectomy.
To help feel more like themselves and improve their self esteem, many women opt for breast reconstruction surgery after their mastectomies. Fortunately, some health insurance plans will pay for part or all of both the mastectomy and the reconstructive surgery.
When performing a breast reconstruction, the surgeon aims to provide the most natural looking and feeling breast possible, while causing as little discomfort to the patient as possible.
In one type of breast reconstruction, augmentation mammaplasty, the surgeon inserts breast implants. Dr. Usha Rajagopal, an expert plastic surgeon, uses both saline and silicone implants. Since breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, Dr. Rajagopal will recommend a specific type of implant depending on the patient’s breast and body shape; she will also consider the patient’s particular anatomy to determine both the method of insertion and the implant’s placement.
As with any surgery, there are risks in breast augmentation surgery. Some possible risks, which occur infrequently and which are correctable, include capsular contraction, which can cause discomfort or distortion of the breast contour; rippling and wrinkling; loss of nipple sensation; and implant leak or deflation.
If you are considering breast augmentation, you should make an appointment with Dr. Usha Rajagopal for a free consultation, during which she will explain the procedure in detail and answer all of your questions. To make an appointment, simply visit her site at www.sfcosmeticsurgery.com.
To see what other patients have said, you can take a look at this page of Dr. Rajagopal, Plastic Surgeon Reviews.