Double Mastectomy Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Patients who have undergone a double mastectomy to treat cancer may consider reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Oren Lerman offers a variety of reconstructive options during and after a mastectomy to correct the aesthetics of the breast mounds.
Learn more about double mastectomy breast cancer reconstruction at our Manhattan, NY, practice...
Trust Dr. Lerman to Provide the Best Reconstructive Treatment
Dr. Oren Lerman is the head of breast reconstruction at the Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, New York. A well-respected plastic surgeon, Dr. Lerman is not only board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery but has completed an additional clinical fellowship in advanced breast reconstruction and microvascular surgery. Dr. Lerman strives to provide the highest quality surgical methods to restore your appearance after a mastectomy.
We treat every patient on an individual basis, taking into account your unique needs and aesthetic goals. If you are undergoing breast cancer treatment, and are considering reconstructive surgery, contact the office of Dr. Lerman to learn more about your options and the ways we can help you heal both physically and emotionally after a mastectomy. You can schedule a consultation at our Manhattan or Westchester, NY, office online, or by calling:
(212) 434-6980
"I was immediately happy with the results."
Tavia was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2021. When weighing her options for mastectomy and breast reconstruction, she chose Dr. Lerman because of his knowledge and professionalism. She says she was immediately happy with her results and how they helped her reclaim her sense of femininity.
Patients Say... "Dr. Oren Lerman is a skilled surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital."
Kleighnyc
2020
Dr Lerman is best of the best! From his bedside manner and ability to really listen to his patients to his highly skilled surgical hand I am so grateful and fortunate to have found him. He has my highest recommendation. As well, everyone on his staff helpful and lovely to deal with. 5 stars!
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Beth
2019
Dr. Oren Lerman is a skilled surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital. The office is welcoming and the staff is lovely. On more than one occasion, when I arrived early, he saw me right away. He expertly fixed a serious issue I encountered and did a great job of calming my nerves prior to surgery. I would highly recommend him. You will not be disappointed!
View On GoogleReconstructive methods can be implemented during your mastectomy...
Tissue-Sparing Mastectomy Techniques
Skin-Sparing
A skin-sparing double mastectomy has been shown to be as effective in treating breast cancer as traditional surgical methods. For patients that qualify, a skin-sparing mastectomy will preserve the skin of the breast mounds for reconstruction. During a skin-sparing procedure, the surgeon will remove the nipple and extract the glandular breast tissue through this access point. Most patients can then receive an immediate implant or natural tissue reconstruction.
Nipple-Sparing
In a nipple-sparing mastectomy, the nipple and areola are preserved along with the skin while removing the underlying glandular breast tissue. You must meet certain requirements to qualify for a nipple-sparing technique since more of the breast tissue is preserved during the operation. An implant or natural tissue transfer can reconstruct the shape of the breast while your nipple remains intact for natural-looking results.
Breast Reconstruction Can Restore Your Figure and Enhance Your Self-Confidence
Whether you decide to undergo reconstruction or not, we can find a solution to provide the best aesthetic results...
Reconstruction Options
Tissue Flap Reconstruction
Flap reconstruction preserves the shape of the breast by removing natural tissue from another region of the body and reattaching it to the blood vessels in the breast pocket. Most often the tissue is taken from the abdominal region, but can also be transferred from the buttocks, upper back, or thigh. In a TRAM flap (transverse rectus abdominis muscle) procedure, the surgeon removes tissue including muscle, from the abdominal region. We can also offer a newer DIEP flap (deep inferior epigastric perforator) procedure, where only skin and fat are removed leaving the abdominal muscle intact.
Implant Reconstruction
Patients have the option of restoring the shape of their breast with silicone implants or saline-based implants. If you and the plastic surgeon decide on implant reconstruction, we will place a tissue expander in the chest wall to stretch the skin after your mastectomy. Over a few sessions, the tissue expander is gradually filled with a saline solution until we reach the desired size for your implants. In a second procedure a few weeks later, the tissue expander is replaced with your new breast implants and then typically followed up with nipple reconstruction.
Aesthetic Flat Closure
For patients who choose to not undergo reconstruction, we can provide better methods of closing your incisions for a more aesthetically pleasing recovery. Often, the scar from a mastectomy leaves excess skin and tissue deformities on the chest wall. The surgeon will take into account the extra tissue with an aesthetic flat closure technique, rearranging fat and skin to lay smoothly after your procedure. If you opt for aesthetic flat closure, you can still undergo breast reconstruction in the future. However, the results may not be as natural-looking compared to immediate reconstruction.
Patient Results From DIEP Flap Reconstruction
Dr. Lerman preformed left-sided DIEP flap breast reconstruction and nipple reconstruction, with a right-sided breast lift to create balance and symmetry in this patient.
DIEP Reconstruction Patient Testimonial...
"Dr. Lerman changed my life! After a double mastectomy, he did reconstruction via DIEP flap. My fears were quelled by his excellent care. His staff is amazing. They saw and spoke with me throughout my recovery. I could not be happier with the results. Thank you!" Lisa (2019)
Candidates for Breast Reconstruction
Most patients, regardless of where they are are in their cancer treatment, will qualify for some reconstructive surgery. Some methods of reconstruction are better suited for individuals depending on the extent and conditions of their breast cancer. We will go over your options and discuss the best treatment plan for your case. Factors that we take into consideration when determining the optimal reconstructive technique include...
Type of Cancer
Patients with inflammatory cancer typically need more skin removed during their mastectomy and may not be the best candidates for immediate surgical reconstruction. Reconstructive plastic surgery can be performed after adjuvant therapy or further radiation therapy to help minimize the chance of breast cancer returning.
Margins
Similar to the considerations we take with inflammatory cancer, the margins of breast tissue removal are key to planning your reconstructive treatment. The surgeon's goal during a mastectomy is to remove all of cancer as well as a layer of tissue surrounding it. If the cancerous cells are too close to the outer layer of skin and the nipple, tissue-sparing techniques and immediate breast reconstruction may not be suitable.
Additional Health Concerns
The doctor will take into account your overall health and any conditions that may impair the body's ability to heal after plastic surgery. While reconstruction will lead to scars, certain conditions will cause the skin cells along the incision to die may lead to additional complications. If you have diabetes, bleeding disorders, or if you smoke, you and the doctor may discuss alternatives to immediate reconstruction.
