October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this could mean different things to different people. It may be a reminder to women to check their breasts and take care of themselves; it may be a time to celebrate survival; or, it may be a time to show your support for a woman in your life who is going through the disease right now. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is a time to take care of yourself and learn all you can about your options. If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, there are some things you should know.
Breast reconstruction surgery
Every patient is different, but there are a few things to know about breast reconstruction that can start the dialogue between you and your doctor:
1. There is a federal law that insurance must cover the cost of breast reconstruction when they cover the cost of a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. This includes a procedure for the unaffected breast as well, which may need a procedure so that both breasts look the same.
2. You don’t have to decide right now. Most reconstructions are done when the mastectomy or lumpectomy is done, but reconstruction can also be delayed. Some women decline reconstruction but then decide, years later, that they would like to have it done.
3. If you are considering reconstruction, you should speak with Dr. Bogue before your lumpectomy or mastectomy, even if you aren’t sure you want reconstruction at all. That way, you will know what all of your options are.
4. You should know that studies have shown that breast reconstruction does not increase the odds of getting breast cancer again, nor does it make it more difficult to detect cancer in the future.
If you are considering breast reconstruction, Dr. Bogue and his staff want to help you, by giving you all the information you need to make this important decision. Call David Bogue Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton, Florida, at 561-886-1000, for an appointment today, so that Dr. Bogue and his staff can help you to decide what is right for you.
