In the not-so-distant past, it was a typical occurrence for women who went into surgery to have a breast lump of uncertain significance removed, only to wake up without a breast if it was cancer or with a scarred, biopsied breast if it wasn’t.
Thanks to new breast reconstruction techniques like SWIM reconstruction and direct-to-implant reconstruction, we don’t have to go through what countless women before us had to endure. Patients today can often keep their nipples, have small scars, and have simplified surgeries rather than multi-staged surgeries. The results can be more natural, more comfortable, and less traumatizing than what our mothers experienced.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing allows women to learn their hereditary predisposition for breast cancer. This allows time for careful planning, diagnosis, and a thorough cancer workup if needed. In a purely prophylactic setting, this becomes an elective surgery performed on your terms and on your time frame rather than a surprise diagnosis that puts life on hold while you deal with cancer.
New, Advanced Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Fat Grafting
Advances in autologous tissue transfer enable us to recreate the breast shape, helping to reduce dependency on artificial implants. Learn more about fat grafting on BreastCancer.org.
The Goldilocks Mastectomy
Another newer reconstruction option, the Goldilocks mastectomy removes the cancerous tissue and reforms the breast using the patient’s own residual healthy tissue. This is all done in a single surgery without requiring additional tissue transfer or an implant.
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Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction
With direct-to-implant reconstruction, breasts are reconstructed at the time of mastectomy. This allows women to wake up from mastectomy surgery with their breasts intact. This contrasts with the tissue expander method of breast reconstruction, which requires 2 surgeries and multiple office visits to stretch the skin and muscle.
Sensation-Preserving Mastectomy With Nerve Grafts
Sensation-preserving mastectomy represents a significant advancement over traditional procedures. This technique carefully preserves nerves during surgery and meticulously reconnects them during breast reconstruction. Unlike conventional mastectomies, which often result in permanent numbness, this approach allows many patients to retain or gradually regain sensation in the reconstructed breast. By focusing on both appearance and functional outcomes, this technique helps patients maintain a more complete sense of physical recovery.
These and other advances on the horizon make us thankful that this isn’t our mothers’ mastectomy any longer. Learn more about breast reconstruction options.
If you’re considering your treatment path for lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast reconstruction, or another breast concern, the renowned breast surgeons at Bedford Breast Center are here for you. You can use our online form to request a consultation or call us at (310) 278-8590 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Heather Richardson is a highly regarded breast cancer surgeon in the Los Angeles area who has been caring for patients with breast disease since 2004. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed her general surgery residency at Emory University before beginning her career at a leading breast oncology practice in Atlanta, where she became a partner. She later practiced at the Pink Lotus Breast Center before joining Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills. Dr. Richardson specializes in nipple-sparing mastectomy, breast-conserving therapy, and advanced oncoplastic techniques, and is co-developer of the Goldilocks mastectomy, a reconstructive approach using a patient’s own tissue. Known for her patient-centered approach and commitment to innovation, she has lectured internationally and remains dedicated to improving outcomes and quality of life for women with breast cancer.
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