Breast Reconstruction

Deciding which reconstruction method is best for you will be discussed during your consultation. Dr. Oser will consider your personal preferences, as well as body shape, prior surgeries, current medical condition and cancer treatment needs. 

Dr. Oser will spend time with you discussing your wishes for surgery. Following a thorough examination, he will give you his professional opinion about how to best achieve your goals. Dr. Oser will work with you to determine whether you are a good candidate for breast reconstruction. Other services may be recommended in combination with his approach to be sure that you have an optimal surgical outcome and a positive experience. 

Dr. Oser is committed to helping you become well-informed about the actual process of preparing for breast reconstruction. This is a very private matter. Please feel free to ask any questions and to let us know how we can help you throughout the process.

Your candidacy for this procedure is determined during the consultation phase. Dr. Oser will help you to decide whether you are a good candidate for breast reconstruction. He will take into consideration your specific needs, age, health and various other factors. Candidates for breast reconstruction include women who have been:

• Diagnosed with breast cancer and had or will have a mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts)
• Diagnosed with breast cancer and had or will have breast conservation surgery, such as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy (surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding breast tissue)
• Found to have a genetic mutation and will have prophylactic mastectomy (removal of non-cancerous breasts to prevent cancer)

With improved treatments, breast reconstruction techniques and new medical devices, there are many options. Dr. Oser can recreate a breast at the time of mastectomy, should the candidate qualify for a one step procedure, or after you have had a mastectomy. He can also correct misshapen breasts that may result after breast conservation surgery.

Three weeks prior to and three weeks after your surgery, try to limit your alcohol and tobacco intake. Two weeks prior to and two weeks after your surgery, do not take medication that may thin your blood such as aspirin or ibuprofen products.

The evening prior to your surgery, please refrain from eating or drinking anything including water. Please do not smoke and check with Dr. Oser regarding any medication that you are taking regularly.

Please prepare to have a responsible adult available to provide transportation after your procedure and have arrangements made for any necessary assistance you may require for the following 24 hours.

Before your procedure, Dr. Oser will answer any additional questions that you may have since your initial consultation, and you will have an opportunity to meet any additional staff members involved in your care. Dr. Oser's staff will do everything to make you feel as comfortable as possible and will be available to address any concerns that you may have.

Just as everyone is an individual, everyone recovers differently. Avoiding strenuous activity and sleeping on your back are recommended for a couple weeks following surgery. Most patients are back to work within two weeks.

A couple of days after your surgery Dr. Oser will follow up with you to see how you are healing, answer any questions and, if necessary, prescribe medication.

A breast reconstruction can make a dramatic change in not only your appearance but also your outlook on life. Many patients enjoy an increase in self-confidence and find new enjoyment in day-to-day activities.