DUBAI: Breast Reconstruction surgery is a personal decision for any woman who has undergone a partial or full mastectomy. But to help women make informed decisions and understand the procedure, Arab News sat down with Dr. Allen Rezai, a leading Senior Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. As Dr. Rezai says, “Breast Reconstruction can sometimes mean undergoing multiple or accompanying procedures, so it is important to think in both the short and long-term when making this life changing decision.”
Arab News (AN): Why do some women opt for this surgery and other’s do not?
Dr. Allen Rezai (DR): The decision as to whether to have breast reconstruction is highly personal. Some women may decide for various reasons that they are not yet ready to take this step, or they simply do not want to undergo any further surgery. Whereas others feel the need, to have this procedure in order to feel whole or like their “old self” again.
AN: How close to a woman’s actual breasts would reconstructed breasts be?
DR: It is important to understand that a reconstructed breast will never feel 100 percent real, but depending on the method of reconstruction it can be a close match to the natural breast but it’s possible due to mastectomy and various cancer treatment therapies the skin’s elasticity and sensation will be impaired.
AN: What are most patients’ reactions after going through breast reconstruction surgery?
DR: After many years of performing breast reconstruction I can honestly say I have never had a patient who has been dissatisfied following the procedure. Although the process can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when multiple surgeries are required, many women still feel it is worth it as it will improve their quality of life and help them regain their former lifestyles and body image.
AN: How do women select a doctor should they elect to have breast reconstruction surgery?
DR: Research, research and do more research. Make sure you know all the options and the implications associated with each option, both short and long term. Work with your doctors and plastic surgeon to thoroughly discuss and plan your treatment. Choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced in various types of breast reconstruction but most important, who is compassionate and caring as well as skilled and professional. Open communication is essential and you should feel comfortable enough to ask any and as many questions as you feel the need to.
AN: Is there anything else that a woman in the midst of this decision should keep in mind?
DR: It’s important to consider the stage of your breast cancer and any treatments, your general health and healing ability, your breast size and whether one or both breasts will be reconstructed, your preferences for balance and shape, elected procedures, your downtime and costs. It is important to take time to consider your options so you can feel confident about what you decide. A good doctor will help guide you through all of the micro decisions that come with breast reconstructive surgery.
Breast reconstruction surgery is not for every woman. As Dr. Rezai notes: “I strongly believe breast reconstruction plays an important factor in a woman’s psychological and physical recovery, after having a mastectomy. However, it is a highly personal choice and the decision process can seem overwhelming.”
It is critical to select a doctor who sees you as a partner in the decision making process. As Dr. Rezai explains: “As a surgeon, I have a responsibility to provide patients with all the treatment options available to them, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and leave it to them to make an informed decision. After all, this is a life changing procedure for a woman and I believe that she should be involved in the decision-making process from start to finish.”
Arab News (AN): Why do some women opt for this surgery and other’s do not?
Dr. Allen Rezai (DR): The decision as to whether to have breast reconstruction is highly personal. Some women may decide for various reasons that they are not yet ready to take this step, or they simply do not want to undergo any further surgery. Whereas others feel the need, to have this procedure in order to feel whole or like their “old self” again.
AN: How close to a woman’s actual breasts would reconstructed breasts be?
DR: It is important to understand that a reconstructed breast will never feel 100 percent real, but depending on the method of reconstruction it can be a close match to the natural breast but it’s possible due to mastectomy and various cancer treatment therapies the skin’s elasticity and sensation will be impaired.
AN: What are most patients’ reactions after going through breast reconstruction surgery?
DR: After many years of performing breast reconstruction I can honestly say I have never had a patient who has been dissatisfied following the procedure. Although the process can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when multiple surgeries are required, many women still feel it is worth it as it will improve their quality of life and help them regain their former lifestyles and body image.
AN: How do women select a doctor should they elect to have breast reconstruction surgery?
DR: Research, research and do more research. Make sure you know all the options and the implications associated with each option, both short and long term. Work with your doctors and plastic surgeon to thoroughly discuss and plan your treatment. Choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced in various types of breast reconstruction but most important, who is compassionate and caring as well as skilled and professional. Open communication is essential and you should feel comfortable enough to ask any and as many questions as you feel the need to.
AN: Is there anything else that a woman in the midst of this decision should keep in mind?
DR: It’s important to consider the stage of your breast cancer and any treatments, your general health and healing ability, your breast size and whether one or both breasts will be reconstructed, your preferences for balance and shape, elected procedures, your downtime and costs. It is important to take time to consider your options so you can feel confident about what you decide. A good doctor will help guide you through all of the micro decisions that come with breast reconstructive surgery.
Breast reconstruction surgery is not for every woman. As Dr. Rezai notes: “I strongly believe breast reconstruction plays an important factor in a woman’s psychological and physical recovery, after having a mastectomy. However, it is a highly personal choice and the decision process can seem overwhelming.”
It is critical to select a doctor who sees you as a partner in the decision making process. As Dr. Rezai explains: “As a surgeon, I have a responsibility to provide patients with all the treatment options available to them, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and leave it to them to make an informed decision. After all, this is a life changing procedure for a woman and I believe that she should be involved in the decision-making process from start to finish.”
