Women whose breast cancer treatment requires complete removal of a breast (mastectomy) now have more options than ever before. One of them is breast reconstruction, which can be performed immediately after the mastectomy or at a later date.
NYU's renowned Breast Plastic Surgery Center features six highly skilled surgeons. "Our surgeons work closely with doctors at the NYU Cancer Institute to provide a variety of options for patients," explains Leslie Haber, Division Administrator of NYU Medical Center's Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. "Women who are patients at the NYU Cancer Institute can rest assured that they will receive excellent continuity of care."
"What makes our group special is that we evaluate each patient as an individual and customize a reconstruction plan that best meets her needs," adds Nolan Karp, MD, Associate Professor of Surgery (Plastic Surgery) and Chief of Breast Reconstructive Surgery.
Most women who have breast reconstruction receive implants, using either saline-or silicone-filled devices. Today a procedure called "skin-sparing mastectomy," in which the inner breast tissue is removed while leaving the "shell" of skin, allows many women to receive an implant at the time of mastectomy.
About a quarter of breast reconstruction patients undergo a procedure using the body's own tissues, such as skin, fat, and/or muscle from the abdomen, buttocks, or upper back. NYU's breast reconstruction surgeons are involved in the research and development of novel procedures such as the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap procedure, in which a breast mound is constructed using skin and fat (but not muscle) from the lower abdomen, and the S-GAP (superior gluteal artery perforator) flap technique, in which tissue from the upper buttocks is used.
NYU's breast reconstruction experts are exceptionally well trained in microvascular surgery - a skill important for performing the newer flap reconstruction techniques, which require surgeons to connect tiny blood vessels from transplanted tissues to create a viable new breast mound.
Some women who decide not to have reconstructive surgery choose a breast prosthesis instead. The Lucille Roberts Wellness Boutique, managed by Underneath It All and located on the fourth floor of the NYU Clinical Cancer Center, offers breast prostheses customized for each patient by the boutique's expert fitters. The boutique also sells special bras and swimsuits to hold the prosthesis in place, as well as wigs, hats, and other specialty products designed to help people being treated for cancer maintain control of their appearance.
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