Today’s mastectomy is often different from what you might expect. We perform breast surgery in Palm Beach County that includes options such as skinsparing mastectomy. You are probably wondering, “What is skin sparing mastectomy?” and “Is it a good option for me?” This surgical procedure is a preferred option for many women who need to undergo a mastectomy. It may help alleviate some of the natural feelings of loss you may otherwise experience with a mastectomy because it allows you to keep most of the skin from your natural breasts intact.
If you are facing the prospect of mastectomy, you might be experiencing feelings of grief, loss, and anxiety. You are not alone. The prevalence of breast cancer in the U.S. today is higher than ever, with about 13% of women diagnosed with it during their lifetime. Also, an increasing number of women are becoming aware that they inherited a genetic variant (such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and others) which puts them at a much-increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women with this high risk for breast cancer may choose risk-reducing mastectomies.
Several surgical options are now available that address the need for optimal treatment, including skin sparing mastectomies. Your breast surgery could utilize this modern technique. Keep reading for more details to answer your question, “What is skin sparing mastectomy?”
What is Skin Sparing Mastectomy?
A skinsparing mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove breast tissue, including cancerous tissue and any potentially affected lymph nodes. Skin sparing mastectomy allows us to remove cancer just as well as other types of mastectomy. Skin sparing mastectomies are an excellent option in most cases. However, If there is a possibility of tumor cells near the skin, you will need a different mastectomy type. We will tell you whether you are a good candidate for skinsparing mastectomy breast surgery at your surgical consultation.
We perform skin sparing mastectomies under general anesthesia. First, we remove the nipple and areola. We carefully remove all of the breast tissue under the skin through the small opening that we create. We leave the rest of the skin intact. A plastic surgeon can then fill this pocket of your skin with a new breast form consisting of either a silicone or saline breast implant or natural tissue taken from another part of your body. A nipple and areola may also be reconstructed by the plastic surgeon and tattooed if desired. The result is an optimally shaped reconstructed breast. We frequently perform this breast surgery in Palm Beach County .
What Other Mastectomy Types Are There?
Now that we’ve answered your question, “What is skin sparing mastectomy?” Let’s explore other types of mastectomies.
Simple or Total Mastectomy
A simple or total mastectomy may be the type of mastectomy that comes to mind first. This surgery involves removing the entire breast, including skin, nipple, areola, and possibly some surrounding lymph nodes. It is a suitable type of mastectomy for you if you choose not to undergo reconstructive surgery or wish to delay breast reconstruction until after cancer treatment. This type of mastectomy will leave you with a flat chest and a flat scar across your chest.
Before choosing a simple mastectomy, it is essential to consider that if you decide later to have breast reconstruction, this option will require additional surgery compared to skinsparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. You will also have some visible scarring on the reconstructed breast.
Double Mastectomy
A double mastectomy is the removal of both breasts. You might choose this if you are at high risk for breast cancer due to an inherited genetic mutation. Skin sparing mastectomies are an excellent choice for high-risk women choosing risk-reducing mastectomy. A double mastectomy is also sometimes preferred by women who desire symmetry in both breasts after breast cancer surgery or women who want additional cancer risk reduction in the unaffected breast.
Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
One final mastectomy type is the nipple sparing mastectomy, which preserves all of the skin, nipple, and areola. High-risk cancer-free women and women with small cancers well away from the nipple and skin area may choose this option. A nipple sparing mastectomy, compared to other types of mastectomies, may involve some additional risk of cancer due to the breast tissue that we must leave under the nipple to preserve the nipple shape and viability.
What Factors Should I Consider When Planning Mastectomy?
Your Legal Rights and Insurance
The law requires your health insurance to cover breast reconstruction if it covers mastectomy. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHCRA) ensures your coverage. According to the law, your insurance must also cover the reconstruction of both the cancer-affected breast and the unaffected breast to ensure symmetry of appearance. Additionally, your insurance must cover any complications related to this surgery.
Your Treatment Timeline
Before you decide which breast surgery is best for you, you will need to speak with your oncologist regarding other cancer treatments that may be necessary and the treatment’s timing. In many cases, beginning the reconstructive process is possible in conjunction with any cancer treatment that you might need.
Under some circumstances, however, the reconstructive process may need to be delayed until after cancer treatment. Your oncologist will tell you what is right for you.
If you are a good candidate and choose to begin the reconstructive process right away, you will shorten the time needed to reconstruct your breast or breasts.
Your Emotional Well-Being
If you face the need for mastectomy, you may be experiencing anxiety or the urgent need to take action as quickly as possible to ensure you preserve your health. Your feelings are entirely normal and understandable. For your peace of mind, it is vital to deal with a cancer diagnosis quickly and thoroughly. It is also essential to take care of your emotional self and personal wellbeing by thinking carefully and being honest with yourself about what you need to feel happy and whole after breast surgery.
Some women wear scars with pride, knowing that they are signs of strength and courage. Some feel a sense of relief and freedom by having breast tissue removed and prefer no reconstruction. Some want to explore reconstruction options in-depth and don’t mind the interim period with a flat chest. Others want to have minimal scars and a restored appearance as soon as possible. Trust your personal preferences as a guide to achieving the best outcome for your well-being.
How Can I Determine Which Mastectomy is Right for Me?
The best way to determine which type of breast surgery is right for you is by gaining as much information as possible about your options and then making an appointment with us for a surgical consultation. You will want to make a list of all of your questions and concerns to bring to your consultation. At your appointment, we will review your medical records, answer your questions, and discuss your concerns. We are experts in surgical breast cancer treatment and will advise you on the best surgical option for you. Let us help you begin the process. Contact us today for an appointment!
