Main description:

Since 2002, The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook has been the best resource on this topic for women who have had a mastectomy. Equal parts science and support, it is filled with stories that illustrate the emotional and physical components of breast reconstruction. Kathy Steligo, a gifted writer and breast cancer survivor who has twice had breast reconstruction, compassionately answers women's questions about how they will respond emotionally and physically to losing a breast, whether to treat or prevent breast cancer. Steligo provides detailed descriptions of the various surgical options for mastectomy and reconstruction, as well as information on choosing and paying for a surgeon, preparing for and recovering from surgery, and handling the many practical details and difficult decisions women will face along the way. A road map of the mastectomy and reconstruction journey, this book gives women the comprehensive, unbiased details they need to make their own informed decisions about whether reconstruction-and which reconstructive option-is right for them.
Readers learn how breasts can be recreated using implants or their own tissue and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Surgery timelines, recovery, and potential problems (and how they can be resolved) are also explained. A new foreword by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, of the PRMA Plastic Surgery Center for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, highlights the book's strengths and offers a medical perspective on breast cancer and reconstructive surgery. The extensively updated text includes new discussions of* innovative reconstructive procedures* contralateral mastectomy* the benefits and limitations of nipple- and areola-sparing mastectomies* nipple delay procedure* patient-controlled tissue expansion* cohesive gel silicone implants* microsurgical advances that improve tissue flap procedures* fat grafting* nipple reconstruction* nipple and areola tattooing* reconstruction with the BRAVA system* pregnancy after TRAM* male mastectomy and reconstruction* decision making and solving cosmetic and medical post-op problems* surgical procedures that reduce the risk of cancer* the latest research data on mastectomy and reconstruction* and much more

Contents:

Foreword, by Minas Chrysopoulo, MD
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART ONE DECISION: MASTECTOMY
1. Why Mastectomy?
Inside the Breast
Surgical Treatments
Male Mastectomy
Do You Really Need a Mastectomy?
2. Mastectomy without Reconstruction
What to Expect
The Prosthesis Alternative
Paying for Mastectomy and Prostheses
3. Breast Reconstruction Basics
Sorting through the Options
Timing Your Reconstruction
Health Matters
Coordinating Reconstruction with Treatment
4. How Mastectomy Affects Reconstruction
Mastectomy Cause and Effect
Skin-Sparing Procedures
Saving Your Nipple and Areola
5. Considering Prophylactic Mastectomy
Should You Have Genetic Testing?
How Real Is Your Risk?
Preventive Surgeries That Reduce Your Risk
Paying for Preventive High-Risk Services
PART TWO RECONSTRUCTIVE PROCEDURES
6. Breast Implants
Implants Inside and Out
Are They Safe?
Tissue Expander-to-Implant Reconstruction
Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction
Recovery
Potential Problems
7. The Expander Experience
Getting Your Fill
Minimizing Your Discomfort
Living in Limbo
Exchange Surgery
Potential Problems
8. Tummy Tuck Flaps
Tissue Flap Basics
Borrowing from the Abdomen
TRAM Flap Procedures
DIEP and SIEA Flaps
Potential Problems
9. Other Flap Methods
Flaps from the Back
Flaps from the Buttocks
Flaps from the Hips
Flaps from the Thighs
10. Fixes with Fat
How It's Done
Is It Safe?
BRAVA+AFT
11. Altering Your Opposite Breast
Breast Augmentation
Breast Reduction
Breast Lift
12. Final Touches: Creating Your Nipple and Areola
Icing on the Cake
Building the Nipple
A Colorful Finish
Problems and Solutions
Non-surgical Alternatives
PART THREE PREP, POST-OP, RECOVERY, AND BEYOND
13. Preparing for Your Surgery
Countdown: Four Weeks to Surgery
Two Weeks before Surgery
One Week to Go
The Day before Surgery
It's Reconstruction Day
14. What to Expect in the Hospital
Admitting and Pre-op
Showtime in the OR
A Peek into Post-op
Your First Day after Surgery
The Rest of Your Hospital Stay
15. Back Home
A Timetable for Healing
Managing Medication
Dealing with Drains
Tips for an Easier Recovery
Seeing Your New Breasts for the First Time
16. Dealing with Problems
Inherent Surgical Risks
Lingering Pain
Lymphedema
Cosmetic Do-Overs
Improving Scars
17. Life after Reconstruction
Adjusting to the New You
Back to Work
Dating, Intimacy, and Sex
Surveillance after Mastectomy
PART FOUR FINDING ANSWERS, MAKING DECISIONS
18. Searching for Dr. Right
Shopping for a Surgeon
Five Characteristics of an Ideal Plastic Surgeon
Your Pre-appointment Footwork
Making the Most of Your Consultation
The Value of a Second (or Third) Opinion
Tips for Travelers
19. Paying for Your Reconstruction
Are You Covered?
Appealing When the Answer Is No
When All Else Fails
Other Types of Insurance
20. Making Difficult Decisions
Ten Steps in the Right Direction
Other Sources of Information and Inspiration
21. Information for Family and Friends
Hints for Family Members
Food for Thought for Partners and Spouses
Issues for Caregivers
Dos and Don'ts for Friends
Notes
Glossary
Resources
Index