Breast Reconstruction Guidebook

Kathy Steligo is a freelance writer specializing in business and health topics and is coauthor of Confronting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, also published by Johns Hopkins.

• ForewordAcknowledgmentsPart One1. Why Mastectomy?Inside the BreastSurgical TreatmentsMale MastectomyDo You Really Need a Mastectomy?2. Mastectomy without ReconstructionWhat to ExpectThe Prosthesis AlternativePaying for Mastectomy and Prostheses3. Breast Reconstruction BasicsSorting through the OptionsTiming Your ReconstructionHealth MattersCoordinating Reconstruction with Treatment4. How Mastectomy Affects ReconstructionMastectomy Cause and EffectSkin-Sparing ProceduresSaving Your Nipple and Areola5. Considering Prophylactic MastectomyShould You Have Genetic Testing?How Real Is Your Risk?Preventive Surgeries That Reduce Your RiskPaying for Preventive High-Risk ServicesPart Two6. Breast ImplantsImplants Inside and OutAre They Safe?Tissue Expander-to-Implant ReconstructionDirect-to-Implant ReconstructionRecoveryPotential Problems7. The Expander ExperienceGetting Your FillMinimizing Your DiscomfortLiving in LimboExchange SurgeryPotential Problems8. Tummy Tuck FlapsTissue Flap BasicsBorrowing from the AbdomenTRAM Flap ProceduresDIEP and SIEA FlapsPotential Problems9. Other Flap MethodsFlaps from the BackFlaps from the ButtocksFlaps from the HipsFlaps from the Thighs10. Fixes with FatHow It's DoneIs It Safe?BRAVA+AFT11. Altering the Opposite BreastBreast AugmentationBreast ReductionBreast LiftFinal TouchesIcing on the CakeBuilding the NippleA Colorful FinishProblems and SolutionsNon-surgical AlternativesPart III13. Preparing for Your SurgeryCountdownTwo Weeks before SurgeryOne Week to GoThe Day before SurgeryIt's Reconstruction Day14. What to Expect in the HospitalAdmitting and Pre-opShowtime in the ORA Peek into Post-opYour First Day after SurgeryThe Rest of Your Hospital Stay15. Back HomeA Timetable for HealingManaging MedicationDealing with DrainsTips for an Easier RecoverySeeing Your New Breasts for the First Time16. Dealing with ProblemsInherent Surgical RisksLingering PainLymphedemaCosmetic Do-OversImproving Scars17. Life after ReconstructionAdjusting to the New YouBack to WorkDating, Intimacy, and SexSurveillance after MastectomyPart Four18. Searching for Dr. RightShopping for a SurgeonFive Characteristics of an Ideal Plastic SurgeonYour Pre-appointment FootworkMaking the Most of Your ConsultationThe Value of a Second (or Third) OpinionTips for Travelers19. Paying for Your ReconstructionAre You Covered?When All Else FailsOther Types of Insurance20. Making Difficult DecisionsTen Steps in the Right DirectionOther Sources of Information and Inspiration21. Information for Family and FriendsHints for Family MembersFood for Thought for Partners and SpousesIssues for CaregiversDos and Don'ts for FriendsNotesGlossaryResourcesIndex

A comprehensive guide to the ins and outs of breast reconstruction when mastectomy is unavoidable, The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook walks the reader through the entire decision-making process step-by-step, from sorting through options and dealing with the insurance company to planning for post-operative recovery. MAMM Magazine This is a bible for all patients facing mastectomy and breast reconstruction. -- Ibadete Fetahu Nursing Times