Breast Reconstruction Guidebook

Kathy Steligo is the editor-at-large for Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). She is the coauthor of Confronting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Identify Your Risk, Understand Your Options, Change Your Destiny and Confronting Chronic Pain: A Pain Doctor's Guide to Relief.

• Foreword, by Minas Chrysopoulo, MDAcknowledgmentsIntroductionPART ONE DECISION: MASTECTOMY1. 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 TWO RECONSTRUCTIVE PROCEDURES6. 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 Your Opposite BreastBreast AugmentationBreast ReductionBreast Lift12. Final Touches: Creating Your Nipple and AreolaIcing on the CakeBuilding the NippleA Colorful FinishProblems and SolutionsNon-surgical AlternativesPART THREE PREP, POST-OP, RECOVERY, AND BEYOND13. Preparing for Your SurgeryCountdown: Four Weeks to SurgeryTwo 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 FOUR FINDING ANSWERS, MAKING DECISIONS18. 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?Appealing When the Answer Is NoWhen 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

This book is a must for a patient taking the steps to have a mastectomy due to cancer or for prophylactic purposes. It is also relevant to all healthcare staff who are caring for the patient through this journey and their families and loved ones.—Jane Brown, Quality Governance Manager, Specialised Clinical Services Division, Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust, Nursing Times