Breast Reconstruction

Grandfather's breast cancer diagnosis leads a mother and daughter down a preventive mastectomy journey

Niccole Caan | ASPS Staff Thursday, October 17, 2024

Cailynn Madigan was prompted to get genetic testing for breast cancer because of her grandfather's battle with the disease. As a result, she and her mother sought strength and support from each other as they shared the journey through double mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

What to know about reconstructive surgery after breast cancer

Alia Willson | Freelance Writer Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Breast reconstruction covers a wide variety of surgical procedures that aim to restore the natural shape and appearance of breast tissue following breast cancer treatment. Surgeons can use different techniques to help rebuild or replace breast tissue.

Is it time to replace your breast implants?

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Friday, July 5, 2024

You might be surprised to learn that breast implants are not a get-it-and-forget-it device. They need to be maintained and even replaced. Whether you already have implants for aesthetic or reconstructive reasons or are considering getting them, they need ongoing monitoring for leaks and typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

From breast cancer survivor to fashion designer

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Thursday, November 30, 2023

Dana Donofree was diagnosed with breast cancer a day before her 28th birthday, turning her world upside down. The diagnosis led to bilateral mastectomies, breast reconstruction and chemotherapy, which left her grappling with a new reality and a body that seemed unfamiliar to her shortly before her wedding.

How one woman went from cancer survivor to entrepreneur

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Thursday, November 16, 2023

For most, a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering event that happens once. For Cinde Dolphin, it became an all too familiar adversary, striking not once but multiple times. It wasn't just her resilience in the face of repeated cancer battles that was remarkable. Dolphin also designed an innovative solution for patients because of her challenges with postsurgical drains.

DIEP flap and autologous tissue transfer: The latest research and future developments

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Thursday, October 26, 2023

If you or a loved one is considering breast reconstruction after cancer, you should know about the latest innovations. These include autologous tissue transfer techniques like deep inferior epigastric perforator flap surgery, known as DIEP flap.

The power of support: How peer networks shape reconstruction experiences for breast cancer survivors

Ariel Frankeny | Freelance Writer Monday, October 23, 2023

Many women who have received a breast cancer diagnosis have no idea where to start their treatment, who to ask for help or what steps to take to ensure that they are well-informed and well-supported from the start. They are simply overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for much-needed guidance and support.

Pioneering progress: An in-depth exploration of DIEP flap breast reconstruction techniques

Kayla Peterson | Freelance Writer Wednesday, October 18, 2023

A mosaic of surgical prowess and patient-centered care, the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap procedure has carved its place in the realm of breast reconstruction, especially for those navigating the tumultuous journey of breast cancer.

Redefining beauty: The intersection of post-mastectomy reconstruction choices and femininity

Kayla Peterson | Freelance Writer Wednesday, October 11, 2023

The relationship between women and their breasts is deeply intertwined with concepts of womanhood, femininity and gender identity in our world. Thus, the impact of breast cancer and mastectomy goes far beyond the physical.

Empowering access: How DIEP flap and autologous tissue transfer empower breast cancer survivors

Ariel Frankeny | Freelance Writer Friday, October 6, 2023

Many women want to reclaim their body following breast cancer and mastectomy. One possible next step is to opt for breast reconstruction. Some reconstructions are performed using breast implants, but there are options available that involve reconstruction without the use of implants.

Mastering reconstruction: A comprehensive guide to autologous tissue transfer in breast cancer recovery

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Monday, October 2, 2023

Many facing a mastectomy will explore breast reconstruction. Implants are a popular option, but not the only one. Another option worth considering is autologous tissue transfer, a procedure in which a skilled plastic surgeon uses your own tissue to recreate the breasts.

Beyond survival: Championing women's rights to tailored post-mastectomy solutions

Kayla Peterson | Freelance Writer Thursday, August 17, 2023

In a recent development for women seeking post-mastectomy solutions, a seemingly inconspicuous alteration in medical billing threatens to create significant obstacles in accessing DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery.

From practitioner to patient: A plastic surgeon's breast reconstruction story

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Friday, January 20, 2023

Emily McLaughlin's breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 transformed her from a practitioner to a patient overnight. As a plastic surgeon, she had reconstructed plenty of breasts affected by cancer. Still, she never guessed that she would need these same surgeries, putting her into a unique category of providers.

A veteran continues to give back after plastic surgery restores her breasts

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Friday, November 11, 2022

Dr. Rosie Ann Riley led a busy life in 2020 – the veteran had served her country in the Marine Corps and was a community volunteer. Illness was the last thing she expected to contend with, so she was angry when a mammogram a few weeks before Christmas revealed she had stage one breast cancer.

Photographer turns camera on herself to normalize breast cancer bodies

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Friday, October 28, 2022

Boudoir photographer Jennifer Rozenbaum was on top of the world at age 41. She was well-known within the world of portrait photography, had a large social media following and had given a TEDx talk about boudoir photography, encouraging women to be shamelessly feminine.

The importance of Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day educates women about post-cancer breast reconstruction options. Celebrated this year on October 19, BRA Day features parades and community events in more than a dozen states throughout the nation.

The importance of getting your breast implants exchanged... from someone who has gotten it done

Carin Silkaitis | Freelance Writer Friday, October 14, 2022

Freelance writer Carin Silkaitis shares her experience getting her breast implants exchanged 10 years after her initial breast reconstruction procedure.

Innovation supports women's personal choice for post-cancer breast reconstruction

Daisy Brumby | Freelance Writer Thursday, July 28, 2022

One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, and when they are, it helps to have choices for breast reconstruction after cancerous tissue removal. Thanks to innovations in surgery, women now have more options than ever when it comes to post-cancer breast reconstruction.

A breast reconstruction patient recounts the highs and lows of recovery

Gabby Shacknai | Freelance Writer Wednesday, October 27, 2021

When Merry Maddox Rogers was first diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago, reconstruction was the last thing on her mind. "I didn't care," she recalls. "I was just thinking, 'get it out, get it out, get it out.'"

The importance of having a plastic surgeon on your breast cancer team

Gabby Shacknai | Freelance Writer Thursday, August 5, 2021

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis can be an all-consuming experience. Whether processing the news, preparing for a mastectomy or going through chemotherapy, the process often takes over every facet of your life, and likely, the last thing on your mind is reconstructive surgery.

On the other side: ASPS President shares lessons learned during her breast cancer and reconstruction journey

By Kendra Y. Mims-Applewhite Tuesday, September 15, 2020

ASPS President Lynn Jeffers, MD, MBA, discovered she had breast cancer in 2018 after an MRI revealed a malignant lesion that her routine screening mammogram missed. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with tissue expanders, and began chemotherapy and radiation while serving as president-elect, and subsequently, president of the Society.

The decision maker: A breast cancer diagnosis wrested control away from Pamela Bailey – but she took it back quickly

By Paul Snyder Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Throughout her life, Pam Bailey prided herself on her ability to take control. The daughter of parents who took part in various philanthropic efforts, she dedicated much of her time to continuing that cause, leading organizations that supported children's hospitals and took care of neglected and abused children.

Breastless in America: Survivor helps women find hope, healing and closure after breast cancer

By Kendra Y. Mims-Applewhite Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Alisa Savoretti never imagined returning to the Las Vegas stage without her breast. The former showgirl retired her dancing shoes to build an e-commerce business after years of touring the world. She poured her time, energy and money into launching a successful online furniture store, but her plans took an unexpected turn in 2001 when she felt a lump in her right breast.