Benefit of Consulting a Plastic Surgeon Prior to Lumpectomy or Mastectomy
Behzad Parva, MD reveals how breast cancer patients interested in breast reconstruction can greatly benefit from consulting a plastic surgeon before undergoing lumpectomy or mastectomy.
Leesburg, VA — According to Dr. Behzad Parva, a plastic surgeon should be included in the initial planning stages of lumpectomy or mastectomy surgeries in order to optimize the chances for better outcomes. “A coordinated surgical approach in which the plastic surgeon is involved at the outset of the planning process provides the best opportunity for a good cosmetic result. This concept is critical for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, whether they plan to undergo mastectomy or lumpectomy.”
Dr. Parva, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Virginia, says the reasoning behind this notion is that several factors – including skin quality, breast size, the particular breast cancer procedure performed, possible chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment, etc. – can significantly influence the type and timing of breast reconstruction surgery. When consulting a plastic surgeon prior to lumpectomy or mastectomy, he explains, all of these factors can be assessed and taken into consideration up front, which enables the patient and her team of physicians to select the most appropriate reconstruction option.
At his practice, Dr. Parva offers various reconstructive breast surgery options that involve implant reconstruction or flap reconstruction. The implant reconstruction technique is generally performed as a two-step process during which a tissue expander is initially placed under the skin and muscle of the chest wall before it is removed and replaced with a breast implant at a second stage. In contrast, the flap reconstruction method utilizes the patient’s own tissue taken from the abdomen, back, or buttocks to rebuild the breast(s). Depending on the patient’s unique needs and goals, either breast reconstruction technique may be performed at the time of the mastectomy or at a later date (during what is called a delayed reconstruction).
Ultimately, Dr. Parva encourages breast cancer patients to select a team of doctors who works together on a consistent basis as well as to educate oneself about all available treatment options. “Be proactive, ask questions, seek to understand, take your support team with you, and remain hopeful and positive!”
About Behzad Parva, MD
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Westminster College, Dr. Parva earned his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. In addition to being certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is also on the medical staff at Reston Hospital, INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital and Chief of Plastic Surgery at INOVA Loudoun Hospital. Dr. Parva is available for interview upon request.
For more information, visit parvaplasticsurgery.com, facebook.com/parvaplasticsurgery, and plus.google.com/108633040038039769744/about.
Contact:
Parva Plastic Surgery
224-D Cornwall Street Northwest
#300
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 777-7477
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com