Improved Breast Reconstruction Results with Modern Day Mastectomy
Virginia plastic surgeon Behzad Parva, MD discusses how the skin and nipple-sparing approach to mastectomy can help breast reconstruction patients achieve better, more natural-looking outcomes.
Leesburg, VA — According to Dr. Behzad Parva, a board certified plastic surgeon in Loudoun County, VA, advancements made in mastectomy techniques over the years have led to greatly improved breast reconstruction results for many breast cancer patients. In the past, he says, the mastectomy procedure would involve the removal of skin in addition to breast tissue, often leaving women with limited or no reconstructive options. Today, however, he notes that modern approaches to mastectomy are designed to preserve more breast skin, helping to achieve a more natural-appearing breast following reconstruction.
Two modern mastectomy techniques that can be exceptionally effective include the skin-sparing mastectomy and nipple-sparing mastectomy, states Dr. Parva. A skin-sparing mastectomy removes the nipple but preserves much of the breast skin, he explains, which can lead to a more natural shape for the reconstructed breast. Similarly, a nipple-sparing mastectomy goes one step further in preserving the nipple/areola. Regarding the benefits of the nipple-sparing approach, Dr. Parva says, “Preserving more breast skin during mastectomy, particularly the central projection breast skin, will help create a better breast shape, and preserving the nipple-areolar complex can result in the appearance of a natural and healthy breast.”
Despite which of the two mastectomy techniques is employed, the Loudoun county plastic surgeon notes that patients can choose to have their breast(s) reconstructed using tissue flaps or breast implants. He explains that flap reconstruction involves the use of the patient’s own tissues – harvested from the abdomen, buttocks, and/or back – to rebuild the breast mound. In contrast, implant reconstruction requires the use of saline, traditional silicone, or anatomically shaped cohesive gel implants to recreate the breast mound. “While each implant type and shape can achieve exceptional results for the right patient,” writes Dr. Parva in a recent blog post, “we have found at my practice that anatomically shaped cohesive gel implants are able to create the most natural-looking outcomes in many instances.”
Ultimately, Dr. Parva states that the modern mastectomy has truly made a difference in the way many breast cancer patients view their treatment options. In fact, he notes that more women are now choosing bilateral mastectomies, which can result in a very symmetrical reconstruction. Regardless of what the individual has in mind when initially diagnosed with breast cancer, he strongly recommends a coordinated surgical approach that includes a board certified plastic surgeon from the start in order to optimize the opportunity for achieving the best possible outcome in both treatment and reconstruction.
About Behzad Parva, MD
Graduating in the top 10% of this class, Dr. Parva obtained his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine. Subsequently, he completed his Residency in General Surgery at Temple University Hospital and his Residency in Plastic Surgery at Indiana University Medical Center. Dr. Parva is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and he is a member of several esteemed medical organizations, including both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. At Parva Plastic Surgery, he offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments for the face, breasts, and body, as well as several advanced breast reconstruction procedures.
To learn more, visit parvaplasticsurgery.com, plus.google.com/108633040038039769744/about, and facebook.com/parvaplasticsurgery. Dr. Parva is available for interview upon request.
Contact:
Parva Plastic Surgery
224-D Cornwall Street Northwest
#300
Leesburg, VA 20176
(703) 777-7477
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com