Doctors Develop Better Breast Reconstruction

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Although many know breast reconstruction is an option, only 20 to 30 percent of women will opt for the procedure. Now breast reconstruction has changed, making it a more palatable option for women.

Through one of her most difficult times, journaling became part of Bonnie Halliday's therapy.

"I had a suspicious lesion that was about the size of a grape on my right breast. I sort of suspected it was cancer," Halliday said.

She was right. Still, the diagnosis floored her. "I was pretty devastated," she said.

Halliday knew right away that she wanted breast reconstruction.

"I wanted to have matched breasts, so I opted for the most aggressive, and that was to have bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction," she said.

Reconstructive surgeon Kian Samimi supported her decision.

"Breast reconstruction does not change the outcome from the cancer or delay treatment of the cancer," said Samimi, of the University of Arizona in Tucson.

And new techniques make it easier, like one-step implants. Surgeons insert this tissue expander after a mastectomy. Over a few weeks, it's filled with saline.

"The implant is completely filled and the skin is stretched, and then the port, which is attached to the implant with a tubing, can be removed by a small surgery," Samimi said.

Surgeons are also doing away with round implants.

"Most women develop a certain degree of droop, the newer implants have what we call an anatomic shape, which mirrors the other breast much better," he said.

Today Halliday is cancer-free, and she's taking life one day at a time.

Breast reconstruction used to be considered a cosmetic procedure by most insurance companies and many denied it as a benefit to their patients. In 1998, a law was passed that requires insurance companies to cover breast reconstruction for women who have had a mastectomy.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Jo Marie Gellerman
University of Arizona Health Center
P.O. Box 245095
Tucson, AZ 85724
(520) 626-7219
JGellerm@u.arizona.edu

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