A Better Life Post-Breast Cancer - Why Dr. Capizzi Prefers "Direct to Implant" Reconstruction
Double board-certified cosmetic surgeon raises awareness among mastectomy patients of one-stop reconstruction surgery, post-surgery quality of life issues
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, the choices that affect survivors' quality of life post-treatment should not be overlooked. Women who choose mastectomy (removal of the breast(s)) should be aware that breast reconstruction methods have advanced greatly in recent years, and ask their oncologist for a referral to a trusted cosmetic surgeon to go over all of their options. In addition, vaginal issues post-surgery (whether mastectomy or lumpectomy) can now be addressed with non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation.
"The type of post-mastectomy reconstruction method used can have a big impact on life after breast cancer. As a cosmetic surgeon specializing in breasts, I recommend "direct to implant," meaning this surgery takes place immediately after the mastectomy instead of in a separate surgery weeks later," advises Dr. Peter Capizzi, double board-certified cosmetic surgeon and lead of the Capizzi MD practice. "Like any procedure, the decision to use direct to implant needs to be made on a case by case basis in consultation with each patient's medical team, but I feel strongly that mastectomy patients should be made aware that this is one of their options."
Mastectomy is increasingly chosen by breast cancer patients over lumpectomy plus radiation1, based on factors including a lower chance of the cancer returning and the appeal of eliminating the need for radiation. In either case, many breast cancer survivors experience vaginal issues post-treatment including dryness and difficult intercourse, which they are unable to treat with hormone replacement therapy due to post-cancer risk.
Notes Dr. Capizzi, "Breast cancer treatment shouldn't stop at surgery; quality of life issues, including vaginal dryness, should be addressed to allow patients to fully reclaim their bodies. My practice recommends diVa™ Laser Vaginal Therapy, a non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation treatment that produces results after just one session. In recognition of the needs of post-cancer patients, I'm donating a round of diVa treatment to one of my post-mastectomy reconstruction patients, in cooperation with Sciton, the makers of diVa."
"Having worked in the medical field, I knew enough to get started on researching my post-mastectomy reconstruction options, and to advocate for a referral to a cosmetic surgeon, but not every woman knows what questions to ask" said Diana Castleberry, breast cancer survivor and Capizzi MD patient. "I feel this is the beginning of a new era of breast reconstruction in women – we should have options presented to us! For me, direct to implant meant keeping my nipples, keeping my skin, not having to go through two surgeries or radiation. Now I have the freedom of moving forward with my life, of not dreading every mammogram, of knowing I'll be here to watch my grandchildren grow – and I'm whole."
1BreastCancer.org, 2016
About Dr. Peter Capizzi, M.D.
A nationally renowned, widely published leader in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Peter J. Capizzi is regarded as the preeminent choice for surgeries and cosmetic procedures of the breast and body. He has performed over 7,000 breast augmentations, with a patient satisfaction rate of over 90 percent, including over 2,100 of the innovative "Gummy Bear" shaped implants.
Dr. Capizzi completed his plastic surgery training at the renowned Mayo Clinic and is double-board certified in both plastic and general surgery. To learn more about Dr. Capizzi and the CapizziMD practice, visit www.capizzimd.com, and join the discussion on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact: Ariane Doud, Warner Communications
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SOURCE Dr. Peter Capizzi, M.D.
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