Hidden ScarTM is an advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars, minimizing the daily emotional reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis. Hidden ScarTM breast cancer surgery allows the surgical oncologist to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in an inconspicuous area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring. This technique also allows the plastic surgeon to create breast reconstruction results comparable to those of cosmetic breast surgery.
Breast Reconstruction
When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, surgery is typically part of her treatment plan. And breast surgery can have a tremendous impact on a woman - both physically and emotionally. Physicians at CHI Memorial understand the needs of breast cancer patients and work together to make treatment as seamless as possible.
As part of this collaborative approach, the breast surgeon and reconstructive surgeon work as a team, planning the surgery to provide the best medical and cosmetic outcomes. Although the primary goal is to remove the cancer, how a woman feels about herself after surgery is also very important. Breast surgery can influence a woman’s self-confidence and self-esteem. It can serve as a reminder of her cancer. Breast surgeons work closely with reconstructive surgeons to provide patients the best cosmetic outcome possible.
As a designated Breast Center of Excellence, experts at the MaryEllen Locher Breast Center offer a number of other advanced breast reconstruction options.
Innovative reconstruction options
Oncoplastic reconstruction is an innovative technique performed on women who require a large lumpectomy and may be a candidate for breast reduction. It involves removing the cancer and sculpting the remaining tissue to form a smaller, natural - looking breast.
Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) involves use of skin grafts to begin reconstruction immediately after surgery. It increases the amount of tissue initially available to fill with saline. As a result, women wake up with breasts instead of waiting for weeks or months before the procedure can be performed.
Fat injections involve taking fat from another area of the woman’s own body, such as the abdomen, and using it to correct breast imperfections. The technique is typically used after lumpectomy. Some studies show that these injections, which live and grow, can also help soften areas of skin damaged by radiation.
Tailored silicone implants allow the reconstructive surgeon to better match a woman’s implant with the natural shape of her breast. In the past, surgeons were limited to only one shape of implant.