Columbia Plastic Surgery K. Dwayne Fulks, M.D. 38401

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Cancer is a devastating experience for women and families. It brings fear and apprehension into a woman's life. Dealing with these fears and the frightening choices can be overwhelming. Many women find great comfort in understanding their reconstructive options. While many women are able to have more conservative breast cancer surgery, others will require a mastectomy. Others will choose mastectomy to avoid having radiation therapy.
Breast Reconstruction
is a wonderful alternative for many patients. These reconstructive options can be performed at the time of the mastectomy (immediate) or at a later time(delayed).
Dr. Fulks has been very active in the care of breast cancer patients throughout his practice. Patients who are contemplating their breast cancer/reconstructive options benefit greatly from discussing their situation with him. It is our goal to provide a full range of reconstructive options for patients and assist patients in making the best decision for their particular situation

Breast Reconstruction can be performed in many different ways and it is our goal to provide you with a good understanding of the procedure options as well as each procedure's advantages and disadvantages. Dr. Fulks will discuss the different options for reconstruction so that you can better understand the advantages and disadvantage of these procedures. TRAM flaps, Latissumus flaps, Tissue Expanders and Alloderm will be less of a mystery after your consultation.

The reconstruction itself consists of multiple operations, the first of which involves creation of the breast mound and is performed during or after mastectomy in a hospital under general anesthesia. Later surgeries, if necessary, may be done in the hospital or an outpatient facility, with either general or local anesthesia.

Women whose cancer seems to have been eradicated with mastectomy are the best candidates for breast reconstruction. Those with health problems such as obesity and high blood pressure and those who smoke are advised to wait. Others prefer to postpone surgery as they come to terms with having cancer, consider the extent of the procedure, or explore alternatives. Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to each of these choices.

It is beyond the scope of this web site to provide a complete description of all the procedures. However, our office will be glad to provide you with additional information and/or arrange for a personal consultation.