BREAST RECONSTRUCTION in Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah

Modern surgical technology makes it possible to construct a natural-looking breast after mastectomy (breast removal) for cancer or other diseases. The procedure is commonly begun and sometimes completed immediately following mastectomy, so that the patient wakes with a new breast mound instead of no breast at all. Alternatively, reconstruction may begin years after mastectomy.

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.

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.

There are several ways to reconstruct the breast, both with and without implants; Dr. McMillan will work together with you in deciding which is the best for you.

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BREAST ASYMMETRY in Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah

Many women are born with breasts that are uneven in size and shape, which may or may not be noticeable to others. These differences in breasts are often undetectable to patients themselves, causing no problems at all, while other women can have obvious asymmetry, which can cause both an unbalanced appearance and emotional distress.

Asymmetric breasts can be corrected through surgery that either enlarging the smaller breast or reducing the larger one. An implant can be placed in smaller breasts or a breast reduction can be performed on larger breasts. If the nipples appear at different heights, surgery can relocate one or both of the nipples.

All of these options produce breasts that are more similar in appearance, working with each woman's unique body to achieve the best possible results. Creating a more balanced appearance can help improve physical balance, self-confidence and body image.

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BREAST IMPLANT REVISION, REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT in Bellevue, Kirkland and Issaquah

Breast augmentation surgery (breast enlargement / breast enhancement) carries many of the same risks associated with other types of surgeries, such as adverse reactions to anesthesia, post-operative bleeding (hematoma), infection, swelling, fluid accumulation (seroma), redness, and pain. However, there are short- and long-term complications specific to breast implants that all breast augmentation patients should be aware of.

As with any cosmetic surgery, the results of breast augmentation may not meet your expectations. Reasons for feeling dissatisfied may include implant size, scarring, wrinkling, asymmetry, and implant displacement (shifting). These results can be minimized with pre-surgical counseling, careful surgical planning, and possible correction with additional surgery. Talk to Dr. McMillan before you undergo breast augmentation to ensure that you have realistic expectations for your implant.

Because breast implants are prone to these and other complications as well as simple wear and tear over time, it is incredibly important that all breast augmentation patients have check-ups every few years after surgery to ensure that their breasts and implants are healthy. These should include physical examination as well as imaging with ultrasound, MRI or mammography. In addition, most augmentation patients will need follow-up surgery at some point in their lives to replace their aging implants with new ones. 

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