Breast Reconstruction For NJ

Restore a Feminine Chest After Cancer or Trauma

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, affecting one in eight women. Improvements in breast cancer screening have led breast cancer being detected at an earlier stage. The most advanced cancer treatment today embraces interdisciplinary care and relies on a team of specialists. The breast cancer team most often includes the radiologist, breast surgeon, oncologist, and plastic surgeon, as well as the radiation oncologist when necessary. There are greater surgical options for women today, including breast conservation with radiation, or mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Over the last 30 years, there has been a tremendous push by plastic surgeons towards an emphasis on breast aesthetics—that is, maintaining or creating a soft, realistic, and aesthetically appealing breast. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction in NJ continues to be a safe and effective option, and the possibility of a beautiful cosmetic outcome should be a realistic expectation.

Dr. Caroline Glicksman’s Breast Reconstruction Training and Experience

Dr. Glicksman completed her plastic and reconstructive surgical training in breast reconstruction at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York. Although she has extensive training in the various techniques for reconstruction, her area of expertise is breast reconstruction with the use of tissue expansion either as a staged procedure or as a “direct to implant reconstruction.”

Breast Reconstruction Planning and Patient Education

The first encounter with a plastic surgeon after a woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer is often very stressful. During this initial consultation, decisions are made with respect to the timing of surgery and the type of breast reconstruction. In the case of unilateral cancers (one breast affected), decisions need to be made about the opposite breast. Patient education and the management of expectations are the hallmark of an experienced reconstructive surgeon, assuring that there are no surprises after breast reconstruction has been initiated. As a specialist in breast reconstruction and revision reconstruction, Dr. Glicksman believes that a well-educated patient will make better long-term decisions. Dr. Glicksman also has vast experience with all currently available breast implants, including the shaped highly cohesive gels and new round silicone gel implants with increased gel fill.

Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Careful tissue-based planning helps to avoid oversized breast implants and many of the complications that are the causes of unnecessary revision surgery. Based on her years of experience, Dr. Glicksman spends considerable time with her preoperative patients obtaining detailed measurements, photographs, and 3D simulations when possible. Preoperative planning for unilateral breast cancers may be slightly more involved.

Every Patient. Every Visit.

Dr. Glicksman is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been committed to delivering expert, state-of-the-art care for her patients for over 25 years. The doctor performs all of her own consultations, procedures, and treatments and does not use “practice extenders” to care for her patients.

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Breast reconstruction aims to create two symmetrical breasts. The patient should consider if she is happy with her remaining breast, or would like to consider a lift, reduction, or possibly an augmentation to achieve better symmetry with her reconstructed breast. Most often a tissue expander is placed at the time of the planned mastectomy, followed by several weeks of expansion. This first stage is then followed by a second procedure to replace the tissue expander with a long-lasting gel implant. All of the currently available implants will be offered, but usually Dr. Glicksman prefers the newest generation of form stable highly cohesive gel implants, also known as “Gummy Bears” for reconstruction. She is uniquely qualified, as she has been using the highly cohesive shaped breast implants for breast reconstruction since 2005. Finally, additional procedures such as fat grafting, nipple-areola reconstruction, and minor scar revisions may complete the reconstruction.

Your Rights to Breast Reconstruction Education and Surgery

Since 1991, Dr. Glicksman has been a leading force in the fight to mandate insurance coverage for all stages of breast reconstruction. Although reconstructive surgery following mastectomy is a federal law, as detailed in the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, individual policies vary and patients may encounter many difficulties obtaining reimbursement. Our office staff is extremely knowledgeable in assisting patients through the process.