October is breast cancer awareness month with the color pink appearing almost everywhere. As an Atlanta plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Hunter Moyer understands firsthand the effects of breast cancer and is dedicated to educating patients about their available breast reconstruction options.

Dr. Moyer wants to stress to all patients that they have options.  Many women choose breast reconstruction as a healing step in their journey to restore their physical appearance. Reconstruction can either be immediate and performed at the same time as a mastectomy or delayed until after a mastectomy or other cancer treatments are completed. During the procedure, Dr. Moyer will rebuild the breast mound, recreate the nipple and/or areola, and reposition breasts to improve symmetry.

Breast reconstruction can be performed using implants, tissue expanders, and tissue flaps. Tissue expanders are usually required for reconstruction to gradually expand tissue on the chest wall to cover and support an implant or flap. Like breast augmentation, there are saline, silicone, and highly cohesive “gummy bear” implants available to enhance the appearance of breasts.

Another option, tissue flaps, harvests healthy fat, skin, and muscle from other areas of the body to reconstruct the breast. At Atlanta Plastic Surgery, Dr. Moyer has refined reconstructive flap techniques including the latissimus flap, DIEP technique, and TRAM flap technique. Dr. Moyer and his medical team will discuss each of these options and counsel patients to which option is best suited based on body structure, amount of healthy tissue available, and overall aesthetic goals.

Throughout October, many organizations and reconstructive surgeons participate in breast cancer awareness events to help further educate and raise proceeds towards breast cancer research. To learn more about your reconstructive options or other plastic surgery procedures, please contact our office today. Be sure to connect with Dr. Moyer on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest updates.