A Special Kind Of Makeover

Plastic surgeon restores self-image and confidence for women facing breast surgery

For women who are undergoing surgery for breast cancer, restoring their health is always the top priority. But for many, their appearance following cancer surgery can also be a valid concern. At the UHS Breast Center, specialists are available to guide women in their decision-making around this important aspect of their cancer journey.

Omotinuwe Adepoju, MD, UHS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, specializes in breast reconstruction surgery. Before they have their cancer surgery, Dr. Adepoju consults with patients to ensure they have plenty of time to consider their options and understand the requirements for any elective surgery. She explains that while the cancer surgery must be done as quickly as possible, the reconstruction surgery can often be planned on a longer timeline, especially if there are any health risks that need to be addressed, such as quitting smoking or controlling diabetes.

Planning for reconstruction will take into account the extent of the surgery—a lumpectomy, single mastectomy or double mastectomy—and whether a patient will need radiation therapy in addition to surgery.

“If a patient is having a lumpectomy, I don’t necessarily get involved unless the patient and the surgeon feel it might change the shape of the breast,” says Dr. Adepoju. “In the case of a mastectomy, they automatically will get referred to me if the patient is interested in plastic surgery. Oftentimes, I can start the reconstruction process on the same day as the breast cancer surgery.”

Dr. Adepoju explains to patients the options of having tissue taken from elsewhere in the body to rebuild the breast or selecting an implant filled with silicone or saline. The patient may also choose whether to begin the reconstruction process immediately or delay it by months or even years.

Omotinuwe Adepoju, MD, consults with a patient about her preferences for breast surgery.

“There’s no time limit,” says Dr. Adepoju. “Let’s say someone has a mastectomy, and they decide that they don’t want to have reconstruction. If the patient changes their mind five years down the road, the laws are written so that health insurance must cover that reconstruction regardless of when it is done. That way, patients don’t feel like they have to have this surgery now or it’ll be considered cosmetic. It’s never cosmetic—it’s always reconstructive.”

Ultimately, Dr. Adepoju encourages patients to do what is best for them. “Breast reconstruction does not replace their own breast; it’s not going to be the same as what they had before, but it helps restore some sort of normalcy to their lifestyle. When they come to see me, I tell them that I will try to guide them the best I can medically. I’m here to support them through whatever decision they make, so if their option is to go flat, that is absolutely okay. And if they choose to do something in the future, that’s okay, too.”