The weather is cooling down and the leaves are changing. It’s time for tea, sweaters and cool morning walks. Will you join us this Saturday, October 8th? It’s a free event (you can donate if you’d like) and you can join our team here or visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/ReGenesisPlasticSurgery. Meet the ReGenesis team in front of the radio stations by Sherwood Park at 10:15 and we’ll all walk together as a team. Bring your family, grandkids, cousins or just come as yourself to support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d share information on new options we can provide in breast reconstruction. Most commonly known breast reconstruction has been performed by placing a tissue expander and breast implant behind the chest muscle (pectoral muscle) after the mastectomy is been performed, known as sub-pectoral breast reconstruction. However, a newer option for reconstruction is available called pre-pectoral (over muscle) breast reconstruction. This progressive yet simple option allows the breast expander to be placed on top of the chest muscle. The expander is covered exclusively by the biologic mesh and then the incisions are closed. The cosmetic results are the same in each type of reconstruction pre-pectoral (over muscle) vs sub-pectoral (under muscle) placement of expander however the biggest benefit is significantly reduced pain with the pre-pectoral option. Patients require less pain medication initially and are off their pain medication earlier which helps them recover more quickly! Another option is breast cancer surgery is Nipple Sparing Mastectomy or NSM.  A traditional mastectomy included removing the nipple and the surrounding skin, resulting in the need for nipple reconstruction. Recently, NSM has gained popularity as an option for mastectomy. Generally, small tumors, masses with adequate distance from the nipple, or prophylactic/risk-reduction mastectomies are considered candidates for NSM. This can result in a more natural appearance of the reconstructed breast, as well as improved esthetics. While not all patients are candidates for this type of procedure, the indications are expanding so talk to your breast surgeon about NSM and see if it a potential option for you.

Our next free dinner seminar will be in Montrose on Tuesday, October 18th at Remington’s at the Bridges Golf Club from 6-8pm. Please RSVP to Rebecca at 970-261-6239. Our expert surgeons will talk about different options available such as face rejuvenation, breast and body procedures and you’ll enjoy dinner in an intimate setting. Bring your girlfriends for a night out, on us, but RSVP because seating is limited.

For your upcoming appointment during this month, bring your unwanted, gently-used bras to donate to women at the Latimer House. It’s a small way to give back.

Take good care,
Dr. Pitcher, Dr. Swelstad & Dr. Hartshorn