For women who have undergone surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment, breast reconstruction surgery is utilized to rebuild the shape and look of the breast.
Breast reconstruction procedures have many different types and options. Some are performed at the same time of the patient’s mastectomy, while others are done after cancer surgery.
Procedure Length: Varies by patient
Anesthesia: Usually General Anesthetic but varies with procedure
Recovery: Varies by patient
Completing your journey to recovery.
Through years of experience, Dr. Cluett understands the path someone has taken to bring them to have to undergo a mastectomy or lumpectomy. Cancer treatment procedures can involve any number of treatments including surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, all of which can alter the composition of the breasts. Breast reconstruction aims to address the effects of these treatments and be a part of your journey post-cancer. Breast reconstruction is often performed not long after breast cancer surgery, or it may be carried out months or even years later.
What is Breast Reconstruction surgery?
Breast reconstruction involves reconstructing the breast either using an artificial implant, tissue rotated or relocated from another part of your body, or both. Breast reconstruction is surgery performed to make the breast look and feel as natural as possible after all or part of it has been removed.
The decision to have breast reconstruction surgery is very personal. Should breast reconstruction be the recommended approach after your consult with Dr. Cluett, a plan will be created specific to your individual needs. During your consult, you will have the opportunity to tell your story so Dr. Cluett can better understand your desired results and create an approach that fits your needs.
Surgical Implants
After your breast reconstruction consultation, Dr. Cluett will help you understand which approach to breast reconstruction she would recommend along with the safest approaches pre-op and post-op to achieve optimal results. Should breast implants be recommended, Dr. Cluett and her team will outline your options and start you on a surgical plan that both makes you feel comfortable and puts you on the best path along your journey.
One-On-One Consult
Dr. Cluett starts every patient relationship with a one-on-one consult to listen and fully understand your motivations, to create a reconstruction procedure plan that makes you feel confident while at the same time making your safety, health and wellbeing the priority. It’s during your consult that you’ll have the opportunity to tell your story, express your motivations and expectations, and work with Dr. Cluett to take steps towards completing your procedural plan.
Book a consultation with Dr. Cluett
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you are considering Breast Surgery or Abdominoplasty, your plastic surgery treatment will require that you make important decisions. Dr. Cluett wants to help you feel educated about your choices and has provided a list of frequently asked questions below.
Where Will Your Procedure Take Place?
Your initial consult will take place in Dr. Cluett’s office at 7 Paton Street, The Health Sciences Centre, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, or Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre. Your surgical procedure will take place in a fully-equipped and safe surgical facility. These medical centres bring with them a team of specialized health care practitioners with training and experience specific to these types of procedures. Your safety is key to the success of a procedure.
what about pre-op and aftercare?
Dr. Cluett will work to ensure your path to recovery is as smooth and short as possible. Your recovery will be unique to you, your body, and your surgical procedure, that’s why each patient needs a custom recovery programme. After your procedure, Dr. Cluett will meet with you to review your specific needs and recommended aftercare. Throughout the recovery process, should you have any questions, you can always call Dr. Cluett’s St. John’s office and her team will be able to provide you with answers, or schedule a follow up appointment.
Is a referral required for a consultation with Dr. Cluett?
Some consultations will be covered by MCP if you are referred by another physician. If you wish to avoid obtaining a referral it is possible to see Dr. Cluett. This will involve a one-time consultation fee.
Will my treatment be coverable by MCP?
If the concern you have is considered “cosmetic” by MCP standards, your treatment will not be covered. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if your treatment will be covered, is to see Dr. Cluett in consultation. After assessing your concerns, she will advise you as to whether or not MCP will cover your procedure based on your history as well as your physical problems.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Debit or cash. We are as well associated with Ifinance Medicard which is a company accustomed to financing cosmetic procedures. We will provide you with the necessary contact information so you can further investigate this option if requested.
Why should I choose a Plastic Surgeon for my cosmetic procedure?
A Plastic Surgeon is a surgical specialist who has completed a minimum of 5 years of study and training in plastic surgery after receiving their initial medical degree. This is different from a cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Cluett is the only female plastic surgeon in Newfoundland and Labrador.