Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Serving Denver, Lone Tree, Colorado & Nationwide
Some women have an increased chance of developing breast cancer. While every situation is different, preventative surgery followed by reconstruction may be an ideal option for high-risk individuals. This approach aims to protect a woman’s health while maintaining her sense of wholeness and femininity.
The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery believes in empowering women to make informed decisions about reconstruction. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons will explain your options and develop a plan to move forward.
Call 303-706-1100  to schedule a consultation. We proudly serve Lone Tree, Denver, and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
Factors That Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Gender and age are the main factors that influence breast cancer risk. Most cases of breast cancer are found in women who are 50 or older. However, there are other factors known to increase a woman’s chance of developing the disease. These factors include:
- Inherited gene mutations:Â Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer 1 and 2) genes. Some people inherit a mutation in one or both BRCA genes that increases breast cancer risk. These are the most well-known gene mutations linked to breast cancer, though there are others.
- Personal history:Â A personal history of invasive breast cancer, DCIS, LCIS, or atypical hyperplasia can all raise your breast cancer risk or your risk of second primary breast cancer.
- Family history: Most women diagnosed with breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease. However, family history can increase breast cancer risk. The degree of risk depends on things such as the degree of the relative and their age.
Some factors have a relatively small impact on breast cancer risk. Others, such as having a BRCA1/2 gene mutation, have a significant impact. Women without a BRCA1/2 mutation have roughly a 7 percent chance of getting breast cancer by age 70, while women with the mutation have a 45-65 percent chance.
It is important to talk to your health care provider about your risk of breast cancer. He or she will look at how many risk factors you have and how much each factor increases your overall risk.
Risk-Lowering Prophylactic Mastectomy
Not all women who have breast cancer risk factors get the disease. However, women with a higher than average chance of developing breast cancer should talk to their doctor about ways to lower their risk.
For some women, receiving breast cancer screenings earlier and more frequently than other women may be sufficient. For others, especially those with a high risk, prophylactic mastectomy could make the most sense. While this surgery does not completely protect against breast cancer, it can significantly lower the risk.
Prophylactic Mastectomy and Reconstruction
The choice to undergo breast reconstruction after a preventative mastectomy is very personal. Some women do not pursue reconstruction. However, many find that reconstruction helps restore a sense of normalcy and improves emotional wellbeing.
It is important to know that planning for reconstruction from the moment of your high-risk diagnosis can give you access to the most options. Reconstruction can be done at the same time as prophylactic mastectomy (immediate) or a later date (delayed). Reconstruction can also begin at the time of mastectomy with the intention to complete it later (staged).
Your options for reconstruction after your preventative mastectomy include the use of implants or the use of your own tissue, also known as autologous reconstruction. Our surgeons will explain the benefits and considerations associated with each choice. Minor secondary procedures such as fat grafting and nipple reconstruction can help you achieve the most natural-looking results.
Visit Our Denver Breast Reconstruction Surgeons
Whether you’ve had or are considering prophylactic mastectomy, talk to our surgeons. They will gladly provide recommendations while answering any questions you may have about breast reconstruction.
Call 303-706-1100  to schedule your consultation. The Breast Center Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery serves patients from Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado, as well as across the country.
