Podcast: Breast Surgery and Reconstruction During COVID-19

Moderators

Breast Surgery and Reconstruction During COVID-19

April 3, 2020

Dr. Julie Sprunt is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Surgeons who specializes in breast surgery, treating all breast conditions. After receiving her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center, she did her residency in general surgery at the University of Texas at Austin and completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Southern California.

Dr. Elisabeth Potter is a board-certified plastic surgeon who received her medical degree from Emory University. She completed her plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and her reconstructive plastic surgery and microsurgery fellowship at MD Anderson. Dr. Potter specializes in autologous breast reconstruction and has performed more than 750 DIEP flap surgeries.

Drs. Potter and Sprunt work as a team to treat breast cancer and then reconstruction a woman's breast or breasts.

Many people diagnosed with breast cancer are concerned because their breast cancer surgery or reconstruction surgery has been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen to the podcast to hear Drs. Potter and Sprunt explain:

• why many breast cancer surgeries can be safely delayed
• the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommendations for treatment during COVID-19
• the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommendations for reconstruction during COVID-19
• what they want people who have been diagnosed with breast to know about breast surgery and reconstruction during COVID-19

Running time: 23:45

Listen now or read the transcript.

motoroto

I had invasive ductal carcinoma, which they told me was common, and there was a "protocol". So going through breast cancer with DMX, chemo and implants felt like being on an assembly line. "Immediate reconstruction" was what everyone seemed to agree was best. They glossed over the down side, because I was young "of course" I should do this for self esteem. They really made it sound like I would have breasts again. Expanders and implants are uncomfortable and look wierd, and I had the most reputable docs in New York! No one tells you most women need revisions. No one tells you how tight your chest feels, permanently.....Covid has delayed the explant I now so desperately want. I am grateful it's not active cancer. Still, if good flat closure had been presented as a real option, instead of the oversell for "reconstruction" , I would be truly done today instead of having to go back into surgery, on top of all the other Covid19 stress.

motoroto

My explant has been delayed because of the pandemic. I wish I never had implants. Wish someone had told me they could make me look ok flat.I hate all this extra surgery because of the plastic surgery myth of rebuilding breasts. They can't.No form of reconstruction is getting your breasts back. Even with the "best" doctors.

MinusTwo

motoroto

I wish you the best with your explant and going flat. I am very happy with my implants, and have been for almost 10 years now. I could never be flat. Each of us has to make our own decisions.

motoroto

For sure my decision was to be happy with them.That was the plan.That is why I chose to have them. But it did not work out for me, and here I am today. Please understand I dont want to say what anyone else should do. I just am stuck with an uncomfortable,distorted chest until...more surgery. I have to get fresh scars. I wanted reconstruction. This is not a great place to be.

motoroto

For sure my decision was to be happy with them.That was the plan.That is why I chose to have them. But it did not work out for me, and here I am today. Please understand I dont want to say what anyone else should do. I just am stuck with an uncomfortable,distorted chest until...more surgery. it isnnot a great place to be.