What kind of doctor is best for BMX w/o reconstruction?

I had a uni MX, also did not want reconstruction, but I had a breast surgeon specializing in cancer patients do it.  You don't need a plastic surgeon, as far as I know, if you don't want reconstruction.

If the general surgeon has done MANY MXs with good results, you will probably be fine. I'm sure other women who have gone through this will chime in.

If at all possible, I would try to have the surgery done by a breast surgeon. The rule of thumb with surgeons is that the more they do of a particular kind of surgery, the better they are at it. Not that general surgeons or oncological surgeons can't do a good job (I'm glad bayareamom had good results), but your best bet is to find a breast surgeon. But it's also important to tell the breast surgeon that you want the best cosmetic result possible--symmetrical incisions, no extra skin left. Some breast surgeons push for reconstruction, so are not geared toward the cosmetics of non-reconstruction.

Perhaps another option for you would be to have a general surgeon do the mastectomy, with a plastic surgeon on hand to close up and insure a good cosmetic result. This is sometimes done. That way, you would be less likely to end up with so-called dog ears, or with lumpy or uneven incisions. 

I had a breast surgeon do my bmx and made sure to ask her beforehand for the best cosmetic result she could achieve. I did wind up with very symmetrical incisions, no extra skin, no dog ears, no extra tissue left under my arms. This made my psychological recovery easier and has also made it easier to wear breast forms and bras comfortably.

I had my BMX done by a general surgeon who does a lot of mastectomies (he was doing three the day I had mine) and lumpectomies.  He is the surgeon that all doctors in the area refer their patients to for breast work.

My results were great.  When I finally decided to do reconstruction, my plastic surgeon asked who did my mastectomies after the tissue expander surgery because the mastectomy work, in his words, was "Top notch." 

It sounds like you've previously had a lumpectomy?  Who did that surgery?  Were you happy with that experience?

As others have said, a very experienced breast (only) surgeon would be my first choice, and it looks like there are a couple of places in MI that have top-notch comprehensive cancer centers:

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers2.html

I'd be inclined to go with one of them --  or at least get an opinion at one of them -- just to be sure all your bases are covered re. thoroughness, aethetic outcome, and any possible options such as nipple sparing, if that might be of interest to you.  Good luck!  Deanna  

I totally concur with Erica. 

My BMX, no recon, was done by a surgeon specializing only in breast oncology surgery at a university cancer center.  He operates 3 days a week, does multiple operations each day and has been doing so for twenty plus years now.  So, he's experienced. (and sometimes cranky!)

My results are really good, nice scars, symmetric, no extra tissue, no overly tight tissue, no pain (ever), no range of motion issues and thus far, no signs of lymphedema.  

 I really feel like I owe this guy, he did a great job.  I figure his experience made a difference. 

You can also call a plastic surgeon who does reconstruction to see if there is a surgeon they recommend who does a good job.  Sometimes the "back door" approach can give good results.

I had a general sugeon who specializes in breast surgeries. If you are not getting reconstruction, I don't see the need for a plastic surgeon. I guess, for me, experience is a key factor. My surgeon had years and years and was very patient oriented ( as much a  surgeon who never had breast cancer could be....).