Saint Mary's Hospital Provides Advanced Options for Breast Reconstruction

WATERBURY, Conn. -- As the nation kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness month, Saint Mary’s Hospital is pleased to announce it now offers the latest advancements in breast reconstruction and implants, opening the door to a wider array of options for local patients recovering from breast cancer surgery. Recently joining Saint Mary’s Hospital’s team of specialized surgeons, Wess Cohen, M.D., Plastic Surgeon, is providing patients the full array of the latest breast reconstruction options. Dr. Cohen is known for tailoring his reconstructive approach to the individual, offering a personalized aesthetic approach to each patient.

With the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) most recent alert on breast implants, many women are looking for different and safer alternatives. Among the more recent techniques available to patients is autologous tissue transfer. This is a popular option for patients because it is long-lasting without breast implants. Sometimes called a flap reconstruction, it can be performed at the same time as a mastectomy or after a mastectomy. The tissue used in this surgery may come from the belly, back, buttocks, or inner thighs. As a fellowship-trained microsurgeon, Dr. Cohen transfers tissue from one part of the body to the chest utilizing a microscope to remake a natural appearing and feeling breast. Breast reconstruction has been shown to improve patient satisfaction and self-confidence. Additionally, for women who have undergone breast reconstruction in the past, Dr. Cohen employs various techniques to improve their cosmetic result and decrease any discomfort they may have.

Another advancement is the less invasive, implant-free breast augmentation. This procedure utilizes existing body fat from other parts of the body like the abdomen, thighs, or love-handles. Fat is removed through liposuction, processed in the operating room by discarding the fluid portion leaving purified fat, and then re-injected evenly throughout the breast tissues. This procedure has few complications and patients can return to their regular activities within 48 hours. Dr. Cohen is also able to combine fat grafting with implants on occasion, so patients can experience the benefits of fat transfer and breast augmentation.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)/Plastic Surgery Foundation, in 2018, 40% of women who underwent mastectomy had reconstruction, that’s approximately 101,600 women in the U.S.

Breast reconstruction surgery is a personal decision made in careful discussions with a patient’s physician. It is important to ask the surgeon about the benefits and risk factors that accompany each option. For more information about these breast reconstruction options or to make an appointment please call Dr. Cohen’s office at (203) 709-8729 or visit www.trinityhealthofne.org/cosmetics.