I’m a 24 year old that has always been unhappy with my breasts. I also have a fair amount of breast cancer in my family. Is it advisable to have my breast tissue removed and replaced with an implant?
Let’s start with the basics. First, I would have to know exactly what you don’t like about your breasts… is it size, shape, position on your chest wall? Next, we would have to get a good understanding of exactly what you mean about a “fair amount” of breast cancer in your family. What you are referring to is having what is called a “prophylactic mastectomy”… i.e. removing the breast for the “chance” it will at sometime develop cancer and then reconstructing the breast. If you have a strong worry/concern it would be best to visit with a Plastic Surgeon and seek their recommendations which may include referral for genetic testing for certain genes that are known to be higher risk for the development of breast cancer over your lifetime. I would address your concerns about breast cancer first and then discuss a plan for what the next step would be. Find a Plastic Surgeon in your community and visit with them. They can put you on the right path to a good solution. Hope this helps.
It is very important for you to discuss these concerns with your primary care doctor. If you don’t have one, I’d encourage you to find one. They can help you navigate all of the options that are right for you and make referrals to appropriate specialists. As always, early screening helps to allow for early detection and treatment which can improve the outcome. If you have any interest in pursuing breast augmentation I’d encourage you to go the the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss what options are right for you. Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Kathleen Waldorf, MD, FACS
Portland,Oregon
0 Answers
Dr. James Wethe wrote on :
Let’s start with the basics. First, I would have to know exactly what you don’t like about your breasts… is it size, shape, position on your chest wall? Next, we would have to get a good understanding of exactly what you mean about a “fair amount” of breast cancer in your family. What you are referring to is having what is called a “prophylactic mastectomy”… i.e. removing the breast for the “chance” it will at sometime develop cancer and then reconstructing the breast. If you have a strong worry/concern it would be best to visit with a Plastic Surgeon and seek their recommendations which may include referral for genetic testing for certain genes that are known to be higher risk for the development of breast cancer over your lifetime. I would address your concerns about breast cancer first and then discuss a plan for what the next step would be. Find a Plastic Surgeon in your community and visit with them. They can put you on the right path to a good solution. Hope this helps.
DrKathleenWaldorf wrote on :
It is very important for you to discuss these concerns with your primary care doctor. If you don’t have one, I’d encourage you to find one. They can help you navigate all of the options that are right for you and make referrals to appropriate specialists. As always, early screening helps to allow for early detection and treatment which can improve the outcome. If you have any interest in pursuing breast augmentation I’d encourage you to go the the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss what options are right for you. Best of luck!
Sincerely,
Kathleen Waldorf, MD, FACS
Portland,Oregon