11 Jun Angelina Jolie’s Recent Bilateral Mastectomy
Bilateral Mastectomy – Weighing the Options
Angelina Jolie has brought prophylactic mastectomies to the forefront of national attention. Her courageous decision to share her story mirrors what thousands of other women have already or are deciding to do — taking back control of their lives.
Genetic Conditions and Bilateral Mastectomy
Genetic conditions, such as BRCA mutations, can increase a woman or man’s risk of different forms of cancer — most notably, breast cancer. Women with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene can have up to an 80 percent risk of developing breast cancer by age 90, and also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer. These statistics have forced women to take action. The number of prophylactic mastectomies (mastectomies done in the absence of breast cancer) has increased dramatically in the past decade and continues to gain popularity with my breast cancer patients. The number of bilateral mastectomies performed has increased on average 17 percent per year since the late 1990s. They represented 4.4 percent of total mastectomies in 1998 and increased to 22.4 percent by 2008.
This sharp rise in prophylactic and bilateral mastectomies is happening for many reasons. First, women have more information now and are speaking openly with their doctors about this surgery. We have better statistics and understanding of the genetic mutations, which allow the patient and doctor to make better, more informed decisions.
Secondly, I am seeing younger patients who, statistically, choose to undergo breast reconstruction more commonly than older women.
Finally, there have been enormous advances in breast reconstruction over the past several decades and every year, plastic surgeons are striving to provide better results to their patients. Techniques continue to evolve and improve, as do the implant devices that we often use in reconstruction. Within the past year, two of the three major implant companies in the United States have had a newer generation implant approved by the FDA and placed on the market. These implants are made of a more cohesive gel and are anatomically shaped to resemble a more natural breast. Coined the “gummy-bear implant,” these implants hold their shape more than conventional implants — an important characteristic after a mastectomy in which a great majority of supporting tissues of the breast have been removed.
As a physician, I am grateful for women like Angelina Jolie who have the strength to discuss these important and very personal decisions. I am blessed to meet women just like her every day in my office. Breast cancer is going to affect every woman in some way. Maybe it’s a family member or a friend or a co-worker. Maybe it’s you. Either way, I am devoted to making you look and feel whole again.
About Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon Dr. Parson
Learn more about the team working with Scottsdale Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Parson including breast surgery, facial procedures, body contouring, injectable fillers, laser resurfacing, and revision procedures. Contact us today with questions or if you’re ready for a consultation.