Seattle Plastic Surgery Practice Sees Steady Demand for Breast Reconstruction

In tough economic times, plastic surgeons across the country are beginning to see a decline in the demand for elective cosmetic procedures. Breast reconstruction, however, plays an important role in the health and emotional well-being of women with breast cancer and Dr. Wandra Miles continues to see steady demand for the procedure at her plastic surgery practice in Seattle.

Seattle, Washington (December 2008) — As 2008 draws to a close, people all across the country are feeling the pinch and most everyone is making necessary adjustments in how they spend their money. While cosmetic surgery tends to exhibit a natural ebb and flow according to how the economy is doing, according to Dr. Wandra Miles, breast cancer work and reconstructive procedures at her plastic surgery practice in Seattle will continue to be important even in tough economic times.

"Even though we're all going to have to make some sacrifices as we deal with the current economic conditions, when it comes to your health, you should never have to make sacrifices or compromises," says Dr. Miles. "Breast reconstruction is important because of the role it plays in the healing process for women battling breast cancer."

Women choose breast reconstruction in Seattle for much more than cosmetic improvement. Breast reconstruction following a mastectomy serves an important medical role in the restoration of a woman's health and emotional well-being. While surgeons may see a decline in demand for other more "cosmetic" procedures such as breast augmentation and liposuction, Dr. Miles doesn't expect to see much change in the need for reconstructive procedures, including breast reconstruction.

"A woman's breasts are a symbol of her womanhood and femininity, and even though a mastectomy represents an important milestone in the battle against breast cancer, successful treatment is often overshadowed by the pain of losing a breast," adds Dr. Miles, who performs breast enhancement for Seattle women in addition to reconstruction. "Plastic surgery to reconstruct a breast lost to mastectomy is one of the most rewarding procedures I perform because I get to help women who have been through so much regain their self-confidence and happiness."

There are a number of choices that breast reconstruction patients have to make when planning their procedure. Some women choose to have the procedure performed at the same time as their mastectomy, while others opt to focus on the cancer treatment first and the reconstruction process later. One reconstruction method involves the use of tissue expanders and implants. The other common method uses a flap of tissue from the patient's back or abdomen to rebuild the breast. Dr. Miles sometimes recommends a separate breast enhancement procedure for her Seattle patients in order to create symmetry between the patient's remaining breast and her new breast.

For many women with breast cancer, undergoing a mastectomy is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging experiences they'll ever go through. Choosing a surgeon who is well-qualified and highly experienced should be a top priority for any breast reconstruction patient, and most women are looking for a surgeon who can help them cope with the emotional hurdles that come along with the mastectomy and reconstruction process as well.

"In difficult times like these, it is especially important that we remember to take care of ourselves and do what we can to stay healthy," says Dr. Miles. "No matter where the economy takes us, I'm happy to be able to continue offering high-quality reconstructive procedures to my patients."


Dr. Wandra Miles offers her Seattle and Alaska plastic surgery patients a full menu of procedures for the breasts, body, and face. She also offers a range of non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments and products. Request a consultation to learn more about breast reconstruction and the options available for women battling breast cancer.

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