Dr. Cooper is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha in 2001, completed his general surgery residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle in 2006, and completed his residency in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis in 2008. Dr. Cooper has a broad spectrum of interest within plastic surgery, both cosmetic and reconstructive. Outside of his surgical practice, Dr. Cooper enjoys sailing and spending time with his wife and two sons.
On Breast reconstruction:
Why is breast reconstruction important for women after a fight with breast cancer?
There are a number of different reasons. From an emotional and physical standpoint, many women feel more complete after reconstruction. Surgery can also help women fi t more comfortably into a bra. Before surgery, discuss all the risks and benefits with your plastic surgeon.
Can having breast reconstruction cover up cancer or cause it to come back?
No. Breast reconstruction will not cause cancer to come back. It is still very important to undergo yearly physical examinations on the reconstructed breast as part of continued surveillance.
If I have breast reconstruction, do I still have to get a mammogram?
If you have had a total mastectomy, then you do not need a mammogram. If you have remaining breast tissue, annual mammograms should be part of your routine care and monitoring. Talk to your oncologist about your individual needs because exceptions do exist.
When is the best time to have breast reconstruction?
The best time is determined by a couple of things, most importantly, whether or not you are still undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Talk to your oncologist or plastic surgeon about what is ideal for your individual circumstances because they are unique to each patient.
Is my breast going to look and feel exactly as it would before my mastectomy?
No, but we are going to try to get things back to looking as close as possible to how things were before your mastectomy.
What are the surgical options for me?
There are three types of reconstructive surgical options. The first involves a tissue expander followed by placement of a permanent saline or silicone implant. This type of reconstruction requires at least two operations and can take several months because the surgeon has to expand the skin gradually so permanent implants can be placed later. The second option is an autologous reconstruction. The surgeon uses the patient’s own tissue, called a "flap," from her stomach or back to recreate a breast mound. The third option is a combined autologous flap and implant procedure.
