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OMC Plastic Surgery

Patient Profiles

Vicki –
Breast Reconstruction

When Vicki discovered a lump in her right breast, she was alarmed and apprehensive. At this time she didn’t know this small lump would lead her on an incredible journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

“My mother died of ovarian cancer at age 50,” explains Vicki. “In addition, my older sister had breast cancer five years prior to when I discovered mine; and my 27-year-old daughter had it only a year before,” explains Vicki. “I was due to have my yearly checkup, so I went in right away.”

Her physician performed a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy all in the same day. “The diagnosis was breast cancer and because of my family history, a double mastectomy was scheduled,” says Vicki. My other two daughters tested positively for the abnormal BRCA1 gene and now require annual breast and ovarian scans.

Several friends and relatives recommended that Vicki visit with Dr. Babovic to discuss plastic surgery options prior to her breast removal. “Dr. B. explained the breast reconstruction process in a way I understood and felt comfortable,” says Vicki. The Plastic Surgery staff takes measurements and pictures so they can best imitate a woman’s natural breasts during the reconstruction process.

Breast expanders were placed by Dr. Babovic following Vicki’s mastectomy, as part of the same surgery. “I wanted to start the reconstruction process right away, even though I was going through chemotherapy and radiation,” remembers Vicki. “Every two weeks, fluid was added to expand the tissue and I did my exercise and stretches,” she says. “It wasn’t a piece of cake, but it gave me something to look forward to during this challenging time.”

The Plastic Surgery team showed Vicki pictures of what her breasts would look like after the reconstruction process. “It looked quite natural and I felt comfortable with the predicted outcome … and my husband agreed,” says Vicki.

The entire process took about a year from start to finish – from expander placement to tattooing, the final touch. “They color the areola and form nipples so the result is really quite natural-looking,” says Vicki.

“The nurses and all the staff were so compassionate and friendly,” says Vicki, who entrusted her sexuality to a team that exceeded all her expectations. “You know, after spending a year involved in this delicate and intimate process, I miss seeing everyone there – we became quite close.”

Vicki knows that if she had to face the rest of her life with no breasts, each look in the mirror would be a bitter reminder of what cancer robbed.  “These are not my God-given breasts, but they are the next best thing,” says Vicki. “I would recommend this procedure to anyone who loses their breasts.”

“There was very little downtime and I missed very little work,” says Vicki, who has Fridays off from her job as a dental office receptionist. “The team always planned my procedures on Fridays for me, so I didn’t miss work and had the weekend to recover.”

Vicki’s strong faith and the prayers of friends and family spurred her along on this incredible journey of healing and self-discovery. “The scars are fading, but the friendships, courage and spirituality I gained along the way remain with me,” she says.  “I truly thank the Plastic Surgery team at Olmsted for giving me back what cancer took from me – and doing it in such an endearing manner.”

 

Pam – Body Contouring

On National Daycare Provider Day, Pam is taking the day off. First, she’ll strategically hit a few garage sales – after all, she’s a self-proclaimed “junkie.” Then, she has a massage scheduled, followed by a manicure appointment and a 7 p.m. dinner date with her husband. Such niceties probably wouldn’t have graced her schedule a year ago, but Pam has learned the value of taking care of herself.

 

“Being good to myself and feeling good about who I am makes everything better,” explains Pam. “The attitude you have about yourself reflects on everything you do and on all the people in your life.”

Pam’s wellness journey started more than a year ago, when she began experiencing health problems. Through the assistance of Olmsted Medical Center’s Center for Weight Loss and Wellness, she shed 106 pounds. “It wasn’t a diet, it was a journey,” says Pam. “You need to explore why you struggle and behave the way you do and deal with it … then it becomes a sustainable life change.” She credits OMC’s Health Management Resources team with providing the resources and support necessary to achieve her wellness goals.

While Pam felt fabulous for losing weight while eating healthy and exercising, there was a residual effect. “I had all this excess skin,” she says. “I guess older skin doesn’t have the greatest elasticity and despite regular exercising, the skin wasn’t shrinking. And I really felt that if I didn’t lose the skin, my head would tell me to fill it back up!”

One of Pam’s friends mentioned Dr. Babovic and his Plastic Surgery team at Olmsted Medical Center. “It was embarrassing that my daycare kids would play with the skin hanging off my arms,” recalls Pam. “They liked to slap at it and make it jiggle back and forth.”

There were other areas of Pam’s body with which she was not comfortable either – and it wasn’t vanity as much as it was practicality. “You know actresses and actors give cosmetic surgery a bad rap,” says Pam. “I just wanted to feel good about my weight loss and myself; to be able to look in the mirror and be proud of my body.”

“Dr. B and his staff were wonderful and supportive,” remembers Pam. “They knew how important this decision was to me to have the excessive skin removed – therefore, it became important to the entire team.”

Pam had body contouring done on her arms, stomach and buttocks. “The whole experience was amazing,” recalls Pam. “When I looked at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos, I cried because I was so proud.”

“Because of the team’s friendliness, welcoming environment and strong support, I am feeling wonderful about myself and my body,” says Pam.

“People spend money on what they need,” explains Pam. “And they spend money on what’s important to them … I decided I was important enough to put myself in my budget and invest in my well-being and self-esteem.”

Today, Pam has changed the approach to her daycare business as well, serving healthier meals and incorporating exercise into the children’s daily schedule. “Because of my experience, my daycare kids are healthier too.”

Pam wants to “pay it forward” and tell people to take care of themselves. “You are definitely worth it and the investment pays great dividends,” she says.