Reconstructive Surgery for the Breast, Face and Body
Reviews and Testimonials

Testimonials → Reconstructive Surgery for the Breast, Face and Body

" I found two breast lumps through self-examination which I reported during a routine physical exam which was coincidentally scheduled soon after. A mammogram was prescribed but the breast clinic I preferred had a 3-month wait. "I have a personal and family history of fibrocystic disease and the nurse-practitioner and I both thought they were probably nothing," she recalls, "so I wasn’t terribly concerned. When I finally had the mammogram, I was floored. It showed likely breast cancer, a very aggressive form.

"Abnormal cells were found in the other breast as well and a bilateral mastectomy was performed. I had been initially advised that the lymph nodes appeared negative. Six days post-surgery however, I was told the cancer had actually spread to the lymph nodes, requiring 16 months of intravenous chemotherapy and subsequent oral drug therapy.

"My initial reconstruction surgery was performed one month after my mastectomies and was the start of another nightmare. The reconstruction was disfiguring. One breast was positioned very noticeably lower than the other. I felt unsure about expressing my concerns with the surgeon who didn’t seem open to my uncertainties. Eventually I sought a second opinion and found Dr. Levens who ultimately started over with a secondary reconstruction with new implants. Today, my breasts look better than ever before, with incredible nipple reconstruction. My oncologist said it’s the best reconstruction she’s ever seen... "I can even wear halter tops."

B.M.’s advice to anyone diagnosed with breast cancer: "Act quickly when something is suspicious. My first mistake was waiting so long for a mammogram. Regarding both the mastectomy and potential reconstruction, ask questions and explore all of your options. Consider consulting with more than one breast general surgeon as well as more than one plastic surgeon to find personnel and offices with whom you are most comfortable...you will be spending a lot of time with them during the recovery and reconstruction process."

"In New Jersey in 1994, during self-examination, I discovered a small lump on my left breast, but a mammogram was negative. A month later, my nipple bled. My doctor dismissed it and initially refused to order an ultrasound, which ultimately showed very aggressive cancer. My left breast was removed but at that time, health insurance didn’t cover reconstruction surgery or removal of a non-cancerous breast to create balance.

"In 2000 and 2001, tired of carrying around a heavy external prosthetic breast, I underwent several procedures: A subcutaneous mastectomy of my right breast to remove scars from former biopsies as well as nearly all of the breast tissue to help match the left mastectomy side. Then tissue expanders were placed in both breasts with saline injections to stretch the tissues and finally saline implants were inserted. Unfortunately complications required implant replacement two years later.

"The breasts were dramatically asymmetrical; one was very high, one low. The surgeon said perfect symmetry wasn’t possible but I wanted much better. We also hadn’t progressed to creating a nipple on the left breast. I couldn’t bear to look at myself. I was horribly self-conscious. The saline implants became painful, and hard.

"Five years later, I read about Dr. Levens in Parkland Life Magazine. He performed an internal lift to raise my right breast, reshaped and lowered my left breast and inserted softer, more natural silicone implants. After all these years, I finally feel normal again. My whole outlook on my body has changed. At a minor further surgery we will make a nipple on the left side."

E.H.’s advice: "Do self-exams. If you see something, if you feel something, do something--fast. Be pro-active about treatment. I really had to insist to get my original doctor to get that ultrasound ordered and it saved my life. It’s easy to accept what a doctor tells you, but it’s best to be an educated consumer, do your homework, and consider a second opinion. Finally, half the battle is having a good support group, in my case my husband, my 6-year-old son, family, friends and my students, along with a fighting spirit. When I was diagnosed with cancer, people said, ‘Why you?’ and I thought ‘Why not me?’ It can happen to anyone, you just have to face it, fight it and believe you can get through it."

"I had a double mastectomy and was referred to Dr. Levens by my primary physician. I can’t say enough good things about the entire medical team that brought me through this terrible ordeal. Everyone, from my primary and oncology doctors to Dr. Levens and my general surgeon as well the technicians and medical staffs all worked together each step of the way to help me deal with the cancer and make informed decisions. I was presented with the option of doing the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomies or later. I wanted to get as much done at one time as possible. For me it was the right decision.

"My advice to others in this position is to become as educated as possible, thoroughly discuss your options with your medical team and let your family and friends help you get through the process day by day."

Dr. Levens has been providing rhinoplasty procedures for patients in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Davie, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Miami, North Lauderdale, Parkland, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Palm Beach, Wellington, Weston and throughout South Florida since 1989.