Breast Surgery Specialist
Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida
Richard S. Gordon, MD
Bariatrics & Robotic and General Surgery located in Largo, FL, Clearwater, FL & Trinity, FL
More than 3.8 million women in the United States receive a breast cancer diagnosis in a year. If you need breast surgery to treat your cancer, you can find the highest quality surgical care at Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida. Richard Gordon, MD, uses advanced surgical techniques to remove cancerous tissue to prevent cancer from spreading. He can also reconstruct the shape of your breast using fat from other areas of your body. To learn more about your options for breast surgery, call the office in Largo, Clearwater or Trinity, Florida, today or book an appointment online.
Breast Surgery Q&A
Why would I need breast surgery?
You may need breast surgery as a treatment for breast cancer or are at high risk for breast cancer because of your genetic history.
Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida offers several types of breast surgery, including:
- Mastectomy (removal of the entire breast)
- Lumpectomy (removal of a portion of breast tissue)
- Breast reconstruction
- Lymph node removal
The type of breast surgery you need depends on the stage of your cancer and your overall health. Dr. Gordon offers comprehensive medical evaluations to determine what surgical techniques to use during your treatment.
What happens during breast surgery?
Before your surgery, you receive general anesthesia, so you can stay asleep and relaxed throughout your procedure.
During breast surgery, Dr. Gordon makes incisions in and around your breast to remove cancerous tissue, tumors, or the entire breast. He may also need to remove nearby lymph nodes if cancer spreads outside of the breast.
If he removes your entire breast, Dr. Gordon can complete a reconstruction surgery before closing your incisions. During reconstruction, he uses the remaining tissue to improve the appearance and shape of your breast. You may also be a candidate for a fat transfer where Dr. Gordon takes fat from another area of your body to reshape your breast during reconstruction.
When your surgery is complete, Dr. Gordon closes the incisions with sutures. He uses advanced techniques to reduce your risk for noticeable scarring.
How long does it take to recover from breast surgery?
While everyone heals differently, you can expect to need at least six weeks to heal following your surgery.
Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida provides after-care guidance so you know how to take care of your incisions and change your bandages. Proper care after surgery lowers your risk for infection and other complications.
Initially, you may need to wear a supportive bra at all times to prevent swelling and protect your incisions. Dr. Gordon helps you manage your pain with medications. You can expect to schedule a follow-up visit with him to ensure your incisions are healing fully.
To schedule a breast surgery consultation to discuss your options for breast cancer treatment, call the Advanced Surgical Associates of West Florida office nearest to you today or book an appointment online.