BRCA+ and Prophylactic Mastectomy
Why Choose Us?
Women with a family history of breast cancer and those that have tested positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation tend to have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. The entire team at our Manhattan practice is dedicated to helping these high-risk patients feel more empowered about their options. Dr. Lerman offers a range of reconstruction options after mastectomy to help women regain their sense of femininity and wholeness.
A Highly Qualified Surgeon
Dr. Lerman is a widely respected plastic surgeon who is affiliated with many reputable medical organizations due to his expertise in breast reconstruction. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.Training Future Generations of Surgeons
Dr. Lerman is the director of breast reconstruction at Lenox Hill Hospital's Institute for Comprehensive Breast Care and the Microvascular and Cosmetic Breast Fellowship, where he regularly trains future surgeons in advanced reconstruction techniques, including the DIEP flap approach.
Driven by Patient Education
Women considering preventative mastectomy to prevent breast cancer deserve to know every treatment option available to them so they can make an informed decision. Dr. Lerman takes the time to educate all patients and ensure they are equipped with the knowledge needed to decide which treatment is best for their needs.Utilizes Advanced Techniques
Dr. Lerman completed an advanced fellowship in microvascular surgical techniques at the University of Pennsylvania, greatly contributing to his high level of experience and skill in this focused area of medicine. He is well versed in an impressive range of perforator flap surgery options, along with all types of breast implant reconstruction.Patient Results Breast Reconstruction Before and After Photos
A Leader in His Field A Surgeon Committed to Providing the Highest Level of Care
Dr. Lerman has dedicated his career to helping women feel whole again after breast reconstruction due to a positive BRCA test. His work is regularly acknowledged by prestigious publications such as The New York Times Magazine, New York's "Best Doctors" list, and more. He regularly lectures and trains medical students with the goal of building the next generation of reconstruction surgeons. He has also written more than 40 original articles, abstracts, and book chapters on plastic and reconstructive surgery.
If you have a BRCA mutation and are considered to be at high risk of developing breast cancer, our practice can help guide you through your options. To request a consultation or learn more mastectomy and breast cancer, call our Manhattan office, serving greater New York, at:
(212) 434-6980
"My Breasts Look and Feel Perfectly Natural" 5-Star Reviews
Fedra Pavlou
2019
Dr Lerman is an exceptional doctor, both in his skill as a surgeon and in his communication with his patients and provision of after care. After I underwent a single breast mastectomy, Dr Lerman has achieved the holy grail, symmetry; to look at, no one would know which breast has received the mastectomy! He's a genius.
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Laurie Festa
2019
Had a double mastectomy with reconstruction on January 3, 2018. Dr Lerman did an amazing job. After all the healing has been completed, I look even better than I did before surgery. My breasts look and feel perfectly natural. My scars are minimal. Found Dr. Lerman to be caring, warm and very professional. You can't miss having Dr. Lerman operate on you. He is awesome.
View On GoogleUnderstanding BRCA1 and BRCA2
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes normally protect patients from getting breast cancer. When a mutation occurs, this prevents the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes from working properly, increasing the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can also be inherited by family members, which is why some families have a history of cancer. It is important to receive genetic testing and consult with a specialist to understand your family history of breast cancer and find out if you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
Candidates for a Preventative Mastectomy
One out of every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer from mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. Most cases occur in the later decades of life. However, some women are at a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer at a young age due to family history or genetic mutations. For these women, breast cancer can occur much earlier, and the odds of developing it can be as high as 80 percent. To reduce this risk, these women may choose to undergo testing for BRCA and consider prophylactic mastectomy. High-risk patients include those with:
Making the Decision Should I Have a Prophylactic Mastectomy?
Patients should work closely with health professionals to educate themselves on their treatment options. The decision to go through with a preventative mastectomy after testing positive for BRCA is generally not an urgent one, and patients should give themselves the time they need to weigh the pros and cons. Patients may also want to meet with a breast surgeon and genetic counselor, as well as a reconstructive plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction. We invite you to meet with Dr. Lerman at his Manhattan practice if you have questions about breast reconstruction.
Hear More from Our Patients
Dr. Lerman helped me to get through one of the toughest battle and journey of my life. I am grateful to Dr. Lerman not only for his surgical expertise but also for his compassion. Without any uncertainty, I give Dr. Lerman five stars and would recommend him to anyone including my friends and family. Daphney Leveille
Achieve Peace of Mind Explore Your Options
Dr. Lerman and his team feel strongly that the decision to undergo preventive mastectomy cannot be made until you have learned about all of your reconstructive options. There is no single option that can satisfy the needs of all patients. Natural tissue perforator flaps may be the best option for some, while implants may be better for others. It is also possible to switch from one to the other later in life. It is imperative that you understand all the options available so you can make the right choice for yourself. To schedule a consultation or learn more, please contact our Manhattan practice today to learn more about the therapies available to you:
(212) 434-6980
Breast Reconstruction Options after Mastectomy
Deciding to have a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce the risk of breast cancer can be one of the most personal and difficult decisions a woman makes in her life. We want these patients to know that recent advances in breast reconstruction techniques have given women more options than ever; the range of effective techniques that are available at our Manhattan office enable the patient and Dr. Lerman to select a procedure that best meets the individual's needs.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Always Consult Your Surgical Team
Traditional mastectomy techniques remove the nipple and areola with the breast tissue. When performing a prophylactic mastectomy after testing BRCA+, many women choose to undergo the nipple-sparing technique, in which the entire nipple and areola are preserved. The skin, nipple, and areola remain, and only the breast tissue is removed. Nipple-sparing techniques have their own set of challenges and it is always important to discuss the choice of technique with your surgical team.
Natural-Looking Results
The nipple-sparing technique is ideal because it results in more natural looking breast reconstruction results. When the most advanced breast reconstructive techniques are combined with nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery, it can look as if no mastectomy was ever performed. In fact, for some patients, reconstructive surgery can actually improve the appearance of the breasts when performed by a specialized reconstructive plastic surgeon such as Dr. Lerman in Manhattan, NY.
Implant Reconstruction after Mastectomy
Implant reconstruction can be performed with a two-stage approach, which involves the use of a tissue expander to stretch out the skin in preparation for the procedure. The direct-to-implant reconstruction approach avoids months of tissue expansion and the need for a second surgery.
Whether you wish to restore your appearance to what is was prior to the prophylactic mastectomy, or you wish to enhance your bust line, Dr. Lerman can recommend the appropriate size, profile, shape, and type of implant to help you feel comfortable with your body after undergoing surgery at our Manhattan practice.
"I Could Not Be Happier with the Results!"
Kimberly del Gaizo
2019
Dr. Oren Lerman's expertise and skill are of the absolute highest caliber. He masterfully navigated my demanding journey with breast reconstruction following my cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy. As my body persisted in presenting formidable challenges, Dr. Lerman never wavered in his thoughtful and methodical decisions and treatments. His empathy and humanity gave me reassurance and hope throughout the five surgeries he performed on me. Dr. Lerman is the ideal doctor. I feel lucky and blessed to call him my doctor.
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Lisa
2019
Dr. Lerman changed my life! After a double mastectomy, he did reconstruction via DIEP flap. My fears were quelled by his excellent care. His staff is amazing. They saw and spoke with me throughout my recovery. I could not be happier with the results. Thank you!
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