Why does angelina jolie still have breasts

The operation can take eight hours. You wake up with drain tubes and expanders in your breasts. It does feel like a scene out of a science-fiction film.

But days after surgery you can be back to a normal life. The Reconstructive Surgery Like many mastectomy patients, Jolie elected to get reconstructive surgery:. Nine weeks later, the final surgery is completed with the reconstruction of the breasts with an implant. There have been many advances in this procedure in the last few years, and the results can be beautiful.

Miles, a breast reconstruction specialist in Seattle, says advances in surgical techniques allow her to achieve good aesthetic results from a skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. An ongoing national discussion launched in the wake of Angelina Jolie's revelation that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy has focused primarily on the genetic testing that spawned her decision.

But Jolie's announcement also shed some light on surgical advances in breast reconstruction. At my Seattle practice, many women considering mastectomies aren't aware of the various reconstruction options available. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates only 30 percent of women are made aware of reconstruction options before having a mastectomy. Ideally, the publicity surrounding Jolie's choice will get people talking and increase that number substantially.

As more women undergo genetic testing to determine whether they face increased chances of getting breast cancer, reconstruction techniques are becoming more advanced. Related Stories. Related Story Oscars Presentations Timeline. All Rights reserved. Close the menu Logo text. Then two weeks ago I got a call from my doctor with blood-test results.

I breathed a sigh of relief. That test measures the amount of the protein CA in the blood, and is used to monitor ovarian cancer. I have it every year because of my family history. But that wasn't all. He went on. He wanted me to see the surgeon immediately to check my ovaries. After ultrasounds, a fully body scan, and blood tests put her in the clear for cancer, Jolie decided to stop waiting to have the ovary removal surgery.

It is a difficult choice for many women; the surgery will put Jolie into early, forced menopause and she won't be able to have more children naturally. A positive BRCA test does not mean a leap to surgery. I have spoken to many doctors, surgeons and naturopaths. There are other options. Some women take birth control pills or rely on alternative medicines combined with frequent checks. There is more than one way to deal with any health issue.