Breast reconstruction surgery may be an appropriate solution for women who have undergone breast removal or mastectomy and seek to restore the appearance of their breast(s).
During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will showcase to the patient breast reconstruction before and after images of previous patients to enable them to attain clarity on the potential outcomes of the procedure.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom provides breast reconstruction to patients in Chicago, IL, and surrounding communities.
What are breast reconstruction before and after images?
Breast reconstruction ‘before and after’ images are a pair or group of pictures of previous patients who have undergone the reconstruction surgery with successful outcomes.
These images are taken prior to the surgery and after the procedure at a time when the post-operative inflammation and bruising have resolved, and the complete outcomes of the procedure manifest.
The surgeon will acquire these images with the patient’s express consent and display them to new patients in a discreet and judicious way. According to standard norms, the surgeon will not disclose the identity of the patient.
The only purpose for showing these pictures is to enable the new patient to develop an understanding of the possible outcomes of the reconstructive surgery and make a salient decision.
Benefits
Breast reconstruction surgery is a major, life-changing procedure for patients. They are understandably anxious about any procedure involving artificial reconstruction.
The surgeon can show the new patient breast reconstruction before and after pictures to offer her reassurance on the results of the procedure and its ability to address her aesthetic goals.
While some patients may require reconstruction in only one breast, others may need it in both breasts. At times, the patient may require only minor reconstruction following a lumpectomy. Regardless of the case, the patient can make a better decision on the procedure after seeing breast reconstruction before and after images.
A Combination of Images and Text
It may be even more beneficial for new patients if breast reconstruction before and after pictures are accompanied by descriptive text detailing the reasons for the procedure and how it addressed the unique requirements of the patient.
New patients may find it easier to understand a previous patient’s breast reconstruction journey if informative, clear, and succinct descriptive text accompanies before and after pictures of the procedure.
It’s a prudent idea to include such text in before and after image galleries as patients tend to connect more effectively with images while stories allow them to remember the associated details more accurately.
Sharing Your Pictures
To raise awareness of innovative breast reconstruction procedures and inform prospective patients, surgeons may share breast reconstruction before and after photographs in the following ways:
- Website Galleries: Developing a breast reconstruction before and after photo gallery on the practice website but in this case you will have to see these images during the consultation. The consultation is vital anyway and Dr. Bloom and his staff will explain to any patient what to expect and other pivotal aspects of this operation.
- Portfolios: Creating an image portfolio to show to new patients considering breast reconstruction surgery.
- Blog Posts: Adding pictures to a blog post provides patients visual evidence of the procedure outcomes.
- Social Media Platforms: Pictures can optimize social media posts quite effectively. However, posting on social media platforms warrants discretion due to their public nature.
A detailed ‘before and after’ photo gallery can serve to inform patients and act as a marketing tool for the surgeon and their practice. The surgeon can use it as a platform to showcase their abilities and skills while at the same time educating prospective patients on complex procedures such as breast reconstruction surgery.
Building that Bridge
Perhaps this gallery can be seen during the consultation. Images are vital because they help make the process transparent. Dr. Bloom knows how many words can be saved if crisp and stellar images are shown to the patient during the consultation.
This will give the patient a strong grasp on what to look forward for.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jacob Bloom receives patients from Chicago, IL, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.