Mammaplasty Books

"I read this book when I first was deciding on what procedure to do and it was a tremendous help. It helped me to understand the different reconstruction methods in a clear concise way."

The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook is simply the best guide available covering the entire process of Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction.
Well done Kathy Steligo.

This book was incredibly helpful to me. At a time when I was extremely anxious and being bombarded with lots of complicated information, this book provided me with exactly what I needed in an easy to understand way. The author has firsthand knowledge of the topic, which I think makes a real difference. The book has lots of photos, diagrams and information on resources. If you're in the unfortunate situation of needing to consider breast reconstruction, this book tells you everything you need to know.

This is the definitive guide for breast reconstruction. It covers every type of reconstruction, is fair and balanced and VERY readable. It takes a complex subject and really makes it easy to understand. When you are facing such an emotional decision and hard surgery - it helps tremendously to have information to help guide your decision making. This book is it. Highly recommended before you consult with your first surgeon.

I bought The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook several weeks ago and it has been an incredible resource! Due to a genetic mutation (BRCA2), I'm preparing for bilateral prophylactic mastectomies. The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook clearly explains mastectomy and reconstruction procedures, questions to ask my potential surgeons, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during my recovery. Kathy Steligo's book has helped me sort out my options at a very scary time, and for that I am truly grateful!!

Although I haven't had breast reduction surgery, I did have surgery to remove a small lump in my left breast. My surgeon told me that I'd have no problems breastfeeding (the incision was quite small), so I was completely surprised when my first child was born and our breastfeeding experience did not go well. I am now pregnant with my third child and I wish that I would have had this book from the beginning. It seems like most doctors and lactation consultants do not necessarily have a lot of info on BFAR (BreastFeeding After Reduction), and this book can really fill in the gaps.

While most breastfeeding books discuss the anatomy of the breasts and how they make milk, this may or may not be the same for post-surgical breasts. For example, where an incision is made, even if the incision is tiny, can greatly affect the breast's ability to make milk depending on which nerves or how many ducts are severed. This book also has great information on how the ducts and nerves can repair themselves, which is something that I was unaware of. The book provides methods specific to BFAR mothers for increasing supply, which can be different from the methods recommended to mothers that haven't been surgically treated. I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is that it is very non-judgemental. Many breastfeeding books make formula out to be poison; this book acknowledges that breast milk is best, but that an infant's nutritional needs come first and some women do need to supplement. A definite must-read for any BFAR mother!

This is the only useful book I've seen about breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, and it really does a great job. The majority of the book would really be useful for women who have had any type of breast surgery and are worried about breastfeeding successfully. There's really detailed information about just about anything you'd need to know -- and a lot of information that it would have never occurred to me to look for, but I'm so grateful to have! The book has a lot of detail on how to prepare in advance, where to go for support, what positions might work best, how breast surgery can affect latch and let-down and the rest of the breastfeeding process, the pros and cons of using pumps to increase supply, using at-breast supplementers rather than bottles, different techniques to increase supply, etc.

Some of the information in the book is now out-of-date (especially regarding the use of artificial nipples for bottle feeding and pacifiers), and the author has updated information on the website (www.bfar.org). The other concern is, of course, that the book is now out of print.

Luckily on both counts, the author's website reports that a revised edition is in the works -- I can't wait, but I'm glad I have this copy -- and the author's website -- in the meantime.

This book was suggested by a doula friend and it was exactly what I needed to read. It had all the information necessary as well as all the what if's. If you had a previous surgery and plan to breastfeed you must read this. Because of this book I was able to fully feed my child without supplementing!

I'd been doing BFAR (Breastfeeding After Reduction Surgery) for three months before I discovered this book and I really wish I'd had it from the beginning. It's basically a textbook and goes into great detail about how the surgery could have affected your breastfeeding ability and what you can do if you have a low milk supply (herbs, prescription medications, pumping, psychological exercises). It goes into the emotional issues you may be dealing with and discusses methods of supplementing your baby with donated human milk or formula. There is also a section in the back for professionals who may be working with BFAR mothers.

It is very pro breastfeeding, but not in a way that I felt bullied. I did feel a little guilty that there were things I could have done in the first month that I didn't know about until reading the book, but the section on emotional issues helped with that, saying not to feel guilty over decisions you made in the past when you had different information.

This book is informative and encouraging - and HIGHLY recommended for any doctor, mid-wife, or nurse, as well as for anyone who has had this type of surgery.

I have been considering a breast reduction for years. This book answered all of my questions so thoroughly that I almost didn't have any left for my plastic surgeon. My surgery went very well, and I am pleased with the outcome. Thanks for writing such a clear and informative book that answers the many questions women have concerning breast surgery.

This book gives you the facts, from a doctor who is ethical, descent, and talented. I have first hand experiemce as to Dr. Freund dedication, I know him, and this book is representative of how he practices and his strong and qualitative committment to his patients.

If you are considering breast surgery this book is essential.

I'm going through a difficult decision in regard to breast augmentation. I have now read this book twice. It's clear and helpful. The interesting aspect that Dr. Freund brought into the book that beauty is regional. What works in LA doesn't work in New York.

It's interesting, informative and I'm reading it again.

I bought all the books on cosmetic breast surgery, while researching my desire to have my breast lifted and enlarged, this book is by far the best, most informative and well- written. I also went on several consultations with different doctors and Dr. Freund was the most helpful and comforting physicians. His knowledge made me confident and the results were better than i hoped for. P.S. I travelled from North Carolina to see him and it was worth the trip.

Ladies if you are looking for a well-grounded expert on breast reconstruction, Dr. Freund is the best. From the second you walk into his office you know you are in good hands. I had a serious problem and he brought me through it with flying colors and compassion.

Read this book, you'll get something from it. He is the consumate professional and even more than that.

The material in this book is so organized and straightforward that its deceptively simple..yet Dr. Snodgrass' book has a ton of useful information ... after surgery I was full of questions.. after pillaging my HMO library, searching the internet and reading books by several plastic surgeons.. I discovered this book... I pored over it..the best resource yet... I wish I had had it in my hands from the onset.. I would recommend it to anyone considering or undergoing this particular surgery... MOST INTERESTING AND HELPFUL...

Overall, this is a very good book to read when you're trying to make the decision. Honestly, there's not much out there (at least from what I could find), so it really felt great to get my hands on such a comprehensive source.

I read so much and talked to so many people online that I thought I'd go crazy trying to make the decision - you can't tell which end is up when you get overloaded. So, this book was very helpful in my journey to make my decision. I, personally, ended up not going through with the surgery, but I learned a ton through the process of thinking about it.

Good wishes to all of you ladies out there wrangling with this decision.

I'm so grateful for Dr. Snodgrass writing this book. This is the only book that I have been able to find that solely deals with breast reduction. Most books I have read, concentrate more on breast lifts and implants.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is considering breast reduction surgery. I now know what to expect at every phase of this endeavor, from my initial consulation, to my follow-up appointment after surgery.

I even have some insight into why my last claim may have been denied
(but I have a new insurance carrier, and I know for a fact that they do allow for breast reductions for medical reasons, as about 6 of my co-workers have been approved over the years).

Get this book, and be informed, because a informed patient is a happy patient!

This book will answer all of your questions, and suggest ways to find a plastic surgeon and what questions to ask of him/her. The people at [...], a website for all different types of plastic surgery procedures and antiaging, highly recommend it!

This book walks you through the entire process from initial consult, what to expect, and insurance appeals.

Insurance originally denied my request, and thanks to this book I was able to write an informed appeal. I believe it was the key to my successful appeal. I've had my reduction surgery and feel great! Thank you Bethanne Snodgrass!

This was an Excellent, Superb Book. It goes into extreme detail from surgery to before and after pictures. It even shows surgical pictures (in black and white). This was my #1 favorite of all the books I have bought on Breast Cancer. I definitely recommend this one.

This is an excellent text with excellent illustrations. It was purchased as a used item with a description of "like new" condition. The actual condition of the book would be better described as "worn cover, yellowed and dog eared pages".

This is the best book for plastic and oncology surgeons. A "must be" book. Buy it now.

The diagnosis of Brest Cancer usually comes unexpected and is emotionally overwhelming. Decisions that will have a lifelong impact often need to be made within a short period of time. The authors explain in detail all the different screening options, the various treatment options at all stages of the desease, and, most important, surgical reconstructive procedures performed either in conjuntion with a mastectomy/lumptectomy or at a later time. Diagrams, drawings, and "before and after" pictures help to visualize the results of reconstructive surgery.

I did not particularly care for this book - too broad and not easy to read - too general.

I had a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction in May 2002. The decisions I had to make were agonizing. This book was the best I found on the subject, and I read and re-read the case histories that were closest to my own situation. The information proved to be accurate and gave me a realistic expectation of the process and the results. I recommend this book to anyone undergoing breast surgery, with or without reconstruction, as it covers a wide array of decisions that other women have made.

My plastic surgeon gave me this book to read. It was the best book on breast cancer I've found, and I've built up quite a library lately. It aided me in my treatment decision as well as my reconstruction choice. It also explained my pathology report better than any of my doctors. A great book for any breast cancer patient or her family.

There are many, many books out there dealing with breast cancer and treatment but this was the only one I could find that really helps a woman decide what course to take if she thinks she wants to have reconstructive surgery. I found it so helpful I recommended it to my doctor.Making a decision to have reconstructive surgery is hard enough, but then you have to decide what type you would like to have, what your choices are depending on your type of cancer and treatment, and, when to have the surgery.Especially helpful are the black and white photos of the results of each type of operation as well as touching and honest real life descriptions of experiences by women who have had these types of surgeries.Having actually gone through a mastectomy with simultaneous "tram flap" reconstuction, I can attest to the accuracy of both the medical information and the emotional descriptions contained in the book.

As with the lady above, this book helped me after my diagnosis. My surgeon presented me with the most conservative treatment(lumpectomy, radiation, possible chemotherapy) but gave me the book at the end of the visit. I pored over this book for the weekend and came to the conclusion that the most conservative treatment was not for me. Gives pros and cons of each treatment option and who is best suited for that particular option. Wonderful book. I passed it on to my friends, one of whom is now in the process of making her own decisions, unfortunately. Because she had already seen this book and had time to think about what she wanted rather than waiting until diagnosis, she knew exactly how she wanted to handle her disease. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING FOR ALL WOMEN!

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had many questions about reconstruction. My surgeons gave me the alternatives and left the decision to me. I needed help. Help came from the women who stepped forward to "show" the results of their reconstruction decisions and from this book with its frank and openly presented pictures, personal stories and explanations. Thank you to the authors! I found that even though I am "more than my breasts", I appreciated being presented with all the sides/choices in the reconstruction question. Information is so empowering! I have given at least a dozen of these books to friends and acquaintances with breast cancer and one major, major hospital here in town regularly gives "A Woman's Decision" to their breast cancer patients. That is how I heard about it. My friend received it from her surgeon at her hospital! I am online now because I am about to give away my last copy and need to order a few more to have on hand....... unfortunately. Will it never end!

Save your money while you have the chance! This book is very repetative and a bit out of date. All the information can be found easily on the internet. I got this book after I set up a consult time and was required to get it by this doctor. It is as they said about other surgeons, a marketing ploy. After you read this book and talk to their patient cordinator they will ask you some basics about your self then try to play head games with you. On the phone consult they will ask you to pick a cup size and explain how large you want to go. This is a game and even trying to explain how large you want to be isn't good enough, they don't do cupsizes or any kind of measurement you can think of to explain what you want. Eventually they will tell you that your size is what the surgeon happens to feel is right for you... This surgeon doesn't let you pick the size you want to be they require you to let the surgeon pick for you. I don't know about you but if some one is going to do something optional on my body with me paying alot, it will be with in my own limits. Even though their book endorses three site locations for surgery they only seem to do two. I was told my only option is under the breast and not given a good explination as to why transaxillery was a horriable marketing ploy. I don't believe just one surgons approach is right and if they don't do everything exactally the way this guy does that they are bad or wrong. I believe alot of plastic surgery to be artistry of the particular surgeon. The only thing I agree with is that you research your surgeon and make sure they are trained properly.

I read this extremely comprehensive book, and I went to Dr. Tebbetts for my BA consultation. Dr. Tebbetts, his wife and the entire staff, treated me like I was their most important patient, and at the time, I was only 21 years old. After reading his book, I realized I had to have a reduction/reconstruction on one side, due to a congenital deformity. Dr. Tebbetts performed the surgery in less than an hour, and I had absolutely no complications. I have to say the surgery didn't hurt a bit, and every time I go in for my annual woman's examination, doctors and nurses comment on my wonderful results (as far as the shape and minimal scarring). In fact, they always ask me who performed my surgery, and I tell them about Dr. Tebbetts and his book. I moved away and became too busy with my career to get the second surgery (actual BA). Now, seven years later, I'm ready to finish enhancing my bust line. I wouldn't dream of going to anyone other than Dr. Tebbetts.

I read this book the day I got it in the mail. I had researched information on the Internet, but this book was more complete and it was nice to have it all in one place. The book has great information and I think every woman considering augmentation should read it. I would've given it 5 stars, but it was missing information about having mastopexy with augmentation. I wish it would've provided information on choosing the right implant with a mastopexy and discussed the incisions, recovery period, etc. I've read the other reviews and Dr. Tebbetts does seem to prefer anatomical implants. He also prefers the cohesive silicone gel implant which is available in clinical study in the US (used in Europe for over 10 years), but there is limited information on it in the book since it was written in 1999. Regarding the overfill warranty issue that some of the other reviews mentioned, I've read in other places that Mentor has a recommended range of fill. The minimum fill for a 300cc saline implant would be 300cc and the maximum would be 325cc. Both overfill and underfill void the warranty. Overfill would be above 325cc and underfill would be below 300cc. I'm not sure if Inamed/McGhan has a similar range or not. I'm also not sure if the minimum fill would leave room for a fold. Maybe the information in the book is outdated. I'm not a PS and this is a question I'll ask at all my consultations. (Dr. T includes this on his list of questions to ask your PS.) I'm scheduling consultations with surgeons and hoping to have surgery in the next few months.

I have read many books and done extensive research on implantation of saline and silicone for 30 yrs and advise many women. This book is INVALUABLE in its tips, diagrams and plain facts, especially about getting LARGE implants, implant overfill, pocket placement and the wearing of those nasty "breast bands" post op when the implant is inserted too high (something at least 1/2 seem to do!)

Read the book! Many of the Hollywood stars would benefit from reading it before they have a implants and would hopefully save them from that very fake look with breasts spaced so far apart they look like bolted on rocks.

Many women who have researched extensively still probably don't know the tips in this book. Then head to any PS armed with good info.

This book has a clear bias towards anatomical implants. Further, the font and formatting has bold and centered text throughout the book, which makes for difficult reading. Most of the information you can get for free from the web.

Furthermore, don't expect to actually get surgery done by Dr. Tebbetts without suffering through his very rude wife, Terrye. She was, by far, the most condescending person I have spoken regarding surgery. Her response to questions was "Can't you read. Everything you need to know is in the book."

Both the book and the office proved to be disappointing.