You At Your Best

At Willow Creek Women's Hospital (WCWH), women diagnosed with breast cancer can now access a new type of breast cancer surgery that is performed in such a way as to hide the scar. "We are thrilled to be expanding options for women in Northwest Arkansas with a procedure that effectively treats the cancer and optimizes the cosmetic results," said Juli McWhorter, Chief Administrative Officer of Willow Creek Women's Hospital. "Many women are unaware of all the surgical options available, including minimally invasive approaches that minimize the visual reminders that may impact the emotional healing process. This new surgical technique enables highly trained surgeons to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in an inconspicuous area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring." Dr. Joseph Kelamis and Dr. Christopher Menendez, both independent members of the hospital's medical staff, have been trained in the new advanced approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars, minimizing the daily visible reminder of a breast cancer diagnosis. In 2019, an estimated 316,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery using this new approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes, and are at no higher risk of recurrence than patients who undergo any other surgical technique. "New surgical techniques are made possible through advancements in technology, especially through devices used to better visualize the surgical field," said Dr. Menendez, who is a board-certified surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology. "We are proud to offer our patients advanced oncologic surgery using smaller cosmetic incisions." "One in eight women will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime," said Dr. Kelamis, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon. "For many women, a scar can impact their overall well-being as a reminder of breast cancer, but with the hidden scar surgery, they now have options for what that post-recovery journey will look like." Performing breast cancer surgery through a smaller incision requires consistent illumination throughout the surgical cavity, so surgeons can clearly see and effectively remove the tumor. WCWH invested in new technology to improve visibility for surgeons performing the new procedure as well as for lumpectomies and nipple-sparing mastectomies. This enables the surgeons to perform complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence, and give more women access to transformative options. Willow Creek Women's Hospital now offers "hidden scar" breast cancer surgery sponsor Content Dr. Joseph Kelamis Dr. Christopher Menendez For more information: • Willow Creek Women's Hospital's breast cancer program, visit: www.NorthwestHealth.com/breast-care • For referral to a physician or more information, call 800-734-2024. 4 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST JAnUARY - RESOlUTiOnS | SATURdAY, dEcEmBER 28, 2019

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