CityView Magazine

42 April 2023 HEALTH HEALTH Confidence restored Reconstructive surgery helps patients dealing with traumatic disease or injury regain a positive outlook on body image. BY JAMI MCL AUGHLIN A boost in self-confidence and positive body image can make plastic surgery a sought- aer procedure, especially aer undergoing breast cancer treatment or suffering traumatic injuries in accidents. Dr. Leif Nordberg opened Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery almost three years ago as part of Cape Fear Valley Health to address the needs of breast cancer patients, including breast reconstructive surgery. "I see a lot of breast cancer patients. ere are no other plastic surgeons in this area, and Cape Fear Valley recognized the need," says Dr. Nordberg. Breast cancer affects one in eight women and continues to be one of the major health concerns in the nation, according to the American Cancer Society. "We try to turn a terrible, scary situation into something more positive," says Dr. Nordberg. Losing a breast in a mastectomy or part of a breast in a lumpectomy can be traumatic, according to Dr. Nordberg. He offers two main methods of breast reconstruction: the use of implants or creating a new breast using the patient's own tissue with a transverse rectus abdominis, or TRAM, flap. Breast augmentation, one of the more sought-aer surgeries Dr. Nordberg performs, can help patients address cup size and projection; improve symmetry; and restore volume. e office can also perform breast lis and reductions. "Seventy percent of what we are looking at in our office is reconstructive. It's an important part of our practice," says Dr. Nordberg. In other cases, a patient just wants to right something that has felt wrong to them. Dr. Nordberg says body contouring can address those issues. Dr. Leif Nordberg opened Cape Fear Valley Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery almost three years ago as part of Cape Fear Valley Health System.

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