Surgeon for Breast Reconstruction at the Quatela Center – Dr. Emese Kalnoki
I managed to live without my hair because I knew it would grow back. But I couldn’t cling to the same kind of hope after my double mastectomy. Unlike hair, breasts weren’t going to grow back. I thought it was going to be fine. They were only breasts; just because they were gone didn’t mean I was any less of a woman.
My husband was supportive, telling me I was beautiful with or without breasts. But as time went on, I knew that it didn’t matter what anyone else said to me. What mattered was that for me, living without breasts and not doing anything about it was a form of defeat, like giving in to what cancer dictated my life to be. So I decided to turn to Dr. Kalnoki for plastic surgery. Cancer took so much from me, but the surgery made me feel that I took it all back. I managed to live without my hair because I knew it would grow back. But I couldn’t cling to the same kind of hope after my double mastectomy. Unlike hair, breasts weren’t going to grow back. I thought it was going to be fine. They were only breasts; just because they were gone didn’t mean I was any less of a woman. My husband was supportive, telling me I was beautiful with or without breasts. But as time went on, I knew that it didn’t matter what anyone else said to me. What mattered was that for me, living without breasts and not doing anything about it was a form of defeat, like giving in to what cancer dictated my life to be. So I decided to turn to Dr. Kalnoki for plastic surgery. Cancer took so much from me, but the surgery made me feel that I took it all back. –Breast cancer survivor and patient of Dr. Emese Kalnoki
A woman’s fight against breast cancer can be one of the most difficult times in her life as well as the lives of her loved ones. Many times, she will require a mastectomy to beat breast cancer, but the surgery may leave her feeling damaged, with a constant reminder of her fight. Survivors may not feel in the mindset to declare victory until they’ve reclaimed their feminine shape, or recovered the missing “piece” of their bodies.
For breast cancer survivors and others seeking breast augmentation, the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery is proud to have welcomed Dr. Emese Kalnoki, a highly-trained plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, body contouring procedures, and labiaplasty. Dr. Kalnoki has seven years of private practice experience to help women of all “ages and stages” find their beautiful and fuel their confidence.
Female-focused in her approach, Dr. Kalnoki has performed approximately 400 breast reconstruction procedures and another 350 breast reconstruction revision surgeries. Her technique is one that seeks to minimize scarring and achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
She previously resided in Phoenix, Arizona, where she owned and operated a successful plastic surgery practice, dedicated to breast reconstruction after cancer and body contouring surgery to address the effects of weight loss or pregnancy.
Besides her expertise as a surgeon, Dr. Kalnoki is an accomplished artist who has featured her work in galleries. The precision, attention to detail, and vision for the finished work required for painting is reflected in her surgical results.
It’s Dr. Kalnoki’s philosophy that plastic surgery should provide patients with a restored sense of self-confidence and well-being. Below, she answers the key questions about breast reconstruction that patients often have:
How soon after my tissue removal should I consider reconstruction?
Having your breasts reconstructed is a personal choice. Nobody else can make it for you, and you need to decide whether you’re ready for it or not. Many women need time to cope with their loss before moving forward; others want to undergo the procedure right away. Nobody can make this decision other than you, so think it over carefully to determine whether you are ready for it.
Does breast reconstruction involve implants?Breast reconstruction is generally broken down into two different kinds. The first is an implant-based reconstruction, where an implant made from saline or silicone is designed in the shape and size of your breast, then inserted under the skin and chest muscle. The other option is autologous tissue reconstruction, also known as flap reconstruction surgery. With this form of surgery, your plastic surgeon utilizes tissue from one part of your body to recreate the shape of the breast mound.
Will I need more than one surgery?
In most instances, breast reconstruction consists of two to three surgeries over a period of nine to 12 months. You need to consider whether you want to have several surgeries in order to have the new breasts. Each case is different; and only your doctor can determine whether you’ll need multiple surgeries to reconstruct your breasts.
Will having breast surgery affect my job? Breast reconstruction surgery affects some of the muscles and tissue around your chest. You have to ask yourself if you need these muscles during your daily work? If so, consider how surgery may affect your performance and if it’s right for you.
**Reconstructive breast surgery can help restore the size, shape, and appearance of your breasts that were altered due to a mastectomy or breast cancer procedure. Breast reconstruction with Dr. Kalnoki can be both a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a breast cancer survivor—because it symbolizes her victory over the disease that she battled.
The final step in your battle against breast cancer starts at the Quatela Center. Call us at 585.244.1000 or visit Quatela.com to learn more.
