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Procedures Performed
  • Abdominoplasty
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Breast Lift
  • Breast Reduction
  • Liposuction
  • Face Lift
  • Neck Lift
  • Chemical Peel
  • Dermabrasion
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Male Breast Reduction
  • Gynecomastia

 

Dr. Cruise serves the following areas:

  • Orange County,
  • Irvine,
  • Newport Beach,
  • San Diego,
  • Los Angeles,
  • Beverly Hills,
  • Southern California.

 

Breast Reconstruction

 

 

Dr. Cruise's Philosophy Regarding Breast Reconstruction

 

The surgical treatment of breast cancer is particularly dear to me as I have lost loved ones to cancer. A particularly difficult time in my life was when a close friend in her early 30s, a mother of two, died from breast cancer.

 

Fortunately, there is a twofold bright side. First and foremost, with early detection and better surgical excision of breast tumors, breast cancer has become a very survivable disease. Second, breast reconstruction has improved to the point where the reconstructed breast can be very close to the normal one. This makes the pain and worry somewhat more bearable to a patient who is going through an extremely difficult period of time.

 

It doesn't matter if you come to me or to any other competent plastic surgeon. What matters is that you go to a plastic surgeon who is involved not only in the reconstruction of the breast but who also works closely with the general surgeon who removes the breast, so that it can be done in a way that provides the best reconstruction possible. Personally, I work with very capable oncologic breast surgeons who are able to remove the breast tissue through an incision not much bigger than the areola. This makes my job much easier and allows for much less visible scars. This is not always possible. When it is impossible, I have developed ways to limit the incisions, yet still provide for an attractive breast mound.

 

For me, part of the artistic side of breast reconstruction is to try and create a breast with a significant amount of cleavage and projection. I realize that sometimes this is not what the patient desires, and this is why preoperative evaluation is so important. What the patient wants is what really matters. Sometimes the patient wants more cleavage and more projection than she had prior to the mastectomy. Of course, this result cannot be guaranteed but can often be accomplished. The patient has to understand, however, that this will require a breast lift to the normal breast after about 3 months to obtain the best symmetry possible.

 

It is important for the patient to realize that complete breast symmetry is not possible, nor is it normal. In fact, the vast majority of people who never had breast surgery do not have complete breast symmetry. The goal is to recreate, in a safe and effective manner, a breast that appears normal . Once again, this is the artistic side to breast reconstruction and something I find very satisfying.