A breast cancer diagnosis can bring a long list of questions, and one of the most personal may be, “What will my body look like after treatment?” For many patients, breast reconstruction can be an important part of the breast cancer journey.
At Continuum Surgery Center of Naples, breast cancer surgery and reconstructive procedures are among the surgical services available to patients. The center’s breast cancer program includes surgical options such as lumpectomy, mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, with care designed around each patient’s individual diagnosis and treatment plan.
Understanding Breast Cancer Surgery
Breast cancer surgery is not the same for every patient. Depending on the type, size and location of the cancer, as well as other individual factors, surgery may involve removing the tumor while preserving the breast, known as a lumpectomy, or removing the breast tissue through a mastectomy.
Elizabeth Arguelles, MD, FACS, is a board-certified breast surgeon and surgical breast oncologist listed among Continuum’s breast cancer specialists. Her training includes some oncoplastic surgery, an approach that combines cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques to help preserve the natural shape of the breast when appropriate. She also holds Hidden Scar Certification, which focuses on strategically placing incisions to minimize visible scarring while maintaining appropriate cancer treatment.
For some patients, breast reconstruction may be performed at the same time as mastectomy. This is called immediate reconstruction. Others may choose delayed reconstruction, which is performed after cancer treatment or at a later time. The appropriate approach depends on factors such as the type of cancer surgery, radiation or chemotherapy needs, overall health and the patient’s personal preferences.
What Is Breast Reconstruction?
Breast reconstruction is surgery designed to restore the shape and appearance of the breast after breast cancer surgery. Reconstruction may use a breast implant, the patient’s own tissue, or a combination of techniques.
There is no single reconstruction method that is right for everyone. A plastic and reconstructive surgeon can discuss the available options and explain how factors such as body type, previous surgeries, planned cancer treatments and personal goals may influence the surgical plan.
Continuum’s surgical team includes several plastic and reconstructive surgeons, including Andrew M. Bonett, MD, Aaron M. Jacobs, MD, and Mark Walsh, MD, who collectively provide a broad range of reconstructive, cosmetic, breast, and body procedures.
In some cases, breast-conserving surgery may also incorporate oncoplastic techniques. These procedures combine removal of the cancer with reshaping of the remaining breast tissue. The goal is to address the cancer while considering breast shape and symmetry.
A Team Approach to Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer treatment often involves more than one type of specialist. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy. Continuum describes its breast cancer services as including multidisciplinary treatment planning, with surgeons, oncologists and other healthcare professionals working together to develop an individualized plan.
The surgical environment is another consideration. Continuum Surgery Center of Naples is a 10,000-square-
foot multispecialty ambulatory surgery center with four operating rooms, one procedure room and 11 pre-operative and recovery bays. The center emphasizes coordinated care, efficiency and personalized attention throughout the surgical experience.
For appropriate procedures, an ambulatory surgery setting may allow patients to complete their procedure and recovery without an overnight hospital stay. Whether breast cancer or reconstruction surgery is appropriate for an outpatient setting is determined by the surgeon based on the patient’s procedure and individual medical needs.
Start the Conversation Early
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer or are considering a mastectomy, ask your breast surgeon about reconstruction as early as possible. Meeting with a reconstructive surgeon before surgery can help you understand your options and determine whether immediate or delayed reconstruction may be appropriate.
Every breast cancer diagnosis is different. Your surgical team can explain the benefits, limitations, risks and expected recovery associated with your specific treatment plan.
Continuum Surgery Center of Naples is currently accepting patients for its surgical services and has contracted with several commercial insurance plans:
NOW ACCEPTING:
Florida Blue
Medicare
Florida Medicaid
TRICARE
Workers’ Comp
Meritain (CHP)
Allegiance (CHP)
COMING SOON:
Aetna
OWCP
Expected Mid-October
Humana Medicaid
Effective 11/1
Cigna
Effective 12/1
Expected
12/1/2026-2/1/2027
– MultiPlan
– HealthSpring
– Humana Medicare
– Claritev
– First Health
Patients should verify coverage with their individual insurance provider and with Continuum Surgery Center before scheduling surgery, as coverage can vary by plan and procedure.
For more information about breast cancer surgery, reconstruction or other surgical services, contact Continuum Surgery Center of Naples at 239-504-0004.
We Are Hiring!
Continuum Surgery Center of Naples seeks talented, compassionate healthcare professionals for our growing team. Enjoy a dynamic environment, competitive pay, and the chance to transform patient care in Southwest Florida. We also welcome surgeons to credential with us and become shareholders. Join our surgical excellence community—contact us today!
239-504-0004
6750 IMMOKALEE ROAD, STE. 211, NAPLES, FL 34119
www.continuumsurgerycenter.com
info@continuumsurgerycenter.com