When you're diagnosed with breast cancer, you're often told you only have one option for reconstruction. You're told your nipples can't be saved. You're told you'll need tissue expanders and multiple surgeries over a year or more. But what if everything you've been told isn't the whole truth?
In this powerful episode, I sit down with my breast reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, to have the conversation every woman facing breast reconstruction needs to hear. Dr. Srinivasa is double board-certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery with fellowship training in microsurgery. She's the founder of The Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction in Los Angeles, and she's changing the game when it comes to breast cancer reconstruction.
We dive deep into the reconstruction options you actually have, the truth about sensation preservation, how to choose your dynamic duo of breast surgeon and plastic surgeon, and why comprehensive care matters beyond just the surgery itself. I share my own journey from being told I'd lose my nipples and need over a year of surgeries to the completely different outcome I experienced with natural tissue reconstruction.
This episode is six months post-surgery for me, and I'm sharing my real experience—the good, the challenging, and the silver lining Dr. Srinivasa talks about that you can't see when you're in the thick of your cancer journey. If you're facing breast reconstruction or supporting someone who is, this conversation will empower you to ask the right questions and advocate for the care you deserve.
Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa is a double board-certified surgeon in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery with fellowship training in microsurgery. She is the founder of The Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Srinivasa specializes in natural tissue breast reconstruction using microsurgical techniques including DIEP flap surgery. She is passionate about sensation preservation, comprehensive patient care, and empowering women through their breast cancer journey.
Approximately 60% of her patients travel to see her from outside the Los Angeles area, including other states and countries. She has also founded Avara, a health-inclusive skincare line for women going through hormonal changes, cancer treatment, and other health journeys.
Connect with Dr. Srinivasa:
- Website
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdhivyasrinivasa/ https://www.instagram.com/the.iabr
- Avara Skincare
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