Published: May 16, 2025
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Imagine a world where every woman recovering from breast cancer surgery can feel whole again. That is now possible thanks to new technology available through Norton Cancer Institute and Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
After a mastectomy, a patient may wish to have breast reconstruction, which involves multiple steps to prepare for implants. Until now, implants were only available for average-size breasts. Now, a new Food and Drug Administration-approved option is available for larger sizes. Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery providers performed the first implant procedure in Kentucky using MENTOR MemoryGel Enhance silicone implants.
“Despite being a standard part of post-mastectomy care, reconstruction options have not kept pace with the diverse needs of today’s patient population,” said Brian P. Thornton, M.D., plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Norton Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, who performed the first procedure with the new implant. “Patients who require a larger-volume implant than what was previously available now have an option that helps them feel whole again.”
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 157,740 women underwent breast reconstruction in 2023. However, many more did not have access to a reconstructive implant that would restore their breast size to what it once was.
Silicone implants are desired by many patients because of their natural look and feel. Often, they also are lighter weight.
“We want every woman to have an option to feel like themselves again after undergoing a mastectomy,” Dr. Thornton said. “Until now, this was not possible and made a breast cancer diagnosis that much more traumatic.”
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy is available through Norton Healthcare’s Breast Health Program, accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). The program offers comprehensive services, from screening through diagnosis, employing several patient navigators to make the patient journey seamless and as comfortable as possible.
“Patients who must undergo a mastectomy often have decreased self-confidence, concerns about their physical appearance and even feelings of loss,” Dr. Thornton said. “It’s important for every person needing this part of the healing process to have options and a path forward.”