Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital breast surgical oncologist Dr. Liza Thalheimer, M.D. performing Hidden Scar® breast cancer surgery

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, which is designated as a Hidden Scar center, is among the first hospitals in the area to use this approach to breast cancer surgery that hides scars for breast cancer patients. Thalheimer and Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital are expanding options for women in Northwest Houston with a procedure that effectively treats the cancer while optimizing cosmetic results.

"A breast cancer diagnosis is difficult enough. At Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, we are committed to performing complex, in-demand surgeries with greater confidence and giving more women access to transformative options," said Thalheimer.

Hidden Scar breast cancer surgery allows Thalheimer to remove the cancerous tissue through a single incision made in a hidden area, preserving the natural shape of the breast while reducing visible scarring. Patients who undergo this approach experience optimal clinical and cosmetic outcomes.

Each year, about 253,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer that requires surgery. Many are unaware of all the surgical options available, including less invasive approaches that can help restore their self-image and allow them to begin the emotional healing process.

"Five-year survival rates for breast cancer are high. Survivorship is becoming increasingly important," said Thalheimer. "Scars have a significant impact on survivorship because they impact the survivors' body image, intimacy, confidence and mental health."

For more information about the Houston Methodist Breast Care Center at Willowbrook, visit http://www.houstonmethodist.org/womens-services/locations/willowbrook/breast-care-center/.

For more information about Hidden Scar, visit www.breastcancersurgery.com.

About Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a 312 bed, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital, which is part of Houston Methodist. The hospital has expanded in Northwest Houston to serve the comprehensive health care needs of the growing community.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook is ranked No. 5 in the Houston metro area and No. 12 in Texas by U.S. News & World Report as a "Best Hospital" in 2017. 

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital specializes in cardiology and cardiovascular services, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, and comprehensive cancer services. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has a Breast Care Center, Cancer Center, Imaging Center, Infusion Center, Sleep Center, and Surgical Weight Loss Center and operates a Childbirth Center with a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

For more information about the comprehensive services available on the Houston Methodist Willowbrook campus and to learn about upcoming events, please visit houstonmethodist.org/willowbrook. To find a physician, call 281.737.2500.

SOURCE Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital