“Chameleon of the Community”
By Beverly Miller
Guillermo Quetell, M.D.
Guillermo Quetell, M.D., F.A.C.S., who has joined the Medical Staff at Auburn Memorial Hospital, says that his goal is to be a “chameleon of the community in which I work.” This means that his practice is molded to match the needs of the community. His wide range of services includes breast reconstruction, breast reduction, breast augmentation, body contouring (i.e. after weight loss), liposuction, otoplasy, rhinoplasty, cosmetic procedures, skin lesion removal, botox injections, filler injections, and hand and peripheral nerve surgery. He has office hours at Auburn Memorial Hospital’s third floor Central wing every Wednesday. For appointments, call 255-7036.
“A woman that starts discussing her reconstruction options at the same time she is talking to her surgeon about her breast cancer surgery will cope better with the loss,” Dr. Quetell states. “There are also surgical advantages when reconstruction is done when the tissues are softer rather than scar tissue.” He adds that reconstruction should be offered to everyone; a surgeon should not make assumptions about who may choose that option. “I’ve had octogenarians who chose to have reconstructive surgery after breast cancer,” he states.
When a woman learns she has breast cancer, it is usually overwhelming, he says. “In a woman’s mind, every day that passes after that diagnosis, the tumor may be spreading. Therefore it is important to plan her surgery quickly. And the consultation regarding reconstructive surgery can happen on the same day if she wishes.” He says that during his first consultation with a woman, he will examine her and offer her options. Then, if she decides to go ahead with planning reconstruction, she will meet with him again to have all of her questions answered. Dr. Quetell can then coordinate with her breast cancer surgeon. “Every phase of breast reconstruction is covered by insurance, according to federal law,” Dr. Quetell says.