I strongly recommend AURA Advanced Plastic Surgery in Boulder, the practice of Nathan Roesner, a…read moreDoctor of Osteopathy (an MD who treats the whole patient), for your cosmetic surgery or reconstructive needs.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer last November, Nathan Roesner intervened during the most daunting period of my life; he helped me. To add to the hellish diagnosis, I was hit with the death of my younger sister, Maya, who passed away the very day before I visited the Aura office. Dr. Roesner was incredibly empathetic when he and I first met. He shared that he had lost a dear friend of his earlier that year. His words were precisely what I needed to hear that day. He then explained the complex phased breast reconstruction process using visual aids and sketches. The plan reassured me that I was in excellent hands. On December 20th, 2023, I had a double mastectomy, and then Roesner performed Phase 1 of my reconstruction. The following day, I awakened and immediately leaped out of bed to look in the hospital mirror. I unzipped the white sports bra the surgical staff had placed me in and took a good look at myself. The Tissue Expansion Devices (TEDs) were slightly filled. I am so grateful that I didn't have to go through the additional trauma of waking up flat-chested.
My post-surgical pathology report revealed that more cancer was lurking, so Dr. Roesner had me scheduled to undergo the removal of more tissue, D[r. Roesner's surgical coordinator deserves a quick shout-out. She got me in the OR before any metastasis occurred. THANK YOU.] The more radical clearance of breast tissue led to an epically received report of NED (No Evidence of Disease)...not even any RESIDUAL disease remained in my system - (or at least none that can be detected by the state-of-the-art surveillance systems we have to date). Roesner removed some of the air from the TEDs to protect the fresh incisions from the stress of being stretched. I looked deflated, which was not very cute, but only briefly, for the air fills began shortly, eventually replaced with saline. During that second surgery, Roesner also removed a chemotherapy port from my chest that I wouldn't be needing. Having the port so seamlessly removed was a tremendous relief for me.
Over the next few months, I would visit the AURA office for TED fills and facial treatments, including BBLs - Broad Band Light laser treatments. Master medical esthetician Kerri McMain performed my BBLS and other facial work. Kerri is probably one of the most careful, competent medical estheticians to have ever worked on my face, neck, and decolléte. As a licensed esthetician, I am highly selective with who wields a laser over my skin; I knew I was safe with Roesner's practice. I even brought my 11-year-old daughter in as we were struggling to clear up her acne. Not only did Kerri work on her face with great care, but she also gave us fresh ideas regarding care and prevention. With just a single microdermabrasion session at AURA, there was marked improvement in my daughter's skin. Kerri is also a delight to converse with; she seems genuinely concerned about the health and beauty of the patient's skin and overall wellness.
I felt valued as a patient at AURA. The desk attendants always seem upbeat and accommodating. Dr Roesner's Nurse, Tanya, was the one who typically performed my TED fills (gradually expanding the breasts via painless needle puncture). Even with the injections, undergoing those fills proved to be some of the most incredible medical fun ever. Growing breasts was an absolute blast for me! Nurse Tanya was always a pleasure to see, as was every other individual who works at Aura, conveniently located near Pearl Street in Boulder, Colorado. My reconstruction has become more aesthetically pleasing than 97% of the reconstructions I have viewed. [Mind you, I am a brutal critic.] Since the 3rd surgery (swapping out the TEDs for silicone implants) on April 22nd, 2024, I have noticed that my breasts are outstanding in symmetry. They are also my preferred size -my original size- and have minimal scarring. Dr Roesner must have used some technique that looks anything like butchery. Best of all, the new breasts feel like they BELONG inside my body; they cause me zero pain; granted, I am half numb, but with consistent scar massage, the sensation is starting to return. What's a nice bonus is that I can wear almost all of my favorite pre-mastectomy bras. I had some pretty great native breasts before all of this, so the bar was set very high for Dr. Roesner.
By the grace of God working through him, he managed to hit the high bar. He hit it aesthetically as well as perfectly excising an invasive cancer that would have left my daughter without a mother. Instead, I was SAVED, and I have literally been resurrected.
So, I insist that you give AURA a go.
