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Home > VA Providers > Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD

Accepting New Patients

(2 Ratings)

Specializes in: Plastic Surgery

UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (1994)

Professional interests include: breast reconstruction, breast surgery

5131 River Club Drive Suite 110
Suffolk, VA 23435

(757) 483-6550

Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD is a plastic surgeon in Suffolk, VA specializing in plastic surgery. She graduated from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1994 and has 32 years of experience. Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD is affiliated with Bon Secours, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, Sentara Health and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center.

Office Locations

5131 River Club Drive Suite 110
Suffolk, VA 23435

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Some issues Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD can help you with:

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is surgery to restore the appearance of the breast, usually after a mastectomy. The choice of how to proceed after the removal of a breast is a deeply personal one, with some women opting to wear a prosthetic form in a bra, and others choosing to embrace their new breastless form as a reminder of their strength and survival. Those options are perfectly acceptable, but many women feel most comfortable with their missing breast tissue surgically replaced. Breast reconstruction can be part of a patient's return to normal after experiencing breast cancer.

There are a few different methods used to create the round shape of the breast on the chest. A flap of fat, skin, and muscle can be taken from the side, abdomen or buttock and implanted on the chest to create a breast from the patient's own tissue. Alternatively, the skin over the chest may be gradually stretched to allow for the placement of an implant. Stretching of the skin is done using expanders, which are similar to breast implants, except they increase in size when saltwater solution is injected into them. Many women also choose to combine the flap procedure with implant placement to achieve their desired result. Once the new breast shape is formed, a nipple can be created and even tattooed to match the other side.

Reconstruction may be done in a single surgery or broken up into multiple procedures:

Immediate reconstruction rebuilds the breast right after mastectomy. This method is not recommended if additional chemotherapy or radiation is needed after surgery.
Delayed reconstruction occurs after chemotherapy or radiation has been given. These treatments may decrease the volume or alter the color of the reconstructed breast, so they should be completed before the breast is rebuilt. This type of reconstruction may happen weeks, months, or even years after mastectomy.
Staged reconstruction splits the reconstructive process into two parts. The first part inserts temporary expanders to stretch the skin and is done immediately after breast removal surgery. The second part replaces the expanders with implants after chemotherapy or radiation treatments have been given.

Breast reconstruction is not perfect. The two breasts may not always look exactly identical, although they will be close. There may be small scars, and a loss of sensation in the reconstructed breast. A reconstructed breast will not produce milk, so patients may have trouble breastfeeding. Still, reconstruction is a great option for women who want that part of their appearance back.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“Luckily, I did some research and found Dr. Helena Guarda in Suffolk, whose specialty is breast reconstruction.”—"Breast cancer changes their lives but not their strength and courage", The Virginian-Pilot, September 2008

“Patients usually are ready for that procedure about three months after a mastectomy and reconstruction, said Dr. Helena Guarda, West's plastic surgeon.”—"TIME TO HEAL", The Virginian-Pilot, January 2007

“While most women still need four to six weeks before they can return to normal activity, they experience less pain, according to Dr. Helena Guarda, West's plastic surgeon.”—"CANCER 'NIGHTMARE IS OVER NOW'", Daily Press, December 2006

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	156

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	153

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	39
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	93
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	54
From 75 to 84	38
85 and over	16
Less than 65	13

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2013

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	13
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	36
Dementia	0
Cancer	25

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	211

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	53
Female	96

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	114
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	70
From 75 to 84	38
85 and over	18
Less than 65	23

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2014

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	32
Dementia	0
Cancer	31

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	221

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	122
Female	188

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	260
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	136
From 75 to 84	94
85 and over	44
Less than 65	36

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2015

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	15
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	34
Dementia	10
Cancer	27

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD treated as a plastic surgeon in Suffolk, VA during 2016 were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	275
plastic surgery procedures	11
reconstructive surgery	11
tissue transfer	11
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	11

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	73
Female	107

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	143
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	76
From 75 to 84	54
85 and over	28
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2016

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	22
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	16
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	38
Dementia	14
Cancer	25

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	231

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	56
Female	96

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	117
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	69
From 75 to 84	50
85 and over	15
Less than 65	18

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2017

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	32
Dementia	12
Cancer	24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	182

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	35
Female	92

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	101
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	50
From 75 to 84	46
85 and over	14
Less than 65	17

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2018

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	35
Dementia	9
Cancer	27

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	147

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	32
Female	68

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	78
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	50
From 75 to 84	23
85 and over	12
Less than 65	15

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2019

Hypertension	69
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	26
Dementia	0
Cancer	31

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	104

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	58

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	75
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	45
From 75 to 84	29
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2020

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	23
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	30

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	108

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	41
Female	49

**Age**
From 65 to 74	50
From 75 to 84	29
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2021

Hypertension	68
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	26

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	169

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	47
Female	73

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	107
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	56
From 75 to 84	47
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	13
Ischemic Heart Disease	19
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	14
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	29
Dementia	0
Cancer	23

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD treated as a plastic surgeon in Suffolk, VA were reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery procedures, wound repair (e.g. stitches) and tissue transfer.

doctor visit	177
plastic surgery procedures	11
reconstructive surgery	11
tissue transfer	11
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	11

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD.

**Gender**
Male	48
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	98
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	40
85 and over	13
Less than 65	13
65 to 74	59

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and cancer.

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	18
Chronic Kidney Disease	21
Asthma	4
Osteoporosis	7
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	29
Atrial Fibrillation	8
Dementia	4
Cancer	24

Education & Training

Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD graduated from UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in 1994. She completed residency at Louisiana State University Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certified and has a state license in Virginia.

Medical School: UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (1994)

Residency: Louisiana State University Affiliated Hospitals (1999)

Board Certification: Board Certified

Licensed In: Virginia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Bon Secours

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center

Sentara Health

Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD has a good overall rating with an average of 3.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Suffolk, VA.

Overall Rating

(2 Ratings)

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General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Helena M. Guarda, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Allergan Inc.	$158 SERI $124	BOTOX COSMETIC $23	$11
AbbVie Inc.	$133 $133
Mentor Worldwide LLC	$50 Augmentation $33	ARTOURA Breast Tissue Expander $17
Allergan, Inc.	$44 NATRELLE $44
Davol Inc.	$17 SURGICAL $17

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$402

Biography

Dr. Helena Guarda, who practices in Suffolk, VA, is a medical specialist in plastic surgery. Her areas of clinical interest consist of cosmetic surgery and breast reconstruction. She is affiliated with Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Sentara Health. Dr. Guarda's education and training includes medical school at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and residency at a hospital affiliated with Louisiana State University. According to Bon Secours, she is currently accepting new patients at her office in Suffolk, VA.