Plastic Surgery Articles

Innovative Technique Helps Conserve Breasts After Cancer

March 29, 2007 -

An innovative procedure known as oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery combines two medical disciplines-breast cancer surgery and breast reconstructive surgery-to help women with breast cancer avoid the ravages of mastectomy.

Although the procedure has been around for years, it is just now beginning to gain popularity in the United States-largely because of recent advances in reconstruction and conserving surgeries as well as in radiation therapy.

Traditional breast conserving procedures tend to focus solely on removing the cancerous tumor and often result in an undesirable cosmetic result, which may later be rectified through reconstructive plastic surgery.

However, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery has a dual focus: eliminating the cancer and achieving an optimal aesthetic result.

For this type of procedure, plastic and breast cancer surgeons work together to remove the cancerous tissue and immediately reconstruct and reshape the breast using the patient’s own tissue.

Breast cancer surgeons are typically faced with two conflicting issues. Their primary goal is to remove as much tissue as possible for effective cancer control, while at the same time trying to preserve breast tissue to prevent a poor aesthetic outcome, said plastic surgeon Dr. Albert Losken.

By working together as a team, we are able to address these issues simultaneously maximizing both the cancer and cosmetic outcomes, he said.

Considering breast surgery? Please contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Body Fat Used In Breast Augmentation Method

March 27, 2007 -

One of the latest trends in breast augmentation uses a patient’s own body fat-from the belly, thighs, or butt-to boost the bust line, despite serious concerns from leading surgeon’s groups.

The breast implant method is called fat grafting-or lipoinjection-and involves surgically removing fat from problem areas and injecting the cells into the breasts. Patients insist fat grafting offers more natural results than saline or silicone implants. Some surgeons rave over its benefits claiming it allows them to shape the breasts and reduces the risk of hardening.

Lack of Safety Information

However, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons warn patients about the lack of clinical evidence that proves fat grafting for breast augmentation is safe or effective.

They are concerned over the potential for long-term complications including tissue scarring or calcification, which may mimic or hide breast cancer, leading to more dire health problems.

“The fat cells can scar down or sometimes become cysts and sometimes will even form calcifications,” said Dr. Walter Ernhardt, president of the ASPS.

In some cases, fat grafting doesn’t work, and the body reabsorbs the cells injected into the breasts

Considering breast augmentation? Please click here to speak with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon about your cosmetic surgery options.

Study: Breast Enhancement Boosts Self-Esteem, Sexuality

March 22, 2007 -

Breast augmentation is one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures in America. Since 2000, the number of procedures performed has jumped 476 percent, with more than 300,000 women undergoing augmentation procedures every year. These numbers raise a pertinent question: Is bigger really better?

New research is suggesting that maybe it is. Cynthia Figueroa-Haas, a professor at the University of Floridas College of Nursing, recently conducted a study to assess patients perceptions of self-esteem and sexuality prior to and following cosmetic breast enhancement.

The Study

According to the studywhich involved 84 women between the ages of 21 and 57the patients average self-esteem score increased 4 points from 20.7 to 24.9 on the widely accepted, 30-point Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

The womens average sexuality score, which is based on the 36-point Female Sexual Function Index, also increased several points from 27.2 to 31.4. Specifically, the participants showed substantial increases in sexual desire (78.6 percent), arousal (81 percent), and satisfaction (57 percent).

The Ideal Candidate

Figueroa-Hass warned, however, that plastic surgery should not be viewed as a cure-all for self-esteem and/or sexuality issues.

There may be patients who will never be satisfied with their bodies no matter how much surgery they receive or feel that their life will completely change after plastic surgery, she said. These are not ideal candidates for surgery and should seek further counseling to address their underlying psychological issues.

The best patients for cosmetic surgery are those who seek improvements in certain physical areas. For such people, plastic surgery can be a very positive experience, Figueroa-Haas said.

Considering breast enhancement? For more information about your options, please contact us today.

Internal Bras Offer a Lift

March 20, 2007 -

The tropical country of Brazil is famous for its string bikinis, waxes, and cutting-edge plastic surgery-especially for breasts. In 1998, Brazilian plastic surgeons developed the internal bra, which is quickly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the country causing U.S. doctors to adopt a similar method.

What is the Internal Bra?

The internal bra procedure is a smaller-scar surgery intended to give breasts a lift without adding extra volume. A patient’s existing glandular tissue is resculpted and a special mesh device that acts as an internal bra is placed above the tissue and under the skin to lift the breast and hold it in place.

This procedure is most ideal for patients who want a breast reduction since it eliminates sagginess. It works best on women who have the appearance of firm breasts prior to the surgery.

Status of the Internal Bra in the U.S.

In the United States, plastic surgeons have begun using Alloderm, a natural tissue pharmaceutical device that provides the same effect as the internal bra. In some cases, Alloderm is used to give patients a little extra “padding” over their breast implant when they don’t have enough natural soft tissue.

Most U.S. doctors will agree that the internal bra significantly enhances the outcome of a breast lift procedure, but fails to replace the need to remove excess skin that is often necessary during breast reduction or lift surgeries.

Considering plastic surgery? Please click here to set up a consultation with a trusted board certified plastic surgeon to learn more about your cosmetic surgery options.

Are You Ready for Breast Surgery?

March 16, 2007 -

Everyday, women across America are choosing to undergo cosmetic breast surgery. Whatever the procedure-augmentation, lift, reduction, or reconstruction-potential patients should always go into surgery with a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure as well as their own expectations.

To determine if you’re ready for breast surgery, ask yourself these important questions:

• Am I choosing this procedure because it’s what I want for myself and not because someone else is pressuring or influencing me?

• Am I being realistic about what this surgery can do for me? I don’t expect this procedure to fundamentally change who I am.

• Do I understand that breast surgery can improve my appearance but it cannot change my life?

• Am I prepared to accept the results of my procedure? I understand that surgery carries certain risks and no results are guaranteed.

• Is my physical and emotional health stable?

• Can I afford the monetary and non-monetary (e.g. recovery time) costs associated with the procedure I’m considering?

If you would like to discuss your options for cosmetic breast enhancement with a board certified plastic surgeon near you, please contact us today.

Breast Augmentation Top Surgical Procedure for Women

March 14, 2007 -

For years, liposuction has beat out breast augmentation as the top cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States. Not last year though. In 2006-for the first time ever-breast augmentation topped the list of most popular cosmetic procedures for women.

According to the latest American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics, more than 380,000 breast augmentations were performed last year, making the procedure second only to liposuction in popularity. Breast augmentation was most sought after by women between the ages of 19 and 34.

Plastic Surgery Trends

Other popular surgical procedures included breast reduction (both female and male), abdominoplasty, liposuction, and eyelid surgery. Among the top non-surgical procedures were Botox, hyaluronic acid fillers, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.

Since 1997 when the ASAPS first began collecting statistics, the number of cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. has increased 446 percent. Last year alone, Americans spent more than $12 billion on nearly 11.5 million cosmetic procedures.

The top five cosmetic surgical procedures for men and women in 2006 were:

1. Liposuction-403,684
2. Breast augmentation-383,886
3. Eyelid surgery-209,999
4. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)-172,457
5. Female breast reduction-169,314

Considering cosmetic surgery? Please contact us today to learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

4 Silicone Implant Myths Debunked

March 7, 2007 -

Despite the FDA’s recent re-approval of silicone breast implants, there is still some controversy surrounding the popular medical devices. With so many competing opinions about the safety of silicone implants, it’s difficult for consumers to know the difference between myth and reality.

Below are four common silicone breast implant myths and the truth behind them:

1. Silicone breast implants raise the risk of breast cancer. Actually, the National Institutes of Health reported in 2000 that there is no link between implants and an increased risk of breast cancer.
2. Silicone implants may cause autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine whether or not silicone implants can cause autoimmune disease. No clear link has to date been established.
3. The silicone in silicone implants can leak into breast milk. According to the Institute of Medicine, no evidence suggests that women with silicone implants pass silicone to their babies through breast milk.
4. Only silicone implants that leak or rupture need to be replaced. If the implant shell has been compromised in any way, experts recommend that the implant be replaced. Silicone breast implants may also need to be replaced as a woman’s body changes over time or if capsular contracture occurs.

Women who are considering silicone breast implants should always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the options best suited for them.

Interested in learning more? Please contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Do Your Homework Before Nip/Tuck

March 6, 2007 -

Most patients who go under the knife to enhance their assets or turn back the clock are pleased with the results, but many wish they had done more research before the procedure.

A new poll by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that only about 28 percent of patients actually check their doctor’s credentials.

While 91 percent claim they knew what to expect before plastic surgery, less than 50 percent recalled ever being informed of the risks and side effects.

“This study suggests patients are not as aware as they should be when it comes to understanding possible side effects and complications after surgery,” said the president of ASPS Dr. Roxanne Guy.

Research is Key to Best Results

While 80 percent of the 617 plastic and reconstructive surgery patients polled were happy with their results, about 40 percent wish they had done their homework. Over half of the patients claimed they were concerned about potential complications and risks, but felt uncomfortable asking their doctor questions.

Guy said it’s vital that every patient makes sure his or her surgeon has the proper credentials and is also aware of all the possible risks. “You can afford to be nonchalant about some things, but surgery is not one of them.”

Plastic surgery procedures-from breast implants to tummy tucks and face lifts-continue to increase in popularity. Over 10.2 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2005, an 11 percent increase from previous years.

Considering breast augmentation? Please click here to set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Breast Implants: Understanding the Basics

March 1, 2007 -

Breast augmentation has long been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Given such popularity, it’s important for women to understand a few breast implant basics.

The following are six essential facts all women should know before getting breast implants:

1. Both silicone and saline breast implants have a solid outer shell made of silicone.
2. All breast implants must be inserted surgically.
3. Breast implants-silicone and saline alike-can interfere with mammography testing, and additional views may be necessary for better cancer detection.
4. A primary risk associated with all implants is capsular contracture, the formation of scar tissue around the implant that causes firm or hardened breasts and altered breast appearance.
5. Breast implants are not lifetime medical devices and may need to be replaced at some point.
6. Informed consent-the process whereby a surgeon explains all the risks, benefits, and other pertinent information about the implants and the procedure-is vital to making a knowledgeable decision.

To learn more about your breast implant options with a board certified plastic surgeon near you, please contact us today.