Plastic Surgery Articles

Breast Cancer Survivor Breakthrough: Zometa

At the recent Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, Illinois, Zometa was a topic of discussion when the Austrian Breast (zoledronic acid).

The FDA approved Novartis’ Zometa in 2002 for the use of preventing cancer reoccurrence. To date, three clinical trials comprised of over 3,000 patients support the use of Zometa for post cancer patients. The pharmacology behind Zometa focuses on inhibiting bone resorption to prevent the re-occurrence of cancer.

This breakthrough is considered monumental for breast cancer survivors in light of cancer re-occurrence statistics. Of all early breast cancer patients, approximately one third will have a reoccurrence and most reoccurrences appear in other organs of the body. This statistic also represents breast cancer as the primary cause of death, involving 60% of the women within a five year period.

Most often, hormone therapy is used to prevent cancer reoccurrences. Breast cancer survivors can now receive Zometa to reduce the risk of disease-free survival events (which include death from any cause) by 36%, when compared to hormone therapy treatment alone. Zometa may be utilized to prevent other types of cancer reoccurrences, including: multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, lung cancer and select classes of tumors.

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

Check List for Breast Augmentation Before and After Photos

When viewing before and after photos of breast augmentation patients, its important to consider the following for a true comparison. Of course, the best comparative analysis can be drawn when visiting a plastic surgeon. This is because plastic surgeons are familiar with the patient photos theyve taken which enable the plastic surgeon to provide more information that is relevant to your particular situation.

Before and After Photos on the Internet:

• Illustrations of the plastic surgeons expertise
• Comparative sizes of breasts before and post up to 16 weeks of surgery
• Ability to see the difference between breast augmentation and breast lift

Items to keep in Mind for Before and After Photos:

View the width of the chest and length of mid-body to locate those that are comparative to you.
See similar height and weights for a better comparison.
Try to differentiate between swelling and no swelling since the photos may be taken anywhere between 4 and 12 weeks of surgery.

The Advantage for Photos at a Plastic Surgeons Office

• Plastic surgeons can review the type of incision that was used for their patients such as the belly button, under the arm or under the crease.
• Plastic surgeons can review the placement location for the breast implants under the muscle or above the muscle.
• Plastic surgeons can show photos of women with the same chest width.
• Plastic surgeons can tell you how long after the procedure that the photo was taken which can play a role in the final outcome of the procedure.
• Plastic surgeons can connect you to patients with similarities.

In the end, the investment in a consultation with one or more plastic surgeons can go a much longer way in making the right decision for breast augmentation when compared to viewing photos on the Internet.

Are you currently going through breast cancer? If so, contact one of our board certified surgeons to learn more about MammoSite brachytherapy and other treatments.

Importance of Board Certification

A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Resource is dedicated to helping you find the highest level of plastic surgery care in your area. To help us achieve this goal, we select only those surgeons who hold the appropriate board certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Why is board certification so important?

Board certification is important because it ensures that your surgeon has the training, qualifications, and experience necessary to perform plastic surgery procedures safely and skillfully.

By choosing a board certified plastic surgeon, you can be sure that your doctor has extensive experience in any procedure you are considering. A board certified plastic surgeon can also provide you with the guidance you need in order to make an informed decision.

Plastic Surgery Boards and Societies

• The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

In order to be considered appropriately qualified to perform plastic surgery, physicians should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and hold membership in either the American Society of Plastic Surgery or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies only physicians who have completed the following:

• Medical school
• A specialized residency in surgery, otolaryngology, or orthopedics
• A rigorous set of examinations

Once certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, plastic surgeons can apply for membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. To qualify for membership in the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a surgeon must meet certain requirements for continuing education as well as possess a specific level of cosmetic surgery experience.

A “Real Housewife of Orange County” Chose One of Our Surgeons

“The Real Housewives of Orange County,” a very popular Bravo TV reality show now in its fourth season, brings to light the personal stories of five well-to-do women, their families and their careers, their dreams, their secrets, and especially, their fights. Never at a loss for drama, the “Housewives of OC” entertains millions of viewers each week. Tamra Barney is one of the most popular of the OC “housewives,” and she recently turned to a surgeon listed with www.breast-augmentation-resource.com to do her breast reduction surgery.

Breast Augmentation Revision

The highly respected Orange County cosmetic surgeon Miland Ambe was Tamra’s choice for her revision surgery. Tamra - a petite mother of four - had undergone breast augmentation surgery in her 20’s, and with her “big 4-Oh” birthday approaching, she felt that her 34D breasts were too big for her slender frame and height. Both her decision to downsize her breasts and the excellent outcome of her surgery were featured on a third-season episode of the show.

Although Tamra often referred to herself as “the hottest housewife in Orange County,” she was considering having her breast implants completely removed. She chose Dr. Ambe, well known for his skill and artistry concerning revision surgeries, and his consultation with her was extensive.

Careful Consideration of Goals and Issues

As Dr. Ambe noted, “I find that sometimes patients tell me exactly what they want done, thinking they know how a procedure will make them look and feel. I would much rather start by discussing their issues and goals, then evaluate the options. Many times we end up planning a procedure that’s slightly different than the one they thought they should have.”

Dr. Ambe suspected that Tamra wouldn’t be comfortable having very small breasts after a complete removal of her implants, and he also knew that she might be unaware of how much of her natural breast tissue had been lost due to the birth of her children. After they discussed her options, feelings and comfort level in detail, they settled together on a surgical outcome providing Tamra with mid-C cup breasts, with new but smaller implants that would fit her body better.

A Very Satisfying and Successful Outcome

Tamra is thrilled with her revision surgery, and she reports having received many e-mails from women around the U.S. and beyond who were facing the same issues. She’s happy to continue to present her new body as that of “the hottest housewife in Orange County.”

If you’re considering breast surgery, get the best possible surgeon in your area - contact a board-certified plastic surgeon today.

Source: http://newportbeachplasticsurgery.com/news/real-housewives.html

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

Breast surgery is one of the leading plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. today. But, why? I guess it would seem obvious to assume it is because breasts are the part of the female body that make us feel feminine, “womanly” and beautiful — so having them altered to fit our aesthetic goals would raise our self esteem and make us feel better about ourselves. Even though that may seem like the obvious answer, until recently, that very question was never asked (on a large scale) so the answer has only been assumed. Read more

The Costs of Breast Enlargement Surgery

January 7, 2009 -

The Costs of Breast Enlargement Surgery
Before a patient agrees to undergo a cosmetic surgery such as breast enlargement (also known as breast augmentation), it’s always wise to understand the total cost of the procedure. The price that is advertised is not necessarily “the bottom line,” and in these difficult economic times, it’s also possible that the cost of breast enlargement surgery may change.

“Average” Cost Varies Widely
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently provided a figure for the average cost of breast enlargement surgery in the U.S. - $3,816. However, this figure varies widely by geographic region, by the technique or procedure used, by the surgeon’s fee schedule, and in accord with each patient’s unique needs. In addition, this cost doesn’t include many factors that can add a significant amount to the total cost, such as:

• anesthesia fees - usually somewhere from $500 to $800
• operating room costs - these vary in accord with the location of the surgery; e.g., a hospital O.R., a surgical center or a surgeon’s facility
• the cost of the breast implants themselves - saline, silicone, and other material costs vary
• medications - post-surgery drugs and other products to ease your recovery
• post-surgery garments - some breast procedures necessitate the use of compression garments after surgery
• recovery center costs - some cosmetic surgeons require that patients stay at least one night in an affiliated recovery center for monitoring, especially if the patient is from out of town; such centers may cost $300-$800 per night

Discuss the Total Cost with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
It’s best to discuss the total costs of a breast augmentation procedure in depth with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. He or she will be able to tell you the complete details of what your individual case will involve, including:

• the appropriate procedure and implants
• what to expect (and do) during the recovery period, and
• the exact and total cost of your surgery

Financing Your Breast Surgery
Most cosmetic surgeons also provide information about services that enable patients to finance their procedures. Such financial services are also acutely aware of the total costs of breast and other surgeries; it’s part of their work to know how much a complete cosmetic surgery bill will be. They work with individuals to qualify them for installment payment plans.

(Source: http://californiasurgicalinstitute.com)

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

Sagging Breasts Not Due to Breast Feeding: Contrary to Popular Belief

December 8th, 2008 -

Sagging breasts, also known as breast ptosis, have long been associated with child birth and breast feeding. However, the results of a study led by Brian Rinker, MD published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal recently identified the precise reasons for breast droopiness or breast sagging. Interestingly enough, breast feeding was not identified as a factor in the development of sagging breasts. The study involved over 90 patients that had breast surgery between 1998 and 2006.

Breast shape did alter following pregnancy in over 50% of the study participants. Yet, the influence of lifestyle habits and age were determined responsible for breast sagging in the study participants. The components for evaluation in the study included: age, number of pregnancies, time duration of breastfeeding, pre-pregnancy breast size, body mass index, weight gain and loss, history of cigarette smoking and degree of pre surgery breast sagging. The results of the study were, as follows:

• Older Age women are more susceptible to breast sagging
• Overweight women and those with a high body mass index were more likely to have breast sagging
• Number of pregnancies has an impact on the appearance of sagging breasts.
• Women with a larger breast size prior to pregnancy were more likely to have breast sagging.
• Women that had or were currently smoking were at greater risk for breast sagging.

In the final analysis, women can have greater assurance that breast sagging will not result from breast feeding, regardless of the time duration in breast feeding. Of course, the risk of breast sagging increases from several other factors relating to pregnancy itself. However, there are recommendations that a gynecologist may make to help reduce the risk of breast sagging following pregnancy.

Source: www.aestheticsurgeryjournal.com

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

A UK technology company has come out with a 3D imaging system that is designed to provide a virtual review of a breast augmentation procedure, complete with before-and-after pictures. From a clinical point of view, here’s what the system has to offer. Read more

Effective Ways to Enlarge Your Breasts

January 24, 2008 -

These days the shape and size of a womans breasts seem to be of more importance than ever before and women across the world are taking note.

All of this talk is making more and more women self-conscious of their own chests and many are entering the operating rooms to get that extra boost of confidence and enhance their cup size.

Breast Enlargement vs. Breast Enhancement

Although some arent aware, there is a clear difference between getting a breast enlargement and a breast enhancement.

A breast enlargement refers to an increase in the actual size of the breast.

When one goes in for a breast enhancement, the overall appearance, including the shape, size and texture of the breasts will be focused on.

According to surgeons, breast enlargement is much easier to achieve initially; however, constant care and maintenance of the breast are usually required.

Achieving Breast Enlargement

Most women prefer breast augmentation surgery when they are trying to enlarge their breasts since the results tend to be the quickest and most obvious.

The two types of implants that are usually used in breast augmentation surgery are:

Silicone Gel Implants - These implants are typically composed of silicone gel and provides the desired elasticity to the breasts.

Saline Implants - Saline implants also contain a silicone shell, which are filled with saline gels.

(Source: American Chronicle)

Are you considering getting breast augmentation surgery? If so, please contact us to speak with a board certified surgeon who will better inform you about the procedure and your options.

Breast Implant Predictions for the Upcoming Year

Jan 17 , 2008 -

Many plastic surgeons across the U.S. worry that the economic stance of the country will affect the number of breast augmentation surgeries that are performed in 2008.

Merrill Lynch analysts issued their projections after discovering that 77 percent of plastic surgeons blamed the economy for the number of breast surgeries performed last year.

Some Surgeons Remain Hopeful

Although 80 percent of surgeons believe that the state of the nations economy will impact the total number of procedures, some remain hopeful and believe that there business will only grow in the upcoming year.

The doctors highlighted several potential drivers of procedure growth, explains a Merrill Lynch researcher, this includes rising patient acceptance of breast augmentation, increasing awareness of implant surgery, the approval of silicone implants, and growing referrals from satisfied patients.

Others Not So Optimistic

According to the findings, 14 percent of surgeons expect there to be no growth in business and six percent predict that there will be a decline in breast surgery associated with economic factors.

This new report comes in light of the falling home values, increased oil prices and weak retail sales, amongst other factors.

(Source: U.S. News)

Are you considering getting a breast augmentation? Please contact us for a FREE consultation with a board certified doctor who will give you the information and support you need in making your decision.