Suzanne Somers Talks about Experimental Breast Reconstruction Surgery

February 22nd, 2012 by Briana
Suzanne Somers Breast Reconstruction

Rob Rich via Flickr

Initially discouraged by limited breast reconstruction options, actress and breast cancer survivor Suzanne Somers decided to seek out an experimental breast reconstruction surgery.

In 2001 Somers was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her right breast. The surgery that followed removed a large portion of her breast, leaving her with significant asymmetry. Somers also elected to undergo several weeks of radiation therapy, which has become the standard of care for breast cancer patients in the U.S.

Over a month of radiation “left what breast I had flatter and flatter. I had a Double D on one side and on the other side I could hardly fill a B,” Somers recently told People Magazine.

When researching the breast reconstruction options, Somers turned to an experimental surgery not yet approved in the U.S. for breast reconstruction.

“I am so ensconced in what’s cutting edge. I get my thrill out of passing on information to women so they can have a better quality of life. “

During the procedure, fat and stem cells are removed via liposuction from the patient’s abdomen. This mixture is then injected into the affected breast area to increase size and reduce asymmetry.

For those looking for an alternative to breast implants or a TRAM flap procedure, this new surgery may serve as a beacon of hope.

“This whole thing is a win-win,” according to Somers. “You lose fat and get a new breast.”

The procedure, which takes around 2 ½ hours, is still in clinical trial testing. So far, 10 patients in addition to Somers have been accepted to participate in this research study.

Learn more about breast reconstruction surgery in Riverside, CA.

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Bigger Isn’t Always Better When It Comes to Breast Implants

February 14th, 2012 by Briana

Breast ImplantsAs they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Culturally this holds true as we witness seasonal shifts in everything from clothing style to nail polish color.  While plastic surgery may serve as a more dramatic step towards physical beauty, the industry as a whole is not immune to societal trends and influences.

According to Dr. Stanley Gulin, a cosmetic surgeon based in Naples, FL, the plastic surgery industry is seeing a shift in breast implant sizes. Bigger isn’t necessarily better and more women are seeking smaller breast implants than in the past.

“It’s a much more reasonable thing to just downsize, so I think there is a general trend,” Gulin said.

Aside from being a hot new trend, there may be additional benefits to choosing smaller breast implants says Gulin. “You have less wear and tear on the tissue, the breast just keeps its shape much better, you don’t have gravity working against that large implant.”

Dr. Manny Pena, another Florida based plastic surgeon agrees, and has noticed more and more women replacing their larger breast implants with smaller ones.

“Now I’m seeing people who have had bigger implants for 10-12 years, and they come in and say ‘I want something smaller, it’s affecting my lifestyle.”

Pena says he sees more than 20 women at his practice each year seeking to downsize their implants for various reasons, ranging from simply attaining a more natural look to decreasing low back pain often associated with larger breasts.

It appears that smaller breast implants are catching on, but remember that numerous factors such as overall body size and frame, as well as lifestyle should be taken into account when choosing your ideal breast implant size.

Source: ABC News

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New Study Offers Breast Reconstruction Alternative for Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

February 7th, 2012 by Briana

Breast ReconstructionRecently published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a new study suggests that an alternative breast reconstruction surgery may be beneficial to breast cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy.

Typically, breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy are not ideal candidates for implant-based breast reconstruction. Radiation therapy significantly damages underlying tissues at a microscopic level. As a result, radiation therapy treatments can negatively affect the outcome of reconstruction and increase the risk of long-term complications following surgery. For years this has left radiation therapy recipients with very limited reconstruction options.

The study, led by researcher Dr. Salgarello Marzja and colleagues of University Hospital in Rome followed 16 breast cancer patients who underwent both breast surgery and radiation therapy over the course of three years. Of the 16 patients, 11 had mastectomies, while the remaining five underwent lumpectomies or other breast conserving surgical techniques.

The reconstruction technique utilized combined fat grafting and breast implants. The fat grafts were obtained via liposuction from another part of the patient’s body.  The fat was then injected into the breast area to provide a ‘bed’ of healthy tissue for implant placement.

Treatment did not begin until three to six months following radiation therapy. Patients received two or three fat graft injections prior to undergoing implant reconstruction. The final surgical reconstruction was performed only after the affected area presented no further signs of radiation toxicity.

Following surgery, 94 percent of patients were very satisfied with the overall aesthetic appearance of their reconstructed breasts. Researchers also noted that there were no complications and all patients experienced good healing of the tissues surrounding the implant.

Radiation therapy is quickly becoming the standard of care for high-risk breast cancer patients and researchers anticipate a much greater need for reconstructive alternatives in the near future. Thus, larger follow-up studies are needed confirm the positive results of this study.

Learn more about breast reconstruction in Riverside, CA.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

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Nose Surgery Creates More Youthful Appearance According to New Study

January 28th, 2012 by Briana

Nose SurgeryAccording to the results of a new study published in the January edition of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, nose surgery may have a greater impact on your appearance than you might expect.  The study, which examined pictures of rhinoplasty recipients found that patients on average, looked 1.5 years younger post-surgery.

The Toronto-based study collected “before” and “after” pictures of a total of 53 patients who had undergone rhinoplasty procedures at a private clinic. 50 research volunteers were then recruited to independently estimate the patient ages, which ranged from 15 to 61.

The study was designed so that half of the research subjects were shown the “before” pictures first, while the other half were shown the “after” pictures first. A month later the volunteers were brought back in to rate the corresponding other half of the pictures.

On average, patients appeared to be 1.5 years younger following nose surgery. The results also suggested that the older a patient was prior to surgery, the young they appeared post-surgery. However, researchers did point out that the difference between age groups was not statistically significant.

Additionally, the degree of rhinoplasty also seemed to have an impact on age estimates. Patients who received a reduction in their dorsal hump (the convex shape to the bridge of the nose) and patients with a greater degree of nasal tip rotation appeared younger in their after pictures than other patients.

While the overall impact rhinoplasty may have on creating a youthful appearance may not be as dramatic as a face lift of neck lift, it does appear to be a surprising additional advantage to rhinoplasty.

“This is the first study to demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in apparent age after rhinoplasty,” the doctors concluded. “This decrease in apparent age is an extra positive benefit of rhinoplasty, in addition to an increase in the harmony of facial features and the improvement of overall facial aesthetics.”

Learn more about nose surgery in Riverside, CA.

Source: LA Times

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Which Season is Best for Facial Surgery and Other Cosmetic Procedures

January 21st, 2012 by Briana

Facial Surger“Should I plan my cosmetic procedure according to season?” is a common question for those considering plastic surgery. The answer is often yes, according to a recent article published in the Huffington Post.

Planning by season can be an effective tool to maximize your end results from plastic surgery. Considerations such as avoiding direct sunlight or the need for additional days off from work to recuperate can all be effectively planned by season.  Below is a list of seasonal recommendations for common plastic surgery procedures.

Winter

In ideal circumstances, winter is the absolute best time to undergo any type of plastic surgery. Body contouring procedures, breast surgery or  facial surgery are all popular during this time period because the cooler weather allows patients to effectively conceal healing scars or swelling during the recovery period. Patients also are likely to have more time off from work during the holiday season to schedule and recover from surgery. Additionally, many surgical procedures require patients to avoid direct sunlight during their recovery.

Spring

Spring is also a great time to seek out plastic surgery. Depending upon your location, the climate may still be cool enough to conceal the healing process with additional clothing. Also, if you are prone to putting on weight during the holiday season, its best to lose it and be at your idea weight prior to undergoing body contouring surgery. Spring surgeries give patients some leeway to get back in shape.

Summer

Summer is not usually a recommended time for surgery, unless you have a scheduled period of time off from work or school obligations. Extreme heat or sun exposure can lead to an extended recovery period and in some cases, bleeding post-op. If you chose to undergo surgery during the warm summer months, plan on staying indoors for 1-2 weeks following surgery. Minimally invasive procedures such as Botox or dermal filler injections are the only recommended procedures during the summer.

Fall

Similar to winter and spring months, fall can be a great time for plastic surgery, especially if you’ve been able to reach your target weight during active summer months. Thick sweaters or scarves can easily conceal swelling or bruises from facial or body surgery and the results can be ready for reveal by the holiday season.

Choosing to undergo plastic surgery is a decision not to be taken lightly. Make sure to do your research and plan according to season for the best results.

Learn more about facial surgery in Riverside, CA.

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Study Compiles Data on Effectiveness of Tumescent Liposuction, Botox Injections and Others

January 14th, 2012 by Briana

Deciding on the right cosmetic procedure for your needs often turns into hours and hours painstaking research.  Should you get a surgical facelift or tighten your skin with a laser? Is liposuction the answer, or would it be more effective to freeze your fat cells? These are the type of questions plaguing plastic surgery consumers and unfortunately comparative research for many surgical procedures is sparse.

A recent study published by Murad Alam, MD, chief of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the latest issue of Dermatologic Clinics provides some insight for both physicians and patients. The report, which compiled data from 98 studies, compared the effectiveness of various competing cosmetic dermatology procedures.

See some of Alam’s findings listed below:

Tumescent Liposuction: According to Alam, tumescent liposuction is a very safe option. For this form of liposuction, a physician injects fluid into the fat removal area. Traditionally, excess bleeding has been a worrisome complication of liposuction, but not with this specific form because the anesthetic used prevents bleeding.

Fat Freezing: This procedure, which kills fat cells using a device comprised of two cooling plates that fit around fat on the stomach or thigh areas, is a promising new tool. However, Alam cautions that there is little known about its level of efficacy across patients or how long the results will last.

Botox Injections: Botox injections have been a popular procedure for nearly 20 years and research has shown that it is a safe option, unlikely to cause any serious reactions.

Low-Level Laser Light for Fat Removal: Knowledge of this device and its level of efficacy are limited. While it has been deemed safe to use in cosmetic patients, there is very little research on whether it’s an effective method or if any results yielded will last long term.

Non-Invasive Skin Tightening: This procedure utilizes radio-frequency energy, infrared light or ultrasound to shrink the skin. Research on this procedure, like many others reviewed, is particularly slim. According to Alam, “Some tightening definitely occurs.” However, again there is little known about its level of efficacy across patients or how long the results will last. One prior study has shown this procedure to be one-third as effective as a surgical facelift.

In his report, Alam stressed that more comparative research must be done for popular cosmetic procedures.  Finding accurate information on many of these procedures can be an extremely difficult task for potential patients. Seeking out an experienced physician should always be your number one goal when electing to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Learn more about tumescent liposuction in Riverside.

Source: Health Canal

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New Study Shows Botox Injections for Overactive Bladder Safe

January 7th, 2012 by Briana

Urge incontinence is an often humiliating medical condition that affects up to seventeen million people across the country. Commonly known as overactive bladder, this condition is typically characterized by intense and sudden urges to urinate, which are then often followed by an involuntary loss of urine.

Symptoms of overactive bladder are often linked to other medical conditions, such as neurological disorders, acute urinary tract infections or bladder irritations, as well as bladder abnormalities such as tumors or bladder cancer. In women, pregnancy and delivery can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, which is a common cause of overactive bladder. While in men, changes in the prostate gland often induce symptoms.

There are various medical treatments available for overactive bladder, but researchers believe that Botox injections may help patients when other medications have failed to relieve symptoms. According to a new study published in European Urology, patients who received Botox injections for overactive bladder experienced a decrease in both frequency and urgency.

British researcher Dr. Arun Sahai and colleagues at King’s College, observed 100 patients over the course of six years, receiving Botox injections for overactive bladder symptoms. Most patients were given between one and three injections. Injection rates varied because patients were given the choice to decide how many injections they received.

Twenty-five percent of patients discontinued their treatment after the first injection either because they did not feel relief of their symptoms or were uncomfortable with the need for self-catheterization after treatment. Of the patients who opted to continue treatment, researchers found continued improvement in symptoms of frequency, urgency and incontinence.

Researchers did note that 15 percent of patients experienced urinary tract infections (UTI) as a primary side effect of treatment. Botox injections have been seen to cause UTIs in other studies. The exact cause of this side effect is unknown, but researchers speculate that injections may cause bacteria to move deep into the bladder. Self-catheterization may also be a potential cause of these infections.

From the data collected, researchers were able to conclude that Botox injections for overactive bladder are both safe and effective for medium-term use. Long-term studies have not been conducted.

Learn more about Botox injections in Riverside, CA.

Source: Daily Rx

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What Questions Should You Ask Your Riverside Plastic Surgeon?

December 28th, 2011 by Briana

Riverside Plastic SurgeonThe results of plastic surgery can be life altering and it is imperative that you ask the right questions before committing to a particular procedure. There are numerous factors to be considered and it is important to know as much as possible about your prospective Riverside plastic surgeon. The following is a list of the top questions you should consider before plastic surgery:

Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

Find out whether or not your physician is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Certification through this board indicates that your surgeon has extensive specialized training, knowledge and experience. Not all practicing plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and if the physician you are considering is not, make sure that he or she is certified by a board that is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Do you have any outstanding malpractice lawsuits?

Ask about your physician’s surgical background. Make sure that he or she does not have any malpractice judgments or disciplinary measures against their practice.

How often do you perform this procedure?

Inquire as to how frequently your physician performs the procedure you are considering. Also ask for before-and-after pictures and patient references. Your surgeon should be able to provide you with an extensive list of references and pictures in order to give you more realistic expectations of your desired procedure.

What types of risks are involved in this procedure?

Ask about the potential risks and complications associated with your procedure. All surgeries carry some risk, but it’s important that you are well aware before surgery. Ask your physician for specific examples and how he or she would elect to treat a particular complication or emergency.

Are you affiliated with any local hospitals?

Even if your procedure does not typically require hospital care, it is important to ask your surgeon about his or her hospital affiliations. Hospitals often require rigorous training and specialization before they will allow a surgeon to operate in their facility.

Find out more about Riverside plastic surgeon, Dr. Ku.

Source: Chicago Tribune

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New Study Deems Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy Safe in Older Women

December 21st, 2011 by Briana

Breast Reconstruction After MastectomyAccording to a new study released in the latest issue of The American Surgeon, breast reconstruction is a safe option for older women following a mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast).

“The removal of a breast has implications for the psychological, social and sexual well-being of the patient, establishing the need that reconstruction should be offered,” says Marissa Howard-McNatt, M.D., assistant professor of surgery at Wake Forest Baptist. “However, little is known about rates of reconstruction in elderly women after breast cancer.”

Breast cancer rates continue to rise and 48 percent of all cases affect women over the age of 65. This population, however, is much less inclined to elect breast reconstruction after mastectomy when compared to their younger counterparts. As a result, less has been known regarding the safety of this procedure in older women.

Research lead by Howard-McNatt and colleges sought to establish the safety and tolerability of breast reconstruction in older patients. The team of researchers compiled data from 89 cases of women over the age of 60 who elected breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

The results were positive, showing that breast reconstruction in older women was a safe and well tolerated option, even if older women are less likely to elect surgery than younger age groups.

According to Howard-McNatt, breast reconstruction can significantly increase life expectancy in these patients. “Generally, breast cancer in the elderly is less aggressive than in younger patients. Life expectancy can still be substantial – 16 years for a 70-year-old and greater than six years for an otherwise healthy 80-year-old.”

The number of women over the age of 65 is expected to double over the next 40 years and the rates of breast reconstruction after mastectomy is anticipated to increase as average life expectancies do.

Learn more about breast reconstruction in Riverside, CA.

Source: Health Day News

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50 and Older Seeking Breast Reduction Surgery Face Higher Rates of Infection

December 14th, 2011 by Briana

Breast Reduction SurgeryAccording to the latest issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, women 50 and older may be at a higher risk of infection when compared to younger women following breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure utilized to eliminate excess fat, tissue and skin in the breast area. It is recognized in the plastic surgery industry as one of the most commonly performed procedures in women of all ages. The most common reasons for breast reduction surgery range from cosmetic to pain management.

Often women choose to undergo breast reduction as a means of alleviating uncomfortable symptoms related to having a large chest such as shoulder, back or neck pain, poor posture and bra strap compression.

New research lead by surgeon Michele A. Shermack and colleges at the John Hopkins Medical Intuitions, Baltimore, suggests that the changes in hormone levels of women over the age of 50 may be responsible for increased surgical complications after breast reduction.

The team of researchers compiled data from 1,192 women undergoing breast reduction over the past 10 years. The patient data was then categorized into three different age groups: under 40, 40 to 50 and over 50.

According to the results, women 50 years of age and older had a higher risk of complications, especially infections, after undergoing breast reduction surgery. In comparison to women under the age of 40, the over 50 age group was 2.7 times more likely to develop an infection.

Results also suggested that the 50 and older group was most susceptible to wound healing problems, which in turn lead to higher rates of repeat surgeries in order to remove additional dead skin. While interesting, this trend was not statistically significant.

Reduced Hormone Levels May Contribute to Higher Infection Risk After Breast Reduction Surgery

Dr. Shermack and colleagues also noticed a trend towards increased infection in the 40 to 50 age group which lead them to speculate that increased rates of infection after breast reduction surgery may be the result of declining hormone levels in women over the age of 50.

In addition, women who were using hormone-replacement therapy appeared to have a decreased risk of infection, while women who previously had undergone a hysterectomy or oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries) appeared to have higher risk.

The results of this study suggest that it is important for plastic surgeons to factor in age when assessing the overall surgical risk of complication following breast reduction surgery. According to Dr. Shermack, it also suggests that “”hormone replacement therapy may be worth considering in this group of patients.”

Learn more about breast reduction surgery in Riverside, CA.

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