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Breast Implants

The 5 Steps of Breast Cancer Reconstruction

· Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Reconstruction · No Comments

 

October is breast cancer awareness month as it continues to be one of the most common disorders affecting women. However, great strides have been made in both cancer diagnosis and treatment. In addition, many options exist for reconstruction following breast lumpectomy or mastectomy that allow these women to enjoy a greater quality of life.

 

There are several important and timely decisions for women to consider in achieving an optimal outcome. These choices can be overwhelming, though, so here are 5 steps to help women work through this difficult time.

 

Step 1: The Cancer Operation

 

Following the diagnosis of breast carcinoma a woman’s first consultation should be with a general surgeon experienced in all of the options for removal of the cancer. Together they should decide upon mastectomy or less radical surgery such as lumpectomy, as well as the role of adjuvant treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation. Based upon these plans a referral to a plastic surgeon with expertise in breast surgery is in order.

 

Step 2: Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction

 

The initial consultation with a plastic surgeon includes a thorough medical history and directed physical examination. The first decision will be whether to delay the breast reconstruction or begin at the time of mastectomy. The latter is regarded as an “immediate” reconstruction. Coordinated surgery offers the advantage of a single operation and fresh tissue planes for a cleaner and faster reconstruction, although delayed breast reconstruction can also be safely performed years after a mastectomy.

 

Step 3: Autologous Tissue vs. Prosthesis Reconstruction

 

The detailed plastic surgery discussion should include the types of reconstruction. There are several procedures available for creation of a new breast mound ranging from simple implant placement to microsurgery. The choice will depend upon several variables including the patient’s desires and body type. Autologous reconstruction is performed using the woman’s own body fat from the belly, back or buttocks. These can be lengthy and more complicated procedures. Breast implants, with or without expansion of the chest skin is called prosthesis reconstruction.

 

Step 4: The Other Breast

 

The opposite, healthy breast can be reshaped as well. Breast augmentation, lift or reduction for the purpose of achieving symmetry to the reconstructed breast may be necessary and should be included in the reconstructive planning.

 

Step 5: Nipple and Areolar Reconstruction

 

Once a new breast mound has been formed the final phase is the optional creation of a nipple and/or areola. Many procedures exist for this purpose. Although these are not mandatory, the results can be amazing.

 

Finally, and fortunately, laws exist to protect women from insurance companies during this vulnerable time. Florida law mandates coverage for both the reconstructed breast as well as the other healthy breast, if necessary, to achieve symmetry.

 

About the Author:

 

Dr. Perez is a member of the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. He has served as a consultant for both Mentor (J&J) and Inamed (Allergan), leading breast implant manufacturers. Dr. Perez has lectured internationally on the subject of breast surgery and has been selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America’s Top Doctors. Our office aggressively advocates only on behalf of patients, not insurance plans. More information is available at www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com or call (954) 351-2200. Visit our website blog to learn about The 10 Questions Every Plastic Surgery Should Ask.

Sientra: The New FDA-Approved Shaped Gel Breast Implant

· Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Choosing the Best, Safety · No Comments

Breast augmentation surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in plastic surgery. Following the breast implant lawsuit crisis of the early 1990’s most silicone gel manufacturers fled the U.S. market. Only two companies, Allergan (formerly McGhan/Inamed) and Mentor/J&J, remained and have dominated the market for the past 20 years. One consequence of this implant duopoly is that the cost of breast implants increased from hundreds to thousands of dollars since the 1980’s.

 

Earlier this year the U.S. F.D.A. which regulates medical devices approved a third breast implant manufacturer. Santa Barbara based Sientra was approved to offer silicone gel prostheses for sale in the U.S.  Allergan and Mentor are also based in Santa Barbara, leading to the affectionate term of “Silicone Alley” for the Southern California region.

 

Dozens of breast implant companies exist throughout the world. Many of these brands are sold in Latin America. Sientra’s parent manufacturer has sold implants internationally, but of course U.S. approval is a highly coveted achievement.

 

A Good Thing…and a New Thing

 

The arrival of a third player to the U.S. breast implant market is expected to be a good thing for American women. In addition to providing greater competition, Sientra offers a unique line of shaped gel implants. These “teardrop” or “anatomical” breast prostheses are commonly used in Europe and Latin America. A saline-water filled version has been available for years in the U.S. However, Sientra is the only manufacturer granted F.D.A approval for the gel filled type.

Shaped implants offer greater options for both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. The prostheses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, base diameters and projections giving both the patient and surgeon greater versatility in body contouring.

 

The augmentation procedure using shaped implants is different from the traditional round prosthesis insertion. Therefore it is advisable that patients choosing these implants consult with experienced breast plastic surgeons. As a corporate philosophy, Sientra will only sell and warranty implants placed by plastic surgeons recognized by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

 

Editor’s Note: Dr. Perez can be seen on ABC News in Miami discussing the Sientra implant at:

www.Youtube.com/user/PerezPlasticSurgery

 

 

About the Author:

 

Dr. Perez is a member of the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. He has served as a consultant for both Mentor (J&J) and Inamed (Allergan). Dr. Perez has lectured internationally on the subject of breast surgery and has been selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America’s Top Doctors. More information is available at

May is Mommy Makeover Month (Original Article)

· Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck, Body Contouring, Breast, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Liposuction · No Comments

May is the month we dedicate to celebrate motherhood. It’s only fitting, therefore, that we also recognize the changes that motherhood brings.

Of course, becoming a mother alters the life of a woman in many ways, often running the gamut of emotional experiences. There are also changes to a woman’s body that accompany growing, carrying and bearing a child.

Pregnancy, and the weight gain that occur, create growth, not only of the baby, but also of the mom. Among the structures that grow to accommodate the new addition is mom’s belly skin. Sometimes the skin has difficulty expanding evenly so it cracks in areas. These cracks in the skin are what we identify as stretch marks.

Labor and delivery also create changes in the woman’s pelvis, allowing the hips to relax and widen during the birthing process. Multiple pregnancies multiply this effect on the woman’s body. These permanent changes are, however, well compensated by the joys of motherhood

The other parts of the woman’s body greatly affected by pregnancy are the breasts. The breasts grow and engorge in preparation for feeding the infant. Many women like the appearance of their breasts during pregnancy because the breasts become full and robust. Often women are disappointed after pregnancy when the breasts lose their fullness and begin to drift downward.

The good news is that many of the undesirable effects on the woman’s body from pregnancy can often be minimized before, or improved afterwards, through good perinatal care, as well as, the judicious and timely use of plastic surgery.

 

Let’s Start at the Top

            The breasts typically lose their fullness and descend to a lower position after pregnancy. Sometimes the areolae also stretch. The reasons for these changes are simple; gravity and skin tone.

The surgical treatment of post-pregnancy breast changes depends upon the condition. Lack of fullness requires placement of implants to restore volume. Nowadays many implant choices are available. Women who choose to breast feed should defer breast augmentation until the breasts revert back to their dry, pre-pregnancy state, usually 1-2 months after cessation of feeding.

Breast droopiness requires a lift procedure. Lift techniques vary but typically involve a greater degree of scarring than simple breast augmentation. Patients need to be ok with these scars and should have a thorough consultation to review them prior to surgery. Areolae can also be made smaller at the same time. Sometimes patients can benefit from both a breast lift and augmentation to restore position and fullness.

 

Then There’s the Baby Belly

            The abdomen does the heavy lifting in pregnancy. It’s no surprise therefore, that, after pregnancy, skin redundancy and stretch marks can remain. Another interesting effect of pregnancy is a separation of the paired rectus abdominus (i.e sit-up) muscles. The result is a gap between the muscles resembling a hernia. It is because of this anatomical separation of the muscles that abdominal exercises after pregnancy, such as sit-ups, although beneficial, are of limited value.

In cases of loose abdominal skin, stretch marks, and muscle separtation, the procedure of choice is an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. Like the breast lift, tummy tuck surgery requires scars that need to be accepted by the patient. The tradeoff, however, is substantial removal of excess skin and stretch marks, as well as repositioning of the muscles. The result is a dramatic tightening of the belly with a very high degree of satisfaction. Tummy tuck patients are among the happiest in my practice.

Since both the breasts and the belly are affected by pregnancy, women often choose a combination of procedures. Sometimes even other areas, such as the love handles or the thighs also become part of the mommy makeover.

Combination procedures require additional safety considerations with respect to the operating facility and anesthesia. As with all plastic surgery a thorough and honest consultation with an experienced surgeon is key to a happy mommy. Happy Mother’s Day!

 

 

About the Author:

 

Jorge A. Perez, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a board certified plastic surgeon in Ft. Lauderdale. He is a member of the NOVO National Council of Leaders in Breast Aesthetics. He has served as a consultant for both Mentor (J&J) and Inamed (Allergan), leading breast implant manufacturers.

He has lectured internationally on the subject of breast surgery and body contouring and has been selected among the Castle Connolly (U.S. News & World Report) America’s Top Doctors. More information is available at www.PerezPlasticSurgery.com or Perez9800@Gmail.com or call (954) 351-2200.

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