Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Spiral Flap Offers Help for Deflated Breasts

We all know that not all cosmetic breast issues are the same. Some breasts are too small for our liking, some are asymmetrical, others need a little lift to correct sagging. A procedure called "spiral" flap is now being suggested to correct deflated or "pancake breasts" without the use of implants.

This year, a presentation on a technique to correct deflated breasts will be presented at a conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The procedure uses unwanted fat from other areas of the body, such as the tummy, bra line and beneath the arm to correct the aesthetic effects of breasts that have been deflated through pregnancy, age and genetics. The breast mound is rebuilt inside a spiral flap, which is "mobile enough to permit artistry in shaping, positioning and enlarging the breast," according to an article on Plasticsurgery.org.

Though the spiral flap technique offers advantages such as a natural breast feel, the report says the technique is an option for a only small percentage of women, those with extreme breast deflation from pregnancy, age or massive weight loss. Breast augmentation, breast lifts and lift/augmentation combos are still the best option for most cosmetic breast issues.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

What is Body Dysmorphic Disorder?

For many, the topic of plastic surgery brings to mind images of those who seem addicted to cosmetic procedures we've seen and read about in the media. From celebrities such as Michael Jackson to guests on television shows like Dr. Phil, we've seen that a form of plastic surgery addiction is out there and worry about what that might mean.

The "addiction" is caused by Body Dysmorphic Disorder, (BDD) a psychological condition causing men and women to become preoccupied with slight physical defects, either real or imagined. Though most of us have a few physical features we don't necessarily like, maybe even feel somewhat ashamed of, those with Body Dysmorphic Disorder become preoccupied by the perceived flaw, exaggerating it in their minds, sometimes making it difficult for them to socialize, maintain relationships, or even leave their house in some very extreme cases.

Though the appropriate treatment for BDD is still unclear, a combination of medications and cognitive behavior therapy is often used. It is clear, however, that plastic surgery does nothing to solve the problem. Instead the patient either continues to focus on the same perceived flaw even after surgery, or shifts their preoccupation to new defect.

The majority of those seeking plastic surgery, however, have a clearer perception of their appearance. They live full, relatively happy lives but wish to change some aspect of their appearance. Though plastic surgeons are not psychologists trained to diagnosis psychological conditions, they can thoroughly discuss with a potential patient what a cosmetic procedure can realistically achieve. If you are considering cosmetic surgery and believe you are a good candidate, Murrieta plastic surgery specialist Dr.Eichenberg will happily consult with you to explore your options.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Tone New Body-- Deflated Breasts

Weight loss is a tremendous accomplishment celebrated by many women, but its effects on our breasts can be less than uplifting to say the least. When our body looses fat, it loses fat everywhere. And since much of breast volume is made up of fat, our breasts tend to deflate with weight loss. For some women, the decrease in size looks proportionate and balanced with their trimmer figure, but for others the decrease can be disappointing.

“We must! We must! We must increase our bust! The bigger the better, the tighter the sweater, the boys depend on us!”

Some women used to try chest exercises to pump their breast volume up, but breasts are made up of fat and glandular tissue, not muscle. Chest exercises tone and strengthen the chest beneath the breast. At best they can give the breast a slight lifted look, but they have no effect on breast volume. If you study the figures of female bodybuilders, athletes and ballet dancers, all women with a high percentage of muscle over body fat, they tend to have flatter chests. So, though exercise can make you healthy, tone and strong, it cannot increase your bust.

Breast Lift—Offering perk without extra volume

For some women, the loss of breast volume is acceptable, if their skin would follow suit. But often the loss of breast volume can lead to unwanted sagginess. A breast lift surgically removes the excess skin around the breast and repositions the nipple for a younger, perkier look. The surgical scars can be carefully placed to decrease their appearance and give more satisfactory results.

Breast Augmentation—Adding balance and volume after weight loss

Many women want a shapely figure after working hard to lose weight, which means regaining lost breast volume through breast augmentation. Breast augmentation uses silicone or saline implants to enhance breast size, and can be combined with a lift to remove excess skin if needed to complete the look.

For more information on breast lift or breast enlargement, Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Aronowitz can answer your questions.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Breast Cancer Awareness Goes One Step Further

An estimated 3 million women are living with breast cancer in the United States, and 2 million have been diagnosed. That means at least 1 million breast cancers have not yet been discovered - one of the reasons this remains the number one cause of death in woman around the world. Breast cancer awareness goes one-step further in an attempt to educate and save more women from this dreadful disease.

It seems the Pink Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness is going to a new level ...

Garth Brooks has just joined forces on the pink campaign. Garth Brooks new 3 disc set up is dedicating $10 from each new album sale. This is a special edition release specifically to help improve breast cancer awareness in the public eye.

Avon has also responded to the cause with their own pink breast cancer awareness campaign. They've put together several walks for breast cancer including the walk around the world campaign.

Having a pink party seems to be the latest craze. In the UK last year, more than $200,000 was raised thanks to pink parties. You can have a fancy dress party, a karaoke party, or even a pajama party. You decide. There are no rules. It's all about fundraising.

Pink ribbons, pink jewelry, pink clothing - you name it, it seems to be on the market. Many retailers are joining the cause and are donating a percentage of their profits on these items. It's all for the cause and in hopes of a cure.

As more and more people jump on the bandwagon to support the "pink," not only are the amount of funds raised being taken to a new level, awareness continues to grow. And with knowledge comes power to reduce and someday eliminate breast cancer.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

A Modern Day Miracle – Breast Augmentation

In 2004 just under 12 million women in America had some type of cosmetic procedure to enhance their body, self-esteem, and even their personality. Let’s face it - plastic surgery is a modern day miracle, and that includes breast augmentation.

Thankfully, we no longer have to live with that crooked nose or that saggy tummy that’s left over from pregnancy, nor do you have to settle for the breasts you were born with. This modern day miracle called plastic surgery can do a lot for you!

If you are considering a breast augmentation or any other type of plastic surgery for that matter, it’s important that you do your homework about the surgeon you are considering. There are many professional, board certified plastic surgeons out there, and sadly, just as many that are not. So be careful and be sure with your selection.

Of all the plastic surgeries done, breast augmentation is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures done. Technically, it’s known as mammoplasty. It involves the use of either saline or silicone gel implants which are inserted through the armpit, belly button, under the nipple, or under the breast in the fold.

You can expect some swelling and bruising after the procedure, but this will subside and you should be ready to return to work in about a week. Breast augmentation is a safe procedure, but of course, every surgery and post surgery has its risks and with breast implants scar tissue can form, an implant might deflate, or it might dislocate. Those are the most common side effects and they don’t happen all that often.

Besides having your breasts made larger, you can also have your breasts made smaller. With this procedure extra skin and fat are removed from the breast. You might be surprised to discover this procedure is almost as popular as breast implants. We just aren’t ever happy with what we have, and as women, that’s our prerogative.

Breast augmentation is a modern day miracle for the modern day woman.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Beware and Be Aware of Breast Cancer

I'm switching gears a little in speaking about breast cancer, but it is a viable topic as many breast cancer survivors opt for reconstruction with breast implants.

There are many talented plastic surgeons who can closely match a breast implant on one side of your chest to the natural breast on the other side. As there are many cosmetic surgeons have successfully reconstructed both breasts for a survivor wanting to have her womanly figure. Some of the before and after pictures found on the internet of these brave women are truly amazing.

Simply being a woman makes you more prone to breast cancer. As woman have more breast cells than men, these cells get exposed to the growth-promoting effects of female hormones estrogen, thereby, increasing the chances of breast cancer development by 100 times more than men.

However, risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. A recent survey conducted indicates that 1 out of 8 women suffering from invasive breast cancer are younger than 45, while the ratio is 2 out of 3 women above 55 and older.

Women who started menstruating at an early age (before 12) or go through menopause at a late age (after 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

Risk for breast cancer is increased after menopause for women who are overweight and obese. You do have to exercise ... for your heart, your weight, your bones, and your breasts. Do try to maintain a healthy weight throughout your life by balancing food intake with physical activity and avoid excessive weight gain.

I'm sure you know, the earlier the breast cancer is detected, better are the chances of early recovery. The most important point to remember is that if any significant change such as redness, swelling, development of a lump or mass, skin irritation, nipple pain and discharge other than breast milk occurs, please consult your doctor immediately.

Any changes in how your breasts look and feel should be brought to the notice of a medical professional as early as possible. Not all breast changes are necessarily cancer. Detect early, learn about the disease and protect yourself from being one among the affected.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Are Women Happy After Their Breast Augmentation?

Women that had breast augmentation done were asked to complete a survey about their experience. Ninety-four percent of all women surveyed said they were happy with the procedure and would recommend the procedure to others. That’s an overwhelming positive response - 94% positive!

Cosmetic surgery as a whole has seen become more mainstream, and there’s no question just how important breast augmentation has become. It’s a procedure, which women can use to get the breasts they’ve always wanted, using breast implants. But even if you are sure it’s what you want, there can still be some nervousness and uncertainty.

Knowing that most women who undergo the procedure are happy with the results and would do it all over again certainly does relieve the stress of having the procedure done.

It’s important to note that of the 6% that were not happy with their results, a full 4% did not do their homework and landed up with a surgeon that was not board certified or who had a poor track record.

There are many questions that you should ask. There are also plenty of forums on the internet that can help you with any questions you might have. It’s also a good way to find out about experiences different people have had and learn about the good and bad doctors that are practicing out there.

Every surgery has it’s risks, but breast augmentation has a very low risk factor, with the exception of the silicone problems of the past. This combined with improved services, and pricing, make breast augmentation a wildly popular choice.