Breast Reconstruction For Breast Cancer Survivors

For survivors of breast cancer there is always the option of breast reconstruction. You find the loss of your breast[s] really is accepted at different levels between women. Some take it in stride and carry on, while other can't even think what life would be like without their breasts.

Breast reconstruction simply attempts to ease the loss of your natural breasts. Breast reconstruction becomes both a medical and personal decision. The more you understand breast reconstruction, the better a position you will be in to make the right choices.

Is breast reconstruction for you? Each woman will have their own reasons why they want to have breast reconstruction. It might be emotional, physical, for your overall lifestyle. There are many breast cancer and breast reconstruction groups online that are a great place to discuss your options.

Breast reconstruction will reshape your breast after a mastectomy, even after a lumpectomy. It can balance the appearance of your breasts when they are different sizes and shapes.

There are several plastic surgeons that specialize in breast reconstruction. During the initial consult you can discuss with your surgeon any concerns you have, and he or she will explain to you all of your options. Of course, your oncologist will have an active role in determining if breast reconstruction is right for you.

You may decide to start with prosthesis, which are external breast forms that you will place inside a special bra. They come in all different shapes and sizes, as well as various materials. It can help you determine what size breasts you'd like to have.

Are Your Considering Breast Augmentation?

Are you considering breast augmentation? Thinking that it’s time for those breast implants? Maybe things are starting to sag? Perhaps you’ve decide your body image could use a bit of a boost. What ever your reason breast augmentation has improved things for many women – both physically and emotionally.

Mammoplasty is the “official” name for breast augmentation. Your surgeon will have a consultation with you to determine what type of breast implants and the size of the implants that would be best for your body size.

The implants are placed under the breast tissue and beneath the chest wall muscle. You will usually have the incision in the crease under your breast or under your nipple. Sometimes the belly button is used and sometimes the armpit. This will be between you and your surgeon to decide.

With breast implants, the sack is filled with saline to reach the cup size and shape that’s wanted. Rather than being measured by cup sizes, ccs are used to get a precise sizing system. Recently, silicone gels have come to market to offer another interesting option for you.

The surgery takes anywhere from one to three hours to complete, and your recovery times is short. Generally, you’ll be able to return to work within a week unless your job is of a strenuous nature. Almost all women that have breast augmentation will tell you that it was a life enhancing experience that boosted their physical appearance and their self-esteem.

For more information on breast augmentation, you should make an appointment with a plastic surgeon in your area.

Breast Cancer and Your Breasts

As October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is timely for me to discuss breast cancer and your breasts.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of cancerous cells in the body, and hormones do play a pivotal role in the entire cancerous cell development process, but how this exactly happens is a question still unanswered.

A noteworthy fact per the recent survey conducted is that 20% to 30 % of women have a family history, but the majority, 70% to 80%, have NO family history! Early detection is the watch word when it comes to any kind of cancer and more applicable particularly in case of breast cancer.

It becomes crucially important for every woman to do breast self-exams on a monthly basis, to keep yourself informed and identify any bodily change. It's highly believed that breast cancer is incurable, but this is so untrue. The earlier you detect, the chances of recovery are much greater.

If any of these signs or symptoms is noticed on your breast, I strongly recommend you to get to the doctor, get a mammogram quickly:

* Development of a new lump or mass on the breast or on areas around the breast.
* Swelling on all or part of the breast
* Breast or nipple pain
* Nipple retraction
* Redness or thickness of the nipple or breast skin
* Discharge other than breast milk

A thorough examination of your breasts will find any lumps or areas suspicious because of their texture, size, relationship to the skin and chest muscles, changes in nipples, enlargement or firmness of lymph nodes.

Any of this could indicate chances of or spread of breast cancer. A woman with cancer in one breast has 3 to 4 fold increased chances of its spread and development in the other one too.

However, with the increasing growth in technology and development of medical sciences, dedicated researchers and health professionals, this disease is much more survivable.

Finding a Breast Augmentation Surgeon

Deciding to have breast augmentation work deserves your full attention in finding the best breast surgeon in your area. In fact before you make your final decision for breast implants, you should have your surgeon chosen.

The two main criteria to choosing your plastic surgeon is the credentials and your comfort level with the surgeon. Like your dentist or family doctor, you should look to build a long-term relationship. You will be returning to see your surgeon several times, so it should be relaxing and comfortable.

Just as important is a surgeon who has excellent surgical skills and is board certified. You need to be able to comfortably communicate both with the surgeon and with the staff in the office. In fact, they are the first line of communication before you get to your surgeon, so it's important that you also get along well with them.

When meeting with the plastic surgeon and trying to decide whether the surgeon is right for you, consider whether your questions are easily answered with the amount of detail you need to feel at ease.

There are many sites that provide a list of board certified plastic surgeons. Be sure to do a little research online before you make your decision and your consultation appointment. That way, you likely will make the right choice quickly, saving time and frustration.

Use the internet and talk to your friends to find the right breast augmentation doctor in your area.

Can Your Breasts Use A Little Memory With MemoryGel Implants?

I don’t know about you, but I know I could use a little memory boost, both in my brain, and in my breasts. In fact, it sure would be nice if “the girls” remembered what they looked like years ago. Perhaps the MemoryGel implants by Mentor can make that happen. They recently received approval from the FDA; although around the world, there are more than a million women with them. That should say something for them.

Breast implants have been available in saline, silicone, and now there is the MemoryGel, which by the way is a type of silicone. This breast implant has been in the works for some time. Just recently in 2007, the MemoryGel started what will be a post approval study, involving the tracking of health data on over 41,000 women with the MemoryGel implants.

And although the current data may be a little light, the company is confident that they are offering a product that’s safe to women.

Each of us decides to have breast enhancements for our own personal reasons. You may be looking to perk up “the girls,” get a fuller or shapelier figure, or just looking to give your figure and self-esteem a boost. Whatever your personal reasons, what’s important is that you know as much as possible about the implant you are considering.

The quality of the implant you choose is very important, not only to your health, but also to the look and feel of your new breasts. There are several reputable manufacturers on the market, and MemoryGel is just one of them. The key is to do your research, so you are comfortable with your decision.

Every women deserves to look and feel her best, and if that includes breast augmentation, then nothing should stop you from pursuing your dream. You’ll look great, and feel great when you do what’s right for you. But what’s key is to ensure you are not putting your health at risk.

Silicone Breast Implants by Mentor Back on the Market

Since 1994, silicone breast implants have been banned in Canada, but in the last year, Health Canada has allowed the silicone breast implants made by Mentor back onto the market.

Why has Mentor had such an impact on the market with their silicone implant?

Mentor spent a great deal of money on studies and clinical research. Their studies were extensive in nature and far beyond what was required. As a result, their data confirmed that silicone implants could be considered relatively safe.

Although Mentor has gained significant ground in the Canadian market, it is important to know that this license is conditional, leaving Mentor responsible for providing further data and evidence that their product is in fact safe.

In the US, the FDA wants this information to be obtained from clinical studies that are long term, and Mentor is required to include information on the labeling of the product and the advertising.

Mentor silicone breast implants are considered superior around the world. Cosmetic surgeons recognize them for their superior construction with no compromise to the natural look and feel of the implant.

The Mentor Memory Gel is very popular choice for silicone implants. Made from a cohesive gel, they sustain the natural feel and shape of the breast because of the wide range of firmness choices.

Many woman and surgeons prefer this implant because it has a superior aesthetic appearance compared to saline.

The key to choosing the right implant for your breast enhancement lies with you and your surgeon. Together you will discover the right choice for you. But the good news is, for those women who want silicone, it’s once again available.

Breast Implants Doctor Advises Women to Choose Wisely

Dr Elizabeth Kinsley of Covington LA has created a system to allow women to make sure they make the right choice the first time.



Breast Implants

Will Stem Cells Replace Silicone Breast Implants?

Stem cells spend a great deal of time in the news, but some of the scientific journals are claiming that within a decade silicone breast implants will be replaced by stem cells grown within one's own body.

It all began when Jeremy Mao from the University of Illinois used human stem cells to grow fat tissue, and although we'll skip all the details, what studies are indicating is that stem cells could eventually provide a much safer alternative to saline or silicone implants.

Breast implants that are a result of stem cells would not interfere with detecting cancer, and they also would keep their size and shape for much longer than saline or silicone implants, which will shrink as much as 60% over time.

Research continues and to say the least to a layman like ourselves, it's rather boring, but what is important is that it is showing promising capability for the future.

There are still some questions over how viable this type of implant is, but time will find answers to all of these questions.

Stem cells have a lot of promise in many areas, including breast implants, and it's hopeful that further studies will determine just how stem cells will work for bigger breasts.

Is Chewing Gum The Latest Breast Enhancement Tool?

A Japanese company claims to have the answer to a non-invasive breast enhancement. All you need to do is chew some Bust-Up gum, four times a day, and wow - it will enhance the size, and shape of your breasts, and even tone them. Who would have thought? Here for years us poor women have been going under the knife to get the bosom we want and all we needed to do was chew some "very special" gum.

The makers claim that the gum slowly releases compounds that have a plant extract called Pueraria mirifica, also known as Kwao Krua. The plants tubers contain certain chemicals that are suppose to mimic the female sex hormone oestrogen. Bust Up gum combines a few natural chemicals, which are responsible for the increase in breast size.

Don't believe it? Laughing hysterically? You're not alone, but then again tests that were done at Thailand's' Chulalongkorn University claim that Puerara mirfica increased breast sizes by as much as 80%. Imagine - form an AAA to a D just by chewing gum?

Still skeptical? Understandable - would you be more believable if the studies were done in England? England's studies did show some benefits to hair, skin, and breasts. This gum coming to a convenience store near you soon.

Skeptic? Of course... After all "if it sounds too good to be true," it is, right? If you've been thinking about a breast enhancement, but your budget's making it a little tough to reach your goal, maybe you can give the gum a try and see what happens. Now don't hold your breath waiting for a bigger bosom, but hey miracles can happen, and if this is one of those miracles, all of us women could be walking around with larger bosoms very soon, and for only pennies a day - what a novel idea.

Botox, San Francisco Breast Augmentation Doctor Roy Kim M.D.

BOTOX San Francisco - Plastic surgeon / cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roy Kim focuses on plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures including BOTOX® and reconstructive surgical procedures.