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New Technology: Bra May Detect Breast Cancer

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Atlanta Breast Reconstruction SurgeryAccording to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) breast cancer is among the most common cancers for women with one in eight U.S. women developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.  Dr. Franklyn Elliott stays at the forefront of breast cancer detection technology as cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures remain one of his passions.  A recent development in breast cancer detection technology is not only intriguing but relevant as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

For 20 years, a research company called Lifeline Biotechnologies has been developing and testing a “smart bra” named First Warning Systems to detect breast cancer. They claim that this sophisticated technology will reduce false positives during breast cancer diagnosis, which are currently estimated between 50-60% of the time when other breast cancer detection methods are used.

According to three clinical trials including more than 650 women, the smart bra resulted in an average detection of at least 90 percent accuracy compared to 70% accuracy with standard mammogram testing. This technology is unique because it identifies breast tissue abnormalities at their earliest stages, while identifying the general location of such abnormalities in 3D to each of the breast’s four quadrants.

This “sports bra” has 16 color-coded sensors that are taped to a patient’s breasts while at their physician’s office.  The responsive sensors then detect small changes in breast tissue temperature. After testing, the information is stored on a recording device worn by the patient, so the data can be downloaded for a physician to analyze.

This technology is especially promising for women who prefer to avoid radiation associated with mammography or women who require more frequent screenings due to breast lumps or family history. Though this advanced breast cancer detector may make testing easier for women, more studies need to be conducted before they may be actively used.

If you are interested in learning more about the cosmetic and reconstructive procedures Dr. Elliott performs please visit our website. Be sure to connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest breast news and information.

Answers to Your Breast Lift Surgery Questions

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Women may choose to have breast lift surgery due to numerous factors.  Age, heredity, effects of pregnancy, and/or weight fluctuation can all affect the look of your breasts causing them to lose volume and begin to sag.  Most women are affected at some point in their life by one of these factors, and many may be good candidates for breast lift surgery. Dr. Franklyn Elliott specializes in breast procedures and has spoken at numerous symposiums and lectures about breast lift techniques.  Dr. Elliott travels worldwide to educate local and international breast surgeons about the most advanced and safest surgical techniques and tools for cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures.  Below are just a few of the common questions many breast lift patients ask.

What does breast lift surgery do?

Breast lift surgery restores the position of breasts that have begun to sag and lose volume. During the breast lift procedure, Dr. Franklyn Elliott will trim excess skin and tighten supporting tissue to position the breast  to a more lifted and youthful position.

Can exercise tighten the skin around my breasts instead of breast lift surgery?

Although exercise is vital to your overall health and wellbeing, exercise alone will not tighten lax skin around your breast.  Breast lift surgery is used to tighten the breast skin creating a firmer appearance while positioning the breast higher on the chest.

Does a breast lift procedure leave a scar?

Like all surgical procedures, scarring will occur after breast lift surgery at the incision site.  There are several surgical technique options that can lead to minimal scarring, and scars will gradually fade over time.  Some creams and serums can reduce the appearance of scars after plastic surgery.  Dr. Elliott will work with you to determine which technique is the best option for you depending on your individual circumstances.

Can you combine other procedures with breast lift surgery?

Yes, breast lift surgery is often performed in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast reduction to increase or decrease breast size.  Breast lift surgery will not increase or decrease the size of the breasts, it will lifts the position and create tighter breasts. Women looking to have fuller breasts or excess glandular fat removed while obtaining a lifted appearance may be good candidates for combined breast procedures.

Is breast lift and breast reduction the same procedure?

No, breast lift surgery and breast reduction are not the same surgical procedure. Breast lift surgery lifts the position of the breasts while a breast reduction removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts.

If you are considering a breast lift procedure, please contact our office today to set up a consultation. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + to stay informed of all the latest breast news and technology.

Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

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Reasons for Breast Revision SurgeryThere are many reasons why women may consider breast revision. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are frequently asked what makes a woman a candidate for breast revision surgery (also known as secondary breast surgery) after a previously performed breast augmentation? Dr. Franklyn Elliott has been performing cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery for over 25 years and regularly teaches other surgeons new and effective breast surgery techniques including those for secondary breast surgery.  Below are some of the most frequent breast revision surgery motives he encounters along with what he frequently suggests to mitigate the issues.

Patients who wish to exchange their breast implants for a different size or type, are not satisfied with their results, or those who develop complications may wish to correct their prior procedure. Breast revision surgery may be crucial if implant rupture, capsular contracture, or infection occurs.  Rupturing or leaking is rare, but if this does happen the implants will need to be removed. Many patients choose to have their breast implants replaced upon removal, but for others, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon can utilize breast reduction and lifting techniques during breast revision to create optimal results without needing an implant. Contrary to many beliefs, breast implants themselves do not get hard, but scar tissue around implants can become this way, creating capsular contracture. The best way to avoid capsular contracture is to follow breast augmentation aftercare instructions by limiting physical activity and wearing any prescribed post-surgery supportive garments. If the complication does occur, a capsulectomy can be performed during breast revision to remove excess scar tissue and soften the breasts.  Infection and allergy are very rare but there is still a chance that a woman’s body could reject the breast implant, ultimately causing an infection.

Although there are medical conditions that may make breast revision surgery necessary, other aesthetic changes may warrant revision. Even with proper planning and execution of breast augmentation surgery, changes such as weight loss or gain can occur later leading many women to consider and undergo breast revision surgery.

Weight fluctuation throughout your lifetime is very common, and breast augmentation patients are likely to experience weight gain or loss at some point after their surgery, especially if they plan on having children. Breast revision surgery can help maintain overall body proportion. Sometimes women struggle to choose an implant that satisfies their needs and may desire smaller or larger implants or to switch their salineimplants to silicone or vice versa, in either case implants can be replaced.  No matter the reason for breast revision surgery, it’s important to discuss your concerns with a plastic surgeon you trust and feel comfortable talking with.  Additionally, selecting a surgeon who is active within professional plastic surgery associations and breast surgery symposia is another to ensure your provider has the latest education in surgical techniques and plastic surgery technology.

Every patient is an individual and should be evaluated and treated based on their unique case.  It’s imperative to do your research and make sure your plastic surgeon is experienced in performing this surgery and is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  To stay up to date on the latest breast news, make sure to follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook and Twitter.

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