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Breast Cancer Prevention: Prophylactic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

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Several breast reconstruction options exist to remove breast cancer or reduce associated risks. One of those options is a prophylactic mastectomy procedure, which preventatively removes one or both breasts to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer development. For any patient, it is important to review the available choices for these types of procedures as well as your motivation for surgery. Because breast cancer surgery is life changing, board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott encourages patients to choose the option they are most comfortable with to maximize satisfaction with the results. Passionate about helping breast cancer patients, Dr. Elliott presents patients with their options as well as what to expect during recovery and results during a reconstructive surgery consultation. breast-reconstruction-atlanta

When it comes to breast cancer surgery, some women choose bilateral mastectomies over unilateral mastectomies, which can lead to a more symmetrical, balanced result when it comes to the reconstruction that follows. Dr. Elliott provides options for breast reconstruction, including tissue flap reconstruction, fat transfer, and breast reconstruction using a breast implant.

Generally, a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy will be planned to spare both nipple and areola. The incision for the nipple-sparing mastectomy is made around the areola. A small amount of tissue under the nipple areolar is removed and examined during surgery for the presence of any cancer cells. If breast cancer cells are found in the tissue removed, the entire nipple areolar is removed. Patients can elect to have nipple and areola reconstruction surgery after healing if this route is taken.

Reasons why one may choose a prophylactic mastectomy vary: already having cancer in one breast, a family history of breast cancer, abnormal cells on previous biopsy, positive genetic testing, and/or and the presence of dense breasts. If a patient has been referred to a plastic surgeon, chances are they have identified one or more of these risk factors with a surgeon, oncologist, or specialist post-screening.

In a recent study of patients electing preventative mastectomy, only 5% of women expressed regret. It’s important for women choosing to undergo these extensive surgical procedures to understand that post-operative breasts may not be the same as their original breasts. While Dr. Elliott can offer his expertise in helping you feel comfortable with your surgery, ultimately, the chosen option for preventative mastectomy is exclusively your decision to make.

Please contact us to make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Elliott to discuss your goals after conferring with your surgeon, oncologist, or specialist. To learn more about the breast reconstruction procedures Dr. Elliott performs, please visit his website and follow him on  Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Lift Surgery

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Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Franklyn Elliott has been performing breast procedures for over 25 years and has extensive experience in performing various breast surgeries from breast augmentation and reduction to breast reconstruction after breast cancer.
Dr. Elliott frequently has patients ask him if they are better suited for a breast augmentation or breast lift procedure. Breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are two separate procedures that can also be combined, depending on the desired aesthetic goals of the patient.

Atlanta Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery increases the size and volume of an individual’s breasts through implant insertion. Breast implants are available in various sizes and shapes and may be silicone or saline-filled. Implants can be inserted above or below the pectoral muscle during breast enhancement surgery. While breast enlargement surgery increases the volume, breast lift surgery addresses sagging breasts.

Breast lift surgery removes excess skin and tightens and reshapes the remaining breast tissue for a more youthful result. Women may experience sagging breasts due to pregnancy, breast feeding, weight fluctuation, aging and genetics. For women who would like to reposition breasts and enhance volume, a combined procedure of breast augmentation and lift is beneficial for overall rejuvenation. Dr. Elliott can perform both procedures during one surgery to minimize recovery and medical facility and anesthesia fees.

The terms breast lift surgery and breast augmentation are often used interchangeably, however it’s important to note that they address two different issues. Many women often believe that enhancing the volume of breasts will also make breasts appear perkier. Breast implants can augment the chest and enhance volume but if an individual desires perkier breasts then breast lift surgery is necessary to raise the position of the breasts.

Both breast augmentation and breast lift can also be part of mommy makeover surgery as many mothers’ breasts are affected during and after pregnancy. Dr. Elliott will discuss realistic expectations for breast surgery results and find the best technique for each individual patient.

For more information about breast lift or breast implant surgery, please contact us to schedule an in-office consultation. Follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news and information.

New Study Discusses How Breast Cancer Spreads

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. As a prominent concern for a wide-range of women, continued research is beneficial in bringing breast cancer awareness and education to the forefront.  Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Franklyn Elliott stays abreast of the latest breast cancer research as many of his patients are breast cancer survivors.breast-reconstruction-atlanta

From previous research it is known that women with denser breasts are at higher risk for breast cancer, however, recent research has now discovered why breast cancer patients with dense breasts are more likely to develop aggressive tumors that may spread.

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine studied mouse models of breast cancer and breast tumor samples from patients. They found that a protein sits on the surface of tumor cells, binds to collagen and activates a multi-step pathway that encourages tumor cells to spread. This protein is known as DDR2 and is one factor that contributes to maintaining high levels of the protein, SNAIL 1, inside the tumor cell’s nucleus, which is required for cell spread.  This new research is important in developing drugs that may be able to stop the invasion of these cancerous tumors and reduce metastasis.

Breast density and skin elasticity can also be a factor for breast reconstruction patients as certain reconstructive surgery options, like breast reconstruction with an implant, may be more difficult if there is not a lot of tissue remaining after cancer removal or if the remaining skin doesn’t easily stretch.

Breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer removal remains one of Dr. Elliott’s passions; he has been performing both plastic and reconstructive surgery for over 25 years.  If you are interested in learning more about your breast reconstruction options please call our office. Connect with Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest plastic surgery news and information.

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