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breast reconstructive surgery

Many Women Choose Double Mastectomy to Avoid Breast Cancer Recurrence But Study Says it May Not be Needed

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Being diagnosed with breast cancer forever changes an individual’s life.  Each diagnosed person is faced with personal and emotional decisions such as choosing a treatment plan, if they will have a mastectomy, or breast reconstruction surgery.

Many breast cancer patients are choosing to have a double mastectomy, despite having cancer in only one breast. A new study conducted by the University of Michigan, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology has found removing most women’s other healthy breast did not improve their survival rate.Double Mastectomy

The researchers analyzed 1,400 women with breast cancer who had been treated for early-stage breast cancer. According to the findings of the study, 70% of women who opted to have bilateral mastectomy (the removal of both breasts) did not have risk factors such as the inherited BRCA gene mutations or a strong family history of the disease.

Women are increasingly opting to have both their affected and healthy breasts removed in fear of breast cancer recurrence. However, the risk of developing cancer in the healthy breast is relatively low. Dr. Carla Fisher, a breast surgeon with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania stated, “The risk of recurrence on the breast that had cancer, or cancer coming back elsewhere in the body from that initial cancer, is much higher than the risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast.”

However, many patients without the risk factors may opt for a bilateral mastectomy due to the recommended continued monitoring, mammograms, MRIs and even biopsies they will go through if the other breast is left.

For over 25 years, board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, has specialized in reconstructive breast surgery and understands the concerns women may have about their appearance when undergoing a mastectomy.  Dr. Elliott uses the latest reconstructive techniques to ensure the most natural reconstructive results for breast cancer patients.

If you are interested in finding out more information about breast reconstruction options, please call our office today to schedule a consultation. Don’t forget to follow Dr. Elliott on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for the latest reconstructive and cosmetic breast information and news.

Coming in October 2012: Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

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Dr. Franklyn Elliott Breast Reconstruction Breast Cancer AwarenessDr. Franklyn Elliott is passionate about reconstructive breast procedures and is looking forward to the first national Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day (BRA) being held October 17th, 2012. As co-director of The Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium, Dr. Elliott spends much of his time outside the operating room educating and teaching fellow physicians around the world about the most advanced and effective breast reconstruction techniques.

For women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, breast reconstruction surgery may be a consideration.  A woman may choose to have breast reconstruction surgery during or after a mastectomy, or breast cancer removal surgery.  With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Elliott is committed to providing each of his patients with detailed information about their breast reconstruction options.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Plastic Surgery Foundation have launched the first national campaign focusing specifically on breast reconstruction awareness for women.  According to the official BRA website, BRA Day USA, is a project designed to promote education, awareness, and access regarding post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Although BRA day will be a first for the United States, it is to be held annually on the third Wednesday of every October. Many organizations are joining this important cause including Sientra and the New York Breast Reconstruction Alliance.

Stay tuned to our blog for more news about breast reconstruction surgery and BRA Day.  If you are interested in discussing your breast reconstruction options with Dr. Elliott please call our office today. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest on breast surgery news and information.

Exercising With Breast Implants

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Women choose to get breast implants for numerous reasons and Dr. Franklyn Elliott, who has been performing cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures for over 25 years, understands each patient’s case is different. Breast implants are utilized in many procedures other than breast augmentation including breast lift, breast revision, and breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast implants can add volume and fullness to an individual’s breasts. Although breast implants are often used for cosmetic reasons, they can also be used during reconstructive breast procedures after breast cancer removal or trauma.  Some women who have breast lift surgery also get breast implants at the same time to add shape to their newly positioned breasts.

Breast surgery patients receiving implants often ask Dr. Elliott if getting implants will affect their daily exercise routine.  Overall, women will be able to exercise normally after breast surgery if they follow their surgeon’s prescribed before and after care instructions.  Taking time to heal is imperative for sufficient recovery. During the healing process, delicate capillaries will rebuild in the breast and skin. Dr. Elliott will consult with you regarding your exercise regime based on individual factors including the type of procedure performed, your age and usual exercise routine to ensure proper healing.  It’s also important to provide proper support for implants by wearing supportive sports bras while exercising.

It’s important to remember when considering any type of plastic surgery procedure to do your research and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. During consultation, Dr. Elliott takes the time to discuss each of his patient’s concerns and questions. If you would like more information about breast procedures or another plastic surgery procedure performed by Dr. Elliott please call our office today. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google + for all the latest information on breast research and technology.