Help OCRC raise money for the Susan Komen foundation to support breast cancer treatment and research! About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.
As a plastic surgeon, I am humbled by the patients I meet who face breast cancer with courage and determination for cure. Though breast reconstruction can be an involved process, it is often an important part of recovery and rebuilding of self image and confidence.
Reconstruction of the breast after a mastectomy can be an important part of the recovery process for women. The discussion of which type of surgery would work best for you depends on your body type and time you wish to commit to the recovery process. There are three main types of reconstruction—the abdominal flap, the back (latissimus) flap with implant, and tissue expansion with implant.
The FDA continues to monitor the outcomes and safety of breast implants since they released silicone implants back on the market in 2006. In 2010 alone, about 300,000 women chose cosmetic breast augmentation in the United States. This surgery can help improve body proportion, address changes after pregnancy, or correct minor breast sagging. If you are considering this procedure or have undergone this surgery, there are some important facts for you to know.
Sunscreen is a very important component of maintaining your skin. Even for patients who come to me interested in botox or facelift, one of the foundations we talk about is preventing further damage to your skin. The FDA recently came out with new regulations on how sunscreen is marketed, to make it easier for consumers to make an informed decision.
The nose, as the central part of a person’s face, is a crucial element of our identity and self-esteem. It can be finicky to reconstruct because it is a delicate, three dimensional structure that does not donate much extra skin. This week, I am finishing the third stage of a nose reconstruction surgery. Why does it take three surgeries?
This week, plastic surgeons gathered for a great presentation focused on facial procedures at Aquariva overlooking the Willamette River. Oregon Society of Plastic Surgeons allows colleagues to stay in touch with the local community by gathering regularly to discuss new findings and updates in surgery.
Eyebrows are aesthetically important to frame the eyes and open up the face. The ideal eyebrow shape includes a gentle arch up laterally. If you draw a vertical line on the outer edge of your pupil (the colored portion of your eyeball), the peak of the arch should be at this line. For some women, eyebrow hairs can be trimmed and plucked to achieve this look. For others, botox injection that targets the muscle which pulls your eyebrow down can be helpful.
I had a wonderful opportunity to speak to health care providers at Providence Milwaukie Hospital this week about breast reduction. Breast reduction has been proven in clinical studies to provide effective and long lasting relief for symptoms like back pain and shoulder pain. In addition, women often find that they are able to engage in physical activities that they couldn’t do before.
Plastic surgery is a powerful way to dramatically change form and function in a short period of time. However, it takes preparation and care for you and the plastic surgeon. The most important thing that you can do is to stop smoking or using nicotine products at least four weeks before surgery. Smoking decrease your body’s … Read more
After surgery, it is important to get out of bed early and walk. The goal is to walk around the house at least four times a day. Even though you can feel quite uncomfortable the first few days, walking helps to decrease your risk of blood clots of your legs and lungs after surgery. Being … Read more
