Tag Archives: breast cancer reconstruction

PR Web did a feature on surgical garment manufacturer, Nouvelle Compression Wear. Since breast augmentation is one of the most popular among plastic surgery procedures, they introduced their top bras for optimal healing following breast augmentation surgery. The main factor in these bras is comfort and quality construction in order to achieve optimal surgical results and fast healing. These bras are designed to “protect and stabilize breasts following surgical procedures such as breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty), breast lift (mastopexy), breast implants (augmentation mammoplasty), mastectomy, and breast reconstruction following mastectomy.”
The bras can be worn 24 hours a day and seven days a week to “ensure surgical sites, stitches, and drains are comfortably protected and secure.”

Different Styles of Bras

The article also listed the types of bras and their functions.
“Bra Bands – Bra Bands are durable, flexible cotton bands that provide support and stability after having breast surgery. They can also be worn underneath your regular bra, but not an underwired bra. Ideal for the patient recovering from a breast lift (mastopexy).
Bras with Cups – Compression bras with cups are designed to provide support and stability after having breast surgery. These bras have no underwiring and will enhance the results of a breast augmentation or mastectomy.
Bras with Sleeves – Bras with Sleeves are designed to provide compression in the upper torso and arms. They enhance the recovery of an armlift, liposuction, breast surgery or lymphederma.
Bras without Cups – Bras without Cups provide maximum compression and stability with flat fronts. These bras are designed to offer complete support (vertically and laterally), protection, and enhance the patient’s ability to return to an active lifestyle.
Cotton Bras – Cotton Bras are also made with flexible nylon to produce the optimal compression necessary for recovering from breast surgeries such as: breast implants, breast reconstructions, mastectomies, and mastopexies.”

We Believe in Looking Out for Our Patients’ Comfort After Plastic Surgery

Products like the ones mentioned in the above article are a great way to make the plastic surgery experience more comfortable. Experiences like a breast augmentation can be difficult to endure post-surgery and it is important to have a speedy and stress free recovery. All of us at Dr. Seify’s practice advocate taking great care of yourself post-surgery and looking into products that help you have a comfortable recovery. If you are ready to make that plastic surgery commitment, give Dr. Seify’s office a call to schedule a consultation. Dr H.S. Seify
plastic surgery newport beachLosing a breast or both due to a mastectomy can be a brave and devastating experience. Women who have gone through it are glad to extend their life, but with losing one or both breasts, it can make them feel like “less of a woman.” Luckily, there are options of regaining the shape of one’s breasts. One article for Eyewitness News mentioned a technique that a New Orleans plastic surgeon is known for in his New Orleans practice: “Here in New Orleans, Medical Watch as been there for 20 years as major breakthroughs in breast reconstruction were first used. Dr. Robert Allen pioneered removing a breast and making the new one from abdomen fat and skin, giving the woman a tummy tuck but leaving her abdominal muscles intact. We also followed him when the first and second pair of identical twins in the world had breast surgery. Abdomen fat and skin were taken from the well twin who had had babies. She got a tummy tuck, while the identical twin with cancer, who was not a mother and had no extra fat or skin from pregnancy, got a new breast.”  

Most Women Are Not Fully Aware of Breast Reconstruction

  women in businessThe article continued with how the process works on how they “create breasts out of your own fat from the hip, or a combination of the abdomen, hip and buttocks fat, or from a complete body lift. He was also on the forefront of being able to save the original breast skin, nipple and areola as Angelina Jolie did.”   While the option is there, most women are not fully aware of it. The article went on to say: “The doctors say it is best to have the reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy, whether you have cancer or not. But still, 70 percent of patients are not fully informed about reconstruction.”  

Dr. Seify Has Another Breast Reconstruction Option

  top doctors 2013 dr seifyWhile that is one way to have breast reconstruction, there is another option available such as Dr. H. M. Seify’s tissue expander and implant technique. The expander is placed on the chest wall deep down temporarily to create space that helps maintain a permanent implant. The expansion process takes place from 1 to 3 weeks or several months. After the expander procedure is done, that would ready the patient for surgical permanent implants. The surgical implant procedure takes about 2 hours. For a more in-depth read about the process, click here. The end result is natural looking breasts that complement your body shape. If you think this procedure is for you, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Seify.
Breast cancer undoubtedly has one of the best awareness programs of all the cancers. The branding of the pink ribbon has allowed the majority of adults globally to associate the pink ribbon with breast cancer awareness. Less has been done to help women to become knowledgeable concerning breast reconstruction and the options available to them once they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. In New York, a law has been enacted that requires breast cancer patients to be provided a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss breast reconstruction options prior to their breast cancer surgery and treatment. Unfortunately, this law does not exist in California… Yet. Dr. Seify is passionate concerning research and development of new techniques and methods for creating better options for breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify is involved in multiple clinical trials that are designed to improve patient satisfaction and results following breast reconstruction. The clinical trials include everything from stem cell and fat transfer to different options and methods for reducing the negative effects of radiation following breast reconstruction. Dr. Seify encourages patients to seek breast reconstruction options early in their cancer diagnosis. In the best situations Dr. Seify is involved at the beginning when the breast cancer diagnosis is made. Dr. Seify works closely with other participating physicians including the oncologist, radiologist, and general surgeon. Patients at this point are given multiple options to consider including whether or not to proceed with breast reconstruction at all. In general, the earlier patients seek breast reconstruction options the more choices they will have. Patients can also choose their breast reconstructive surgeon, provided their insurance allows them to choose outside of their network. For some patients, this may seem awkward; however, it is important that patients remember that it is ultimately their decision and their body. Dr. Seify is sensitive to the overwhelming nature of a breast cancer diagnosis and deciding which direction to take as it relates to breast reconstruction. His staff is experienced and trained in working with not only a wide range of insurance companies, but also helping patients to navigate the process. Breast cancer is not a choice for any woman; however, it is important to remember that there are choices that can be made once she is given the diagnosis. Patients who are considering breast reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
For the month of May the breaking Angelina Jolie breast cancer story was one of the most popular stories of the year. According to Jolie in an article published in the opinion section of Tuesday’s New York Times, she underwent a preventative double mastectomy after being that her chance of developing breast cancer was 87% combined with a 50% risk of ovarian cancer was an important one made after watching her mother’s long fight against cancer. Her mother died in 2007 at the age of 56. Jolie claims that it was her hope that other woman would find encouragement from her story. Jolie said “I choose not to keep my story private because there are many women who do not know that they might be living under the shadow of cancer,” Jolie said in the Times article. “It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested, and that if they have a high risk they, too, will know that they have strong options.”  Jolie explained that she carries the BRCA1 cancer gene that is believed to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Jolie explained that after her double mastectomy she elected for reconstructive surgery which took three months to complete. Although there have been other famous celebrities who also reported carrying the BRCA1 gene, Jolie is undoubtedly one of the most famous. This story proposes many topics for conversation. At the very least it allows the dialogue between women and their physicians to determine if genetic testing for breast cancer is right for them. Dr. Seify continues to work in the forefront of breast cancer reconstruction research and the available options for women. Undoubtedly, as women become more aware of the option to choose elective mastectomy there will be an increase in patients choosing breast reconstruction following their surgery. Dr. Seify encourages patients to consider breast reconstruction options at the onset of their diagnosis for breast cancer. In the case of an elective double mastectomy it is critical that patients consider the breast reconstruction options available to them prior to making the decision to proceed with surgery. Dr. Seify is experienced in many different methods of breast reconstruction including both traditional methods including tram flap and more innovative techniques using fat transfer and stem cells. Every patient is different and insurance companies vary greatly, so patients should consult with Dr. Seify to see if in fact there insurance will cover breast reconstruction following an elective mastectomy. Patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a medical consultation.
New cancer drugs continue to be on the forefront for the treatment of breast cancer. According to a recent article the newest drug consists of molecular generation designed to destroy malignant breast tumors in a targeted manner. They block characteristic molecules on the tumor cells-receptors for hormones estrogen or progesterone, or a co-receptor, known as HER2 that connects to many growth factors. However, roughly 1 in every six breast tumors does not have any of these receptors. These cancers are known as triple negative and are extremely aggressive and very difficult to treat. A few of these therapy- resistant cancers have a potential molecular target for cancer drugs, EGFR which is a growth factor receptor. EGFR blocking drugs have been ineffective in treating these types of cancers. In a study published recently in the proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Weitzman Institute researchers surmised there could be a potential solution. The goal would be to simultaneously treat triple negative breast cancer with to EGFR blocking antibodies instead of just one. In the study using mice scientist proved that specific combinations of two antibodies did prevent the growth and spread of triple negative tumors. The research team, led by Prof. Yosef Yarden of the Biological Regulation Department and Prof. Michael Sela of the Immunology Department, included Drs. Daniela Ferraro, Nade`ge Gaborit, Ruth Maron, Hadas Cohen-Dvashi, Ziv Porat, Fresia Pareja, and Sara Lavi, Dr. Moshit Lindzen and Nir Ben-Chetrit. Hopefully, this approach will be supported in further studies as soon be available as a combination chemotherapy for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Dr. Seify treats patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer and choose breast reconstruction following the treatment. Patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer are entitled by law to have breast reconstruction covered under their insurance. This includes all breast cancer diagnosis regardless of the type of surgical treatment chosen. Dr. Seify is involved in several clinical trials designed to be on the forefront of new technology and methods for breast cancer reconstruction. These methods include stem cell treatment options as well as fat transfer. Patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are considering breast reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify as early as possible so that they may be able to take advantage of as many breast reconstruction options as possible.
Increasingly patients are being encouraged to have a conversation with a plastic reconstructive surgeon concerning breast reconstruction options prior to having of mastectomy. According to recent article a CBS affiliate KVAL reported that some experts believe that patients should consult a plastic surgeon before the initial operation. The importance of a pre-mastectomy consultation is rooted in the fact that it can provide options for plastic surgeons to reshape the breast as closely as possible to its original shape throughout the entire reconstruction process. The ability to preserve the existing skin of the breast so that the plastic surgeon can utilize it directly after the mastectomy during reconstruction will almost always yield the best cosmetic results. Also, by having a consultation prior to the mastectomy it may lead to an increase in postmastectomy reconstructions. This is an area medical experts agree needs to be addressed since only about 20% of mastectomies are reconstructed. Multiple studies proved that having breast reconstruction positively affects body image, as well as self-esteem for women who must undergo a mastectomy. Dr. Seify explains to patients who consult with him prior to having a mastectomy that it is his intention to work with the entire team of medical professionals treating the patient. Ultimately the decision to have breast reconstruction surgery is solely decision of the patient. Dr. Seify will help the patient understand the pros and cons of breast reconstruction as well as cover in detail the different types of reconstruction procedures. Patients who are considering breast reconstruction following mastectomy are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
Breast reconstruction patients continue to have increased options for breast reconstruction as technology continues to offer new and innovative method according to recent article. These options include the ability to have mastectomy and reconstruction in the same day. This allows the patient to eliminate several trips back and forth to the hospital using tissue expanders to expand skin. Flap reconstruction uses skin from other parts of the body to reconstruct the breast and many women feel it looks more natural than a tissue expander. When patients are cleared by the doctors some are able to have breast reconstruction right after a mastectomy. This is where the plastic surgeon uses the remaining skin from the surgery to actually construct a new breast. The mother new and innovative techniques include fat transfer and stem cell surgical options. Dr. Seify has been selected to participate in several clinical trials for both fat transfer and stem cell surgical options. Because of his unique and diversified practice he is able to utilize some of the new breast reconstruction techniques and his breast augmentation procedures. Patients who have breast augmentation are reminded to be proactive concerning their breast health. This means adhering to the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for early detection. These recommendations include monthly breast self exam as well as a yearly mammograms after the age of 40. It is important for patients to understand the breast implants will not increase the risk of cancer however patients are instructed to follow the same guidelines for breast health as they would if they do not have breast implants. Patients who are considering breast augmentation or have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are considering breast reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify’s office and schedule a consultation.
For some breast cancer patients immediate breast cancer reconstruction is not possible. They may need to wait a certain length of time after their mastectomy before having breast reconstruction surgery. According to recent online article a Dallas news report shared that many women character prosthetics in the interim to help feel better about themselves. They highlighted patient who was diagnosed at the young age of 21. She had to delay her breast reconstruction based on her doctors’ orders. She along with other women shop at specialty store that caters to women who are waiting to have their breast reconstruction performed. There are prosthetics that are designed to fit a woman’s body following a mastectomy. Prosthetics that are available today are much more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than those available years ago. For most patients it gives them the self-confidence to be able to wait the 6 to 9 months that many wait prior to beginning the breast reconstruction process. While the ideal situation is to have a breast reconstruction consultation prior to having a mastectomy Dr. Seify assures his patients that once a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer she will be able to have breast reconstruction surgery if she is a candidate covered by your insurance regardless of when she chooses to have the procedure performed. It is important for patients to the assured that breast reconstruction is an option covered under insurance by law for any breast cancer patient. Dr. Seify explains to patients that the process can be tedious with the use of tissue expanders to stretch the skin so that it can accommodate a breast implant. For other patients that transfer without using an implant may be an option. The main point for patients to understand is that there are options available for them and that the law provides insurance coverage for breast cancer patients so that they do not need to worry about breast cancer reconstruction options being available to them following their mastectomy. Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
Tamoxifen is a common drug used for patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, treated and are using the drug in hopes of preventing a recurrence of the cancer. According to recent online industry article tamoxifen may not work exactly the same in every patient. According to the article breast cancer patients who have a specific genetic liver enzyme alteration do not respond well to the hormone therapy tamoxifen because they have a difficult time metabolizing the drug, which leads to an increased risk of death as well as recurrence. This discovery was derived from a study completed by researchers from the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center and The Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group. It was published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. Specifically the research found that women with alterations of the liver enzyme CYP 2-D6 were not able to metabolize the drug as well as those with a normal enzyme activity and this led to severe complications. The study involved carefully following the recurrence of cancer as well as deaths among two groups of women who had been prescribed different forms of breast cancer treatment. The first group was comprised of postmenopausal women with primary estrogen receptor positive breast cancer who only received tamoxifen therapy for five years, the second group of women took tamoxifen for two years and then went on to take and aromatase inhibitor(not requiring the CYP 2-D6 enzyme) known as an anastrozole for an additional three years. They discovered that women who had significant genetic alterations of CYP 2-D6 were 2.5 times more likely to develop a recurrence of cancer or succumb when compared to women with normal CYP 2-D6 activity. The recurrence of cancer and death was 1.7 times more when compared with women who had intermediate levels of the enzyme. These studies highlight the importance of doctors monitoring patient’s response to post breast cancer drug therapy. Following a breast cancer diagnosis patient is likely to have a lifelong history of follow-up with physicians to monitor her progress. Dr. Seify encourages patients through the process task plenty of questions and get a clear idea of what they can expect throughout treatment. Patients who choose to have breast reconstruction following their breast cancer diagnosis are given specific options available to them which could include traditional breast cancer reconstruction methods using tissue expanders and tram flap methods as well as newer fat injection and stem cell options. Dr. Seify’s recommendation is based on many different factors however patients can be assured that is talent and expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon serves his patients well. Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer and are considering breast cancer reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
Two of the most common forms of cancer for women are breast cancer and ovarian cancer. According to recent industry article mutations found in a gene known as PPM 1D are linked with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer which may be representative of a new cancer-causing process. Discovery was a result of a new study published in the Journal Nature which was conducted by a team of Researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research, London. Women with the PPM 1D mutations have a one in five chance of developing either breast or ovarian cancer. This is double the risk of breast cancer and more than 10 times the risk of ovarian cancer for women in the general population. A previous study discovered that mutations in the gene known as RAD 51C are linked with a 60 to 80% increased risk for breast cancer and a 20 to 40% risk for ovarian cancer. According to the researchers, this newly discovered research suggests that genetic testing and targeted revenge and for cancer could be a requirement, especially for ovarian cancer due to the fact that it is usually detected at a very late stage. PPM 1D appeared to be present and in entirely dissimilar way when compared to other genes that are linked with increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer including BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is the hope of researchers that women who have the genetic information detailing their risk for ovarian or breast cancer could make proactive decisions concerning steps that they could take to reduce their chances of developing either cancer. Breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis not only for the patient before her family and support system as well. Dr. Seify consults with patients who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and helps them to understand their options related to breast reconstruction surgery. When at all possible, Dr. Seify will work with the entire team of doctors who were treating the patient. This could include the oncologist, radiologist, general surgeon as well as primary care physician. It is important for patients to understand the implications of their choices of not only which breast reconstruction method to choose but also when that choice should be made. Dr. Seify encourages patients who are reviewing the available options following breast cancer diagnosis to contact his office and schedule a consultation.
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