Tag Archives: reconstructive plastic surgery

plastic surgery newport beachIn 2010, a woman from Staten Island, New York sued her plastic surgeon for claiming the breast implant plastic surgery he did gave her “four breasts.” The surgery took place in 2003 which she paid $7000 and, instead of “two symmetrical C cups,” she ended up with “four round lumps.” The article from ABC News further elaborates that she “came out of that operation with essentially four breasts,” the Staten Island Advance reports her attorney, Michael J. Kuharski, told jurors during the March 1 opening arguments.”

Causes for Breast Implants Risk and How to Avoid It

What occurred is not uncommon and is nicknamed by plastic surgeons as the “double bubble” effect and most women don’t know about the risk. The risk is low, but it can be caused by “negligence or just bad luck.” To minimize risk, it all has to do with positioning and size. The implant has to sit at the base of the breast and the breast is positioned over on top of the implant correctly. The size of the implant is important also, because “if the implant is too wide, a patient might get a double bubble right after surgery. But if the implant is too heavy, a double bubble can develop over time as the heavy implant sinks below the crease where the natural breast meets the chest.” The shape of the patient’s breast is also a factor such as “some women have what we call a constricted breast – the base maybe too narrow, or the distance from the nipple and the crease is very short.” And, it also depends on the patient’s age and how many children she has had as “surgery becomes more complicated if breast tissue has sagged below the inframammary fold, where the lower breast meets the chest.” Also an implant and lift technique can reduce risk as well as proper screening and careful placement of the implant.

How Dr. Seify Can Help with Breast Augmentation drseify-whitecoat

The above story is very unfortunate and the risk is there, but at Dr. Seify’s practice, we have the expertise to achieve beautiful, natural looking breasts. Even with all the careful planning and a successful surgery, changes can still occur. At our practice, if a patient should experience the “double bubble,” a next step she should consider is a Breast Revision surgery or a Breast Implant Exchange surgery. If you feel your existing breast implants are going through changes, give Dr. Seify’s office a call to schedule a consultation for a breast augmentation.
shutterstock_20944378According to a poll reported by News Medical, 70 percent of plastic surgeons use fat grafting techniques for breast reconstruction. Over four hundred fifty-six plastic surgeons answered the survey that was taken in July 2013 for the issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  The technique used to be uncommon and “once discouraged,” but “fat grafting to the breast is an increasingly common plastic surgery technique, according to a new report.” Of the 70 percent who use the fat grafting technique for breast surgery: “Eighty percent of plastic surgeons who currently perform fat grafting to the breast said they use fat grafting for breast reconstruction techniques, and often apply fat grafting along with implants or flap procedures. The surgeons found fat grafting particularly useful for improving the shape of the breast, including reconstruction after “lumpectomy” for early-stage breast cancer.” Also, three-fourths of the plastic surgeons surveyed preferred to use the fat from the abdomen while others obtain fat from the thighs. Despite some acceptance about the positivity of the fat grafting technique, there are some drawbacks to reconsider. Like the potential difficulty of early diagnosis of breast cancer. On the other hand, “more recent studies have reported that fat grafting on the breast provides very good results. Those studies also reported that changes seen on mammograms are easily distinguished from abnormalities related to breast cancer.”

Room for Improvement for Breast Surgery

The other main concern with fat grafting is the patient’s ability with retention of the transplanted fat cells. But, the percentage show that fat grafting is gaining popularity and some plastic surgeons say there is room for improvement. Some plastic surgeons say that there is a “need for further studies to establish optimal techniques for maximizing fat graft retention and patient satisfaction with the results.”

Want another alternative to fat grafting?

At Dr. Seify’s practice, although there are merits to the fat grafting technique, he uses his own technique that does not require any additional invasive procedures such as obtaining fat from other body parts. His tissue expander and implant technique is a great option for those who do not have enough fat on other body parts. Also, this technique can be used by patients going under chemotherapy (the permanent implant goes in after the expansion phase and is cleared for another operation, after a month of chemotherapy). If you feel this is right for you, contact Dr. Seify’s office to make an appointment for a consultation for a breast surgery or another type of surgery.
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.
Plastic surgery can become the topic of conversation rather quickly at a party or any other social gathering. Interestingly some will pipe up and admit to plastic surgery procedures they have had performed while others sit quietly. Others will chime in with third-party stories as if they have no personal knowledge whatsoever. The conversation will quickly shift to the “type “of person who would have plastic surgery. Most commonly it is thought of as a person who is vain and celebrity conscious. Perhaps it is someone who is desperately trying to hold on to her youth. In many cases the conversation will soon shift to what are considered to be plastic surgery disasters. Of course, this type conversation can be lively and go on for hours. The truth of the matter is; while there are some truths to a profile of the type of person who would consider plastic surgery the reality is the person who would consider plastic surgery is just like everybody else.

Get a Plastic Surgery Consultation

Dr. Seify consults with a multitude of patients for varied reasons as to why they are considering procedures such as breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, or facelift. It is not uncommon for patients to tell Dr. Seify that they never thought they would consider plastic surgery. Some patients share that they previously were adamantly against it. As an experienced American Society of Plastic Surgeons plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Seify has seen firsthand that situations can happen to patients that open up the possibility to plastic surgery much more readily. Reconstructive situations such as accidents and injuries or the diagnosis of breast cancer could create a situation where plastic surgery is the only way to restore not just an aesthetic appearance but also one that is functional. It is rather easy to pass judgment on what is considered acceptable as a reason for choosing plastic surgery versus what is considered over-the-top. Plastic surgery is, and always will be, a very personal decision. As the demand for elective plastic surgery has increased substantially over the past two decades more patients have chosen plastic surgery so therefore looking your most youthful and aesthetically pleasing has become the standard versus over-the-top. In Southern California, specifically Newport Beach plastic surgery has quickly created an added perk as a tourist destination. Patient should not fret over the type of person they would be if they chose plastic surgery. The decision should be made solely for personal reasons and should include the special advice and advisement of a board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Seify. Patients who are considering plastic surgery are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.
There is a new buzz that has been created due to increased attention paid to the beauty of women’s arms. Toned and fit arms are perceived by most to be youthful and healthy. Some attribute the increase buzz about beautiful arms to Michelle Obama’s toned arms and frequent choice of sleeveless dresses and blouses. Of course, where there is interest in beauty there will always be plastic surgery options. An increase in patients considering brachioplasty or arm lifts has been reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Arm Lifts

To the media, tying the increase in brachioplasty procedures to celebrities with toned and fit arms seems like a logical choice. The reality is the procedure is an invasive one that is typically chosen by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and therefore have a significant amount of loose and lax skin on the underside of the arm. Dr. Seify explains to patients that brachioplasty should only be performed by experienced plastic surgeons who understand the risk and complications versus the expected benefit for each patient. Although new techniques allow for a shorter incision and thus a shorter scar it is important for patients to understand that the removal excess skin with brachioplasty will require the trade-off of a scar. Dr. Seify explains that the scar is well hidden on the underside of the arm and the majority of patients heal incredibly well so that the scar is barely visible after six months to a year. Initially following the surgery there may be puckering of the skin along the incision which will typically loosen up as the skin relaxes. It is imperative that patients understand their specific situation and what the expectations are for their long-term results. Patients who have loose and lax skin as a result of aging and poor laxity in the skin may not be ideal candidates for the brachioplasty procedure. Also, patients who scar poorly may also be a poor choice for the brachioplasty procedure. While the overwhelming numbers of patients are extremely satisfied with their plastic surgery procedure, it is critical for patients to understand that limiting the plastic surgery procedure to patients who are ideal candidates is the best way to ensure that patients will be satisfied with their results. Brachioplasty patients are typically able to return to a desk type job in 5 to 7 days after surgery. Patients who are considering brachioplasty are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify and schedule a consultation.  
Being a parent has many challenges. One of the most painful challenges a parent can endure is watching their child in emotional pain as a result of bullying and teasing. A great deal of attention has been placed in the media on children being teased and bullied via the Internet. Social media has certainly made bullying and teasing much easier and given it much greater reach. The focus is often placed upon girls being teased because it is believed by many that girls are more emotional and that the impact is greater than boys. However; boys, especially teenage boys can be self-conscious about their bodies as they change with age. For some, excessive breast tissue can become evident as they enter puberty. While in some cases this may be accompanied with being overweight or obese this is not always the case. Even boys who are at or near their ideal body weight can suffer from excess breast tissue which is known as gynecomastia. The impact of this excessive breast tissue which has slang terms including “man boobs”or” moobs “is rarely painful physically however emotionally it can be devastating. As a parent, you may ponder whether seeking the advice of a plastic surgeon to correct this condition is a good idea. Perhaps you may think that fixing the source of bullying using plastic surgery sends the wrong message to your child. The reality is that children who are teased and bullied often have a difficult time achieving success in school and outside school activities because they are self-conscious and less likely to take the steps necessary to be outgoing and involved. If your child is also overweight this condition could contribute to his lack of willingness and motivation to exercise. Also, depression and loneliness can lead to overeating which also contributes to obesity. Dr. Seify encourages parents to consult with him to determine if their son is a candidate for gynecomastia surgery. In the initial consultation Dr. Seify will determine if the child is truly suffering from excessive breast tissue or if the primary source is excessive fat on the chest. It is important for parents to understand that liposuction of the chest alone will not improve the appearance of excessive breast tissue. In many cases it can cause the breast tissue to be even more of visible if the glandular tissue is not removed and only liposuction is performed. For this reason, it is critical that parents seek the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Seify who is experienced in treating gynecomastia patients. In some cases, although rare, Dr. Seify may be able to submit the proper documentation for parents to obtain insurance coverage for the procedure. Parents who are considering gynecomastia surgery for their sons should consider the possibility of surgery early in the summer so that their son will be healed and ready to enjoy the latter part of summer and a new beginning to the next school year. Parents who are considering gynecomastia surgery for their sons are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify’s office and schedule a consultation.
Breast cancer recurrence is one of the most feared aspects of breast cancer. According to  a recent online article breast cancer recurrence may be predictable with a simple blood test using a DNA marker down through blood test researchers in Canada were able to accurately predict which women would be more likely to see a recurrence of their breast cancer years later. Admittedly more studies are needed to confirm these findings, but they do suggest that this blood test could complement current prognosis approach to the likelihood of the recurrence of breast cancer.Sambasivarao Damaraju, a professor with the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Canada’s University of Alberta, and colleagues, write about their findings in the 16 January issue of the open access online journal PLoS ONE.  Study authors conclude that current breast cancer reoccurrence prognosis use tumor-based assessments which they describe as “not optimal determinants”. DNA marker in combination with tumor-based markers is expect to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. The goal is if oncologists can determine through simple blood test if the recurrence of breast cancer is high they in turn then recommend a more aggressive therapy it may prevent the breast cancer from recurring. It is the hope of study authors that DNA predictors through blood test will see more clinical trials and then in turn be available for patients diagnosed with breast cancer very soon. Dr. Seify treats patients who are considering breast cancer reconstruction after breast cancer diagnosis. For the overwhelming majority of women the diagnosis will bring many different decisions have to be made. Dr. Seify and his staff work closely with each individual patient helping them to navigate not only the treatment decisions but also the necessary paperwork and insurance concerns that conservatives. Dr. Seify is able to offer many different breast reconstruction options to patients as a board-certified ASAP’s surgeon. Options include traditional methods including tram flap using tissue expanders as well as fat transfer and stem cell therapies. Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify’s office and schedule a consultation.
Breast cancer patients who have received radiation therapy after a mastectomy have an increased risk for complications related to the use of implants for breast reconstruction according to review in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The research, according to a recent industry article online, summarizes breast implants combined with radiation therapy carries certain risks. In an effort to reduce the risk of recurrent breast cancer, many women are being treated with radiation therapy after mastectomy. This is often referred to as postmastectomy radiation therapy or PMRT. Radiation has toxic effects that in turn can cause skin damage that can affect the healing process. Reconstructive surgeons agree that the results after breast reconstruction when exposed to radiation therapy tend to be better when autologous tissue, which is the patient’s own tissue is used. However, in some cases implants could be a preferred option for reconstruction and in other cases; they may be the only choice. Dr. Kronowitz identified 19 studies, of varying quality, evaluating the results of implant-based reconstruction in patients receiving PMRT. He writes, “In general, radiation increases the risk of complications and poor aesthetic outcomes of implant-based reconstruction.” Specifically, in one of the largest studies that is been performed to date, overall the risk of major complications were calculated to be about 45% for women who received implants with radiation therapy contrasted with 24% in patients who were not exposed to radiation therapy. Complications were also more frequent when radiation was given before compared to after implant-based reconstruction. The numbers were 64 percent versus 58 percent. Dr. Seify is careful to explain to breast cancer reconstruction patients that it is important to consider research and study information remembering that each patient and situation is different. Patients should seek breast reconstruction advice and recommendations early in the decision-making process following their breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Seify’s center is one of the centers selected  to study the effect of radiation and the use of ADM’s to improve outcome of reconstruction. He uses state of the art techniques  including fat grafting and dermal matrix to protect from the effects of radiation.  Dr. Seify works with the entire medical team treating the patient including general surgeon, oncologist, and radiologist. Patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and are considering options for breast reconstruction are encouraged to contact Dr. Seify for a consultation.
Breast CancerIt is a widely held belief that nutrition and specific foods may hold ingredients that could prevent breast cancer. According to recent news release herbal tea may soon be included in the list of food products with cancer fighting ingredients. According to the article and Aston University news release it reported that it had been discovered by scientists that an extract found in herbal see from a common plant and Pakistan may be beneficial in the fight against breast cancer.

Breast Cancer and Nutrition

The plant which is called Fagonia cretica, has been traditionally used for treatment of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Pakistan, but until now it has been considered more folklore myth then a true remedy. The scientists at Aston University in Birmingham and Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley in the United Kingdom conducted test of the plant extract and were able to prove that it kills cancer cells without damaging normal breast cells under laboratory conditions. Pakistani patients who were treated with the plant extract claim to have no side effects that are similar to those associated with traditional cancer treatments including hair loss, diarrhea, or drop in blood count.

Breast Cancer and  Herbal Tea Benefits

Researchers were adamant about the fact that more research would be needed to truly establish the role of the extract and how it effectively manages cancer. It is also important to note that these results were obtained in the laboratory and not confirmed as equal or similar results in the body. Dr. Seify explains to patients diagnosed with breast cancer that is committed to working with the medical team treating the patient as he discusses the best options for breast cancer reconstruction surgery. He is committed to helping patients explore the existing breast cancer reconstruction options that are available to them as well as helping them understand how their breast cancer reconstruction choices will affect their treatment plan. Dr. Seify encourages patients to maintain a healthy diet and exercise in accordance with their professional medical team and their specific recommendations for the patient.
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