Moobs are caused by a condition called gynaecomastia, which develops for a number of reasons. Nigel Mercer, BAAPS president and a consultant plastic surgeon, explains: “We have been seeing more men with gynaecomastia in recent years. There are a variety of reasons for male breasts getting bigger, these include a rise in obesity, a rise in drinking and potentially, more female hormones in the environment.” Indeed, ‘gender pollution’ has often been cited as a result for this condition, which is caused by too many female hormones working their way into the water system, mainly due to the contraceptive pill.

Moobs can be distressing and hard to shift through diet and exercise, so male breast reduction surgery can often be the only solution. Celebrity sufferers include Simon Cowell, Jack Nicholson and Michael Douglas, and they are regularly mocked in the press when they are unfortunate enough to be photographed shirtless on holiday.

The BAAPS statistics showed that there was a 27 per cent increase in the number of men having breast reduction surgery last year, along with an overall increase in male plastic surgery of 18 per cent. The reason for this rise is attributed to a general acceptance of cosmetic surgery, making procedures less taboo. Dalia Nield, a plastic surgeon with the London Clinic, said: “In the past men probably put up with having strange shaped bodies, or developing breasts. Now men know there is a solution. They regard operations as a way of giving them a better quality of life.”

Females are not the only vain creatures these days – more and more men are resorting to plastic surgery in a proposal to improve their looks, albeit through artificial and painful means. But while some men are choosing to go under the knife for purely personal or aesthetic reasons, others are taking the leap because they believe it will improve their career professionally – and make them a more powerful – or at least more attractive – force to be reckoned with.

The unfortunate fact is, men desire the similar things that women want: to look younger, fitter and thinner, with regular, even features and a healthy glow. They are starting to recognize that in today’s aggressive market, looking tired and haggard with droopy eyelids, dark circles and a weak chin just will not cut it. And if they have huge boobs and a fat belly to boot – well, forget about becoming a vice president in the firm, let alone the CEO.

It is estimated that the grooming market for men is worth more than $3.5 billion these days, with more and more members of the male species going under the knife for cosmetic reasons. In one study of people of the masculine persuasion carried out by – not surprisingly – a plastic surgeon, it was found that:

* Four percent believed that their level of bodily attractiveness would affect their success on the job, and make them seem more powerful

* 42 percent believed that their career would be made stronger if they could only improve one little thing about their face

* 32 percent thought that looking younger would affect their business performance more positively

Plastic Fantastic

Here is a list of the most common plastic procedures for men, in no specific order:

* Gynecomastia, or Male Breast Reduction. it is estimated that about 15 percent of all men are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, and now some are finally doing something about it. Men develop man boobs, or moobs, for a range of reasons, including hormonal changes, steroid abuse and being drastically overweight. Surgery to get rid of them sometimes involves a full operation, while on some occasions means utilizing the latest in liposuction combined with laser surgery.

* Eyelid Surgery. Also known as blepharoplasty for men, this procedure can be purely cosmetic, functional or both. It seeks to correct both sagging upper eyelids, as well as puffy bags underneath the eyes. Usually performed under just local anesthesia, it trims away excess fat, muscle and skin, with the remaining bits reattached in a manner that makes the eye area appear younger and more refreshed. The result: tighter, more taut eyelids and smoother under-eye areas.

* Pectoral Enhancement. Men who have tried everything but still maintain a chicken chest are currently relying on pectoral implants to allow them the bosoms they have always dreamed of. If no amount of exercise and diet has made your chest appear less than concave, your surgeon can insert implants made of silicone directly underneath the chest muscle to make the area seem more filled out. Requires general anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay – much like a boob job (ED: what’s the difference then?).

* Nose Job, aka Rhinoplasty. Carried out using a local or general anesthetic, depending on what needs to be done and individual preference, this is an out-patient procedure which can significantly influence a person’s looks. Costs will vary though the broad majority of men who opt for this op say it is money well spent. Men can have rhinoplasty from the age of 15, girls from age 13 (that is when their nose stops growing, evidently!).

* Liposuction. This form of weight loss involves using a cannula to literally suck the fat from your body. In men, problem areas are generally the breasts, love handles, tummy, thighs and neck. Tiny incisions are made so the great majority of folk, if not all, will not actually notice you have had the procedure done. Some men even have it done on their backs…

* Hair Transplants. Many guys think that nothing makes them look less tough than a lack of hair. Male pattern baldness affects a great many men, so if you can not stand your head resembling a ping pong ball, this could be the treatment of choice. it is fairly simple: your surgeon will take “donor” hair from the sides or back of your scalp, then surgically insert them in the bald patches, where it will probably begin to grow. Then again, you could simply purchase a stylish hat…

* Chin and Jawline Augmentation Surgery. Nothing spells out weakness more in a man than having a weak chin – or so proponents of chin surgery would have us believe. As a firm chin and jawline are considered signs of a “real” man, many men try to correct theirs when they fall flat (or rounded, flabby and soft). Surgery consists of varying types of chin implants which make your jaw more angled and square.

* Penis Extension Surgery. If slicing through the penile ligament sounds appealing, this is the operation for you. This operation, also known as phalloplasty or male enhancement surgery, does not actually make your member more massive, it simply makes it dangle lower. You may prefer a different – and considerably more invasive – procedure where fat from another part of your body is injected into your Johnson to raise its girth. Ouch!

Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments for Men

Apart from full-on surgery, men are also investing in less invasive cosmetic operations to look better. it is estimated that about one-seventh of all Botox anti-wrinkle injections are done on men, and guys are also jumping on the injectable filler band-wagon, to smooth out wrinkle lines and plump up lips. In fact, the American Academy of Facial and Plastic Surgery reckons that between 2000 and 2007 there was 91 percent hike in the amount of men non-surgical facial enhancements.

Men make up 20 percent of all laser hair removal procedures as well, according to statistics. They are getting to grips with unwanted hair in more ways as well, with male waxing salons becoming better and more common to make chests, buttocks and backs sleek and smooth. Pretty hands and feet are no longer a woman-only domain either: the number of male manicures and pedicures are on the rise, among men of all sexual orientations, and hair salons for men are frequently a lot more than the simple barbershop of Andy Griffith’s day.

If you want a bit of plastic surgery, it does not matter if you are a guy or woman – what matters is that you have reasonable expectations and get a qualified, Board-certified surgeon in whom you have absolute trust. But if you believe that changing your appearance will drastically alter your life, think again. Beauty is merely skin deep; in the long run, the oomph behind the front is generally more important.

Men face the same societal images that women do every day. They see the chiseled jaws, full lips and strong noses of male celebrities and models on the covers of their favorite magazines and in the movies. As a result, more and more men seek the services of plastic surgeons and skin specialists to mend the little imperfections of their face.

The nose is the most prominent feature of the face and men tend to want a stronger more masculine look that projects power and confidence. They are different from women in this respect because women tend to desire a more petite more feminine look.

But, like women, a tiny change in facial features can give a man self-confidence that can improve all aspects of his personal and professional life. Whatever changes are made, the key is sculpting the shape to fit the face.

Too many fistfights or baseballs to the face during your childhood may have left you crooked or lumpy looking. The crooked broken look may have been a badge of honor or added to a tough guy persona, but the growing acceptance of cosmetic changes for men has changed public perception.

Today’s man is much more concerned about his appearance and the visual impression he makes in the work force and on the dating scene. Crooked and bumpy is not the kind of look that goes with a suit and tie.

Aesthetics are not the only reason for male rhinoplasty. Breathing problems as a result of an obstruction or a malformation of the nose are corrected through surgery as well. Of course, this sometimes helps the appearance, but the improved breathing is the real improvement.

A deviated septum is a common problem that complicates breathing. The septum is the wall of cartilage and bone separating the nostrils. Other problems include thickened lining or septum, malformations and enlarged nasal structures.

So, exactly what changes can be made through rhinoplasty? Your surgeon can make the nose smaller in width and length. The tip can be sculpted or lifted and the nostrils can be reshaped if they are too big or small. Bumps and crooks can also be fixed to improve the line and give a straighter profile.

As with any surgery, thoroughly research your plastic surgeon. Does he have experience in performing male rhinoplasty? Chances are good he will since the number of men seeking this procedure grows every year- as much as 20% from 2005 and 2006, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Look at before and after pictures of other men who have had the surgery, and tell your doctor in clear terms what you want.

If you thought there was no hope and that cosmetic surgery was just for women, think again. Look into it and see if male rhinoplasty is right for you. It just might change your life.

will look back with grey hair or new wrinkles. For

some, the reflection is so upsetting that they seek

cosmetic surgery facelifts. How much do facelifts

actually benefit the people who undergo them?

Facelifts do involve risks, including death. On rare

occasions, people undergoing facelifts have died from

reactions to anesthesia or other medications used during the surgery.

Another potential risk is human error. Even the most

skillful surgeons can make mistakes. A patient

expecting to feel more beautiful after surgery can be

extremely traumatized to discover that instead, a slip

of the knife has severed facial nerves, causing damage

and scarring.

Facelifts can also result in a perpetual smile or

grimace when the skin has been stretched too tightly.

This loss of facial expression can be unnerving to others and can lower the quality of life for the

patient.

At the very least, even after a successful facelift

with no complications, patients will experience

swelling and bruising for weeks after the procedure.

Workand social life can be affected for weeks after the

surgery until the swelling and bruising has subsided.

Cosmetic surgery is also expensive. A facelift done by

a competent surgeon can cost from $5,000 to $6,000 in

some areas. This is beyond the means of many individuals,

especially in view of the fact that elective cosmetic surgeries are not covered by

insurance.

It is not difficult to find a reasonably competent

plastic surgeon, but it is not as easy to find an

excellent surgeon. Although many physicians elect to

practice cosmetic surgery, they are not all equally

qualified and experienced. If you have decided to

undergo cosmetic surgery, your biggest challenge could

be finding a surgeon you can unreservedly trust.

Beyond the costs, risks and benefits of cosmetic

surgery facelifts remains the fact that even a

facelift will eventually wrinkle. There is no

permanent way to erase the changes brought by age.

Eventually everyone will begin to look older, even those who take the many

risks involved in purchasing and wearing a facelift mask that will last only five or ten years.

The effects of ageing are often the targets for cosmetic surgery. Wrinkles, double chins, and sagging skin can all make you look and feel older. Although a few lines around the eyes may be considered distinguished on a man’s face, turkey necks and hollow eyes won’t add much class to your mature aura. Liposuction under the neck, mini facelifts, and injectables can fill in, what time has taken away. All of the procedures have lasting effects and are subtle enough, so no one at the office is going to whisper behind your back.

A mini facelift and liposuction have a fairly minimal recovery time (between one and two weeks), it may leave few discrete scars, and will give you a refreshed, but not overly youthful appearance. For a mini facelift, the skin around the nasolabial folds and neck is pulled back and tightened. Often liposuction is used in conjunction to remove excess fat cells that collect below the chin. A hollow tube is placed in an incision below the chin. It is moved back and forth, sucking up the fat and leaving a sleeker looking neck. A combination of injectables can also be used to perform a less invasive version of a facelift. Filler is pumped into hollows to plump them up, and it can also erase deep furrows as well as fine lines.

Liposuction is also the answer to a variety of other cosmetic concerns. Help for love handles, pot bellies, and male breast reduction are all commonly sought plastic surgeries. Men may find that exercise and diet alone will not eliminate the fat deposits in stubborn areas. When this is the case, liposuction is often the only alternative. This is especially true as the body ages and becomes more prone to sagging and weight gain. Liposuction can be a permanent solution to banish the unwanted fatty areas.

Another popular procedure among men is Rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, can shave down bumps, straighten crooked bridges, and even add height to noses that appear too feminine on a male face. In order to create a pleasing facial harmony, chin augmentation is often performed at the same time. A receding or small chin can make a big nose appear even larger, and a strong jaw line is often the landmark of a chiseled, masculine face. When performed together, these two plastic surgeries can transform a weak profile into a more sculptured and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Although women may seek out cosmetic procedures more often than men, there is no reason to feel intimidated or alone. New techniques and procedures allow for minimal scarring and quick recoveries. Plus, cosmetic surgeons are sensitive, and all of your information is kept confidential. No one has to know why you look so good.

Medical tourism is thriving in every corner of the world. Plastic surgeons located in high-profile districts such as Los Angeles, New York City, Phuket, Seoul, Sao Paolo and so on, have taken steps to attract more clients. But they do not limit themselves locally. These surgeons think big and envisage a bigger clientele, a global reach, so to speak. And having a website does just that. It allows the business to be in contact with offshore clients who are willing to travel and pay cash for quality, highly innovative and safe cosmetic surgery procedures,    

While it’s true that most city plastic surgeons maintain a website, having one is not enough to compete with other plastic surgeons that are tech-savvy and likewise, in-synch with today’s search engine marketing strategies. You can lose prospective clients and other opportunities by limiting your marketing options and ignoring the powerful tools available in the internet.

In the next 5 years, internet users are projected to reach over 2 billion. Much of the growth will be outside the U.S. Developing countries will have tremendous improvement in the use of internet services and applications. In addition, most of the western European countries as well as Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and other countries in Asia will have penetration scenarios similar to that of the U.S. by 2015. Now, what if you have remained conservative in your marketing approach and settled for offline advertising? Or another scenario could be that you’ve become complacent in your business and did not maximize the available web 2.0 tools.

Since a lot of cosmetic surgery hubs are located in the metro-area, every city plastic surgeon should give search engine marketing a careful thought. Vanity is a huge business and with that in mind, plastic surgeons should take into consideration that stepping up their marketing efforts not only attracts the right kind of clients, it also boosts their visibility to other markets on a global scale. Otherwise, they are losing out on opportunities that could have been theirs in the first place.

During this season  Angelina Cooper, the well known Cosmetic Surgery Consultant  is pleased to provide you with an abundant amount of insight and information on Abdominoplasty cosmetic surgery – including tips, suggestions, prices and recovery. With the following 100 Q&A’s, you will gain an indepth knowledge and thorough grasp of Abdominoplasty in order to decide whether a Tummy Tuck is right for you.

ARTICLE 2 OF A 5 ARTICLES SERIES ABOUT TUMMY TUCK SURGERY.

FAQ’S FROM 20 TO 40

20)                 Is it possible to combine an Abdominoplasty with a Liposuction? 

Yes. For a better final result Abdominoplasty is often combined with fat removal of adjacent areas like the hips or the upper abdominal area. Discuss the possibility of additional liposuction of separate adjacent areas with your surgeon during the consultation.

21)                 Is it advisable to do a Tummy Tuck in combination with other Procedures during the same operation? 

It is common to perform multiple procedures in one operation. But it all depends on each person’s health and body condition. Only your plastic surgeon can determine which combined procedures will be safe. Liposuction of surrounding areas of the abdomen will frequently achieve complementary changes in the patient’s figure. Breast augmentation, breast Lift-uplift surgery and facial surgery (eyelids, rhinoplasty, brow lift, lip enhancement, ear surgery, forehead lift, and neck lift) are also frequently performed at the same time.

22)                 I would like to have a Tummy Tuck or liposuction. How can I determine one or the other? 

The factors which enter into that decision are the amount of fat present, the condition of your skin and the condition of the muscle supporting the abdomen. You should visit with a plastic surgeon in order to determine if liposuction is a good procedure for you or if you need the more extensive surgery like a tummy tuck.

23)                 How safe is a tummy tuck? 

As with any operation, there are some risks, but they are rare. Now a day this type of procedure is very safe.

24)                 Tummy Tuck is the best way to perfect my body shape? 

Tummy Tuck surgery, like other cosmetic plastic surgery, is a means to enhance body shape, but it cannot create a perfect shape. You should have realistic expectations and understand that a Tummy Tuck is not a “quick fix” or a substitute for diet and exercise. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to help you decide which surgical options are best for you. 

25)                 I am looking to get a full tummy tuck, would it be wise to get liposuction at the same time?

Yes, it would be wise. We strongly recommend liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck; this combo can greatly enhance the final results.

26)       How is the Tummy Tuck performed? 

In an effort to achieve the best Tummy Tuck result, several different surgical techniques are available. The most appropriate technique will be selected based on the condition of the patient, the extent of the procedure as well as the patient/surgeon preference. As far as anesthesia, most Tummy Tuck procedures are performed under general anesthesia.

 Full Tummy Tuck: In what many surgeons refer to as a full tummy tuck procedure, a surgical incision is made across the lower abdomen right above the pubic area. Following the creation of this initial incision, a second incision is made around the patient’s belly button as a means of loosening the surrounding skin. Next, the patient’s skin is separated from the wall of abdomen. Following this surgical maneuver, the surgeon pulls the loose abdominal muscles from the left and right flanks and sutures them together. This action results in tighter abdominal muscles, creating a stronger, firmer abdominal wall as well as a smaller waist. 

Directly after the tightening and suturing of the abdominal muscles, excess skin is removed and a new opening is made in the correct position for the belly button. To complete the Abdominoplasty, any remaining incisions are closed with sutures (stitches) and/or staples. Lastly, surgical gauze is placed over the incision area in an effort to keep the abdominal region clean and free from infection.

Partial Tummy Tuck: A second option different from a full tummy tuck, and designed to treat problem areas existing below the belly button, is a partial tummy tuck. This less invasive form of Abdominoplasty is frequently performed on an outpatient basis, and typically requires a local form of anesthetic. Contingent on the patient’s desired outcome, as well as their pre-operative status, the surgeon may recommend that either a partial or full Tummy Tuck be done in conjunction with Liposuction.

27)       How much pain is associated with a Tummy Tuck? 

For the first few days following a Tummy Tuck, expect some degree of swelling in the abdominal region. Furthermore, it is likely that the patient will experience some pain and discomfort which may be controlled by various pain medications. 

In an effort to reduce any pain and discomfort associated with a tummy tuck, it is common that two to three days of bed rest is recommended. During this time, the surgeon may suggest that the patient keep their legs slightly bent at the hips to reduce the amount of strain placed on the abdominal muscles. Furthermore, most surgeons will provide the patient with an “abdominal binder” which serves to offer support to the tightened areas. The surgeon will provide additional instructions for various activities such as showering, changing the surgical dressings and walking. It is frequently recommended that patients walk as soon as possible, even though they may not be able to stand straight up initially. Stitches and sutures are typically removed after seven days following surgery. Deeper sutures with ends that protrude through the skin, those used at deeper levels under the skin, will come out in two to three weeks.

28)       Will I need to combine a liposuction with my tummy tuck? 

As previously stated, liposuction is frequently incorporated into those Tummy Tuck cases where additional fat deposits need to be removed from the hips, resulting in more rejuvenated, dramatic body contour. Occasionally, liposuction alone may offer the best results. The most appropriate treatment options will be discussed during the surgeon-patient consultation.

29)       Do I need a general anesthesia for a tummy tuck? 

For Tummy Tuck procedures general anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist. In Colombia, all anesthesiologists are certified by the Colombian Board of Anesthesiology and have extensive training and certification in advanced cardiac life support. Additionally, Cosmetic Harmony administers a long-acting local anesthesia solution at the end of the operation. This helps to minimize patient discomfort in the hours following the Tummy Tuck and leads to a smooth recovery.

30)       Where will I have my Tummy Tuck procedure? 

While many Tummy Tuck procedures are performed in a hospital setting, some are done in an office surgical suite. The location of where the Tummy Tuck procedure is to be performed will depend on the patient’s preferences, as well as the surgeon’s.

31)       How long does the Tummy Tuck surgery take? 

Tummy Tuck surgery is generally performed within two-to-five hours, depending on the extent of the repair. A partial Abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” should be shorter, generally taking one-to-two hours to complete.

32)       Do I need to stay in the hospital after a Tummy Tuck procedure is done? 

Depending on the extent of the tummy tuck, an overnight stay in a hospital is not very common. In most cases, the patient may return home the same day. These issues are usually discussed and decided by the surgeon and patient during the initial consultation.

33)       What about the recovery process after a Tummy Tuck procedure? 

The pain is minimal and well controlled with the over-the-counter pain medicine readily available, both in hospital and at home. In the case of a Mini-Tummy Tuck, medication is very minimal. Stitches are applied internal and a compression bandage is recommended for 4-to-8 weeks. After surgery, clients have to rest for 24-48 hours and can then get up and walk around (small walks). 

For a short period, the sensation of tension in the abdomen will cause them to have a “bent forward” posture. Also, coughing, sneezing and other activities which require tension on the abdominal muscles may provoke a sense of discomfort and slight pain.

34)       When will I feel right after surgery? 

On the first day after surgery, you will not feel much discomfort. You will be fairly groggy from the anesthetic, however, so your level of discomfort on the first day is less than day two and day three. See further details below about bed rest, etc.

35)       What should I expect after surgery? 

Bed rest for two-to-three days is recommended following Tummy Tuck surgery. While in bed, your legs should be bent up towards the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. You will be provided with a firm abdominal binder to offer support to the tightened areas. Depending on the technique used, you may have to wear a support garment for several weeks. Generally stitches will be removed in stages over one-to-two weeks.

36)       Can I take shower normally? 

Showering after surgery can also be a little bit of a challenge. Showering during the first 3 or 4 days most be done with the help of someone. If this is not possible, a sponge bath is recommended for the first three-to-four days. It is very important that you lay in bed while removing your girdle (compression garment), this will prevent you from the possibility of fainting. Prepare to be absolutely exhausted after the first couple of showers.

37)       What about pain medication after plastic surgery? 

Be diligent about taking your pain medication around the clock, which your surgeon will indicate. Do not wait to feel the pain in order to assess how much medication you will need. It is best to take the pain medication as directed by the doctor for the first three days and then think about tapering off. If you wait to feel the pain, you will have to play catch up with the medications which can lead to high anxiety and the need for more pain medication.

38)       Is there any constipation after plastic surgery? 

Constipation is inevitable with surgery because of anesthesia, pain medications and decreased mobility. Helpful suggestions for dealing with constipation are over the counter medications such as: Colace, Dulcolax Suppositories, and Fleet enemas. Natural remedies like prune and apple juices work as well.

39)       How will I sleep after as Abdominoplasty surgery? 

Sleeping comfortably will be somewhat challenging for the first one-to-three weeks. A foam pillow can help you sleep by keeping you at a specific angle. It can also help in getting you in and out of bed.

40)       Will I wear any special garments after the procedure is complete? 

For a traditional Tummy Tuck, at the end of the surgery, a wide compression dressing is applied, which should not be touched by the client and will, generally speaking, be changed by the surgeon after 4-5 days. On this occasion, less medication will be applied but re-enforced, however, by a support bandage.

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Sometimes the simple things make the biggest difference – even in breast cancer prevention.
Now, recent data reinforces the importance of healthy lifestyle choices in reducing the risk of breast cancer development, explains Edith A. Perez, M.D., medical oncologist and director of the Mayo Center’s Breast Clinic. Moreover, the latest studies reveal that regular exercise and a healthy weight also lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
“We need to concentrate more on lifestyle issues,” Dr. Perez says. “It needs to be part of our day-to-day recommendations for patients.”
Though the chemical explanation for the connection to breast cancer prevention is still somewhat elusive, Dr. Perez notes that changes in insulin resistance and estrogen levels resulting from physical activity and proper caloric intake may affect the relationship.
“We continue looking for new medications to decrease the risk, but this is something we can all do,” she says.
And as studies investigate the effects of newer drugs in advanced stages of breast cancer, it’ll only be a year or two until these drugs can be evaluated in prevention studies, too, Dr. Perez says.

Diving into Detection
While mammograms remain the standard for screening, breast MRIs are playing an evermore important role in the detection process, Dr. Perez says. Actually, she elaborates, patients with at least a 15 to 20 percent increased risk of developing breast cancer should be screened with the breast MRI rather than a clinical evaluation and mammogram. Though particularly beneficial for patients with a strong family history of breast cancer, an identified genetic mutation that exposes them to breast cancer development, and women with dense breasts, Dr. Perez strongly cautions against using the MRI as a screening tool for all patients.
“It’s good to have the option of a sensitive test,” she says, “but we don’t want to go overboard.”
Beyond enhanced screening, the breast MRI is also helpful when working with patients already diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Its pristine visibility helps identify the best surgical procedure and, if a mammogram detects cancer on one breast, the bilateral MRI may also detect a lesion in the other breast; in three percent of patients, Dr. Perez says, the MRI finds cancer in both breasts.
But even with advancements in screening and detection, Shahla Masood, M.D., emphasizes the importance of a second opinion. Dr. Masood, Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology at the University of Florida College of Medicine – Jacksonville, Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Shands Jacksonville, Director of the University of Florida Outreach Library, Editor-in-Chief of The Breast Journal, and President of the World Society of Breast Health, explains that, while a very small number of breast cancers are misdiagnosed, the many look-alikes in breast pathology may lead to under- or over-diagnosis.
“Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a variety of forms and shapes,” she says. “The treatment, the response to therapy … it’s all related to the type of breast cancer.”
Additionally, evolutions in technology, molecularlogy and sub-classifications of breast cancer lead to a better understanding of individual tumors, Dr. Masood explains, which impacts the diagnosis and recommended therapy options.
Tackling the Treatment
It’s not just prevention and detection that have come a long way. Linda Sylvester, M.D., FACP, medical oncologist with Florida Oncology Associates and Co-Founder of the Pink Ribbon Foundation, explains that personalized treatment options are also positively affecting patient outcomes.

“We know that the micro-environments in which cancers live can cross-talk amongst each other,” she says. “We’re learning what turns them on and off.”
While it’s possible to inhibit growth in a single site, Dr. Sylvester explains that cancer cells find other pathways to promote growth, emphasizing the need to personalize care for each patient based on the cancer cells’ mutations in the individual’s pathology specimen.
Moreover, nanoparticles and nanotechnology are proving to effectively kill cancer cells while also reducing neurotoxicity passed to non-cancer cells. Because the nanoparticles are smaller than the cancer cells, Dr. Sylvester says, lipophilic compounds combined with chemotherapy drugs can enter the organs and cells more readily. Moving into the cancer cells, they interfere with the ribosomes and protein formation, enter the nucleus, and interfere with DNA replication.
While Dr. Masood, too, is optimistic about nanotechnology, she adds that chemotherapy treatments are evolving into molecular-targeted therapies that not only kill the cancer but also cause fewer side effects.
“Every one of these advancements is making a difference in the way breast cancer is being viewed these days,” Dr. Masood explains. “It makes a big difference on how well the patient can tolerate it and can get on with her life.”
Personalizing care is key. While breast cancer is treatable in its early stages, Dr. Masood says, it’s critical to take into account the patient’s tumor size, family history and unique needs and characteristics to properly treat the disease. “Breast cancer can be treated aggressively and leave a patient with a significant loss, whereas that same cancer can be treated in a more balanced way to let the patient enjoy life,” she explains. “We need to treat patients right, give them what they deserve. That has to be the focal point in breast cancer care.”
One of the first in the approach to individualize patient care, Dr. Sylvester says, is Oncotype DX testing. Used in Brea patients who have estrogen-positive tumors and lymph node negative disease, Oncotype DX testing compares the molecular arrangement of a patient’s cancer cells in the pathology specimen to 21 known high-risk breast cancer genes, she says. The results then categorize patients into a high-risk, low-risk or intermediate group based on the ratio of the patient’s pathology mutations and the high-risk mutations.
Patients who fall in the high-risk group need chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, while those in the low-risk group can be treated with therapy such as Tamoxifen or an Aromatase Inhibitor. And if results place a patient in the intermediary range, Dr. Sylvester says, she may choose to participate in the TAILOR clinical trial, a national oncology trial that randomizes the intermediate-risk patients to either hormone therapy or chemotherapy plus hormone therapy.
“While not all cancers can be cured,” Dr. Sylvester says, “there is much hope with all the new drugs being developed and the delivery systems of getting these drugs into the cancerous cells. There’s always something new, always more survivors.”

Ready for Reconstruction
Strides in reconstructive surgery are also opening doors for women eager to regain the shape of their breasts after mastectomies or lumpectomies. The latest oncoplastic technique combines oncologic surgery to remove the tumor with reconstructive surgery to preserve the cosmetic outcome, says Laila Samiian, M.D., Assistant Professor, Chief of Breast Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology for the University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville.
During an oncoplastic lumpectomy, Dr. Samiian explains, the surgeon mobilizes surrounding breast tissue to fill in the cavity present after the lump is removed. Oncoplastic surgery, which can also be used during benign biopsies, can match the breasts’ pre-surgery shape and contour. And, sensitive to a woman’s self-image, Dr. Samiian tries to hide surgical scars by creating the incision in the crease below the breast or near the areola. Though still relatively new, Dr. Samiian acknowledges the technique is becoming increasingly popular.

Dr. Samiian is particularly passionate about improving the cosmetic results of breast conservation. “If we’re trying to save the breast, we don’t want it deformed,” she explains. “If it’s going to look worse, then you might as well have a mastectomy.” Without oncoplastic surgery, she adds, women who’ve undergone lumpectomies may experience severe beast deformities within a few years.
She also encourages surgeons to proactively seek education and training on new techniques and skills that offer exemplary medical results and enhance cosmetic outcomes. “We all need to have sensitivity for a woman’s desire for acceptable cosmetic results,” she says. “Patients demand better results, and surgeons who provide that will have better satisfaction from patients.”
Because oncoplastic surgery incorporates plastic surgery into breast cancer operations, it eliminates the need for implants or follow-up reconstructive surgery. When it comes to breast conservation, Dr. Samiian says, patients won’t accept a deformity or a cavity; it’s crucial not only to save the breast, but to also save its shape.
But that’s not the only option for women anxious to keep their breasts after beating cancer.
While not all patients are candidates, skin-sparing mastectomies used with implant reconstruction save as much of the patient’s skin envelope as possible so the plastic surgeon doesn’t have to stretch skin over the implant, Dr. Samiian explains. It’s a complex procedure, as it’s difficult to remove breast tissue from a small incision, but the outcome is much better, she says.
“If the tumor is away from the skin and the nipple,” Dr. Samiian says, “it’s [skin-sparing mastectomy] my number one mastectomy.” Still, she acknowledges that procedures must be carefully selected for each individual.
Another option: subcutaneous mastectomy, also referred to as a nipple-sparing mastectomy. Using an incision below the breast crease or areola, the surgeon saves the skin, nipple and areola by removing tissue from a strategically placed incision.
But skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies aren’t just for women already diagnosed with cancer; they’re also options for patients with an extremely high risk for developing breast cancer, Dr. Samiian says.

What Lies Ahead
There’s still so much more on the horizon. On the diagnostic side, Dr. Perez explains that, while mobile PET scans are already used in evaluation studies, clinical studies are now investigating their use in general screening.

And in terms of treatment, Dr. Samiian shares that partial breast radiation is under investigation, and the medical community should know more about its safety and ethicality in the next few years.
Like Dr. Samiian, Dr. Masood, too, is empathetic to the effect breast cancer and mastectomies have on a woman’s self-esteem and identity, and she remains passionate about preserving the breasts’ appearance while killing the cancer. Thus, she’s hopeful that long-term studies in Europe and the United States will continue illustrating that treating small tumors with conservation therapy matches the outcome of treating them with mastectomies.

“It’s a fundamental right for women to save their breasts, enjoy their breasts,” she says. “They don’t have to give up their breasts to breast cancer.” Conservation therapy is bringing new light to the way women should be treated, and, in the future, Dr. Masood says, mastectomies may no longer be used to treat small tumors.

And as a strong patient advocate and global leader in the breast cancer arena, Dr. Masood also emphasizes the critical need for more breast care centers throughout the world, to engage the medical community in a multidisciplinary approach to treat breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is still a disease – there’s no cause, no cure – and it will remain a public health threat to women across the globe,” Dr. Masood says. But through education, advocacy, multidisciplinary care centers and technological advancements, women have so much reason to remain hopeful.

Few women are completely satisfied with such a breasts. Some are not happy with the size and others crap want a fuller or larger number of shapely contour. The medical field has arrive to the aid of many women by providing breast enhancements via surgery. The problem is that surgery has a lot of drawbacks and potential risks. To begin, surgery is surgery whether it is for cosmetic reasons or not.

The point is that dangers do exist anytime surgery is performed. Although surgeons make every effort to minimize them all surgical procedures have possible risks and complications. Additionally, although the woman and doctor discuss exactly what final result is desired there cannot be any real guarantees that the outcome will be satisfactory. Sometimes surgeries simply do not turn out as planned. I Want Bigger Breast Without Surgery

Another major drawback to having a surgical procedure to enhance your breasts is the cost involved. Because the surgery is cosmetic and therefore considered elective it will not be covered by insurance. As you can imagine, this will be a huge out of pocket expense. And then you will have to deal with the recovery. To be honest some women are up and about within a day or two but others take weeks to fully recover. After all, surgery is surgery! Now after all the talk about surgery you are probably ready to hear about a method that is less painful, less risky, and a lot less expensive.

Fortunately those options are also available. Believe it or not there are now creams and pills available that are guaranteed to produce breast enhancement. These products are made from all natural ingredients so you know they are safe. If you are skeptical and I do not blame you if you are, anybody that is contemplating spending money should be, I suggest that you do your own research. Try a Google search about the effectiveness of breast enhancement pills and creams. I think you will be surprised at the testimonials and accolades given for these products. Before you subject yourself to surgery consider the natural alternatives. You will be safer, you will save money, and the end result will be bigger, more beautiful breasts. What more could you ask for! Start taking actions and work towards your dream figure! Download your I Want Bigger Breast Without Surgery ebook now!

Data released for 2006 from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveal the popularity of plastic surgery. According to ASPS surveys, close to 11 million plastic surgery procedures were done in 2006. This is a 7 percent rise over 2005.

The findings of the ASPS indicate the top five plastic surgery procedures for 2006 were:

Breast augmentation (329,000)
Rhinoplasty (307,000)
Liposuction (303,000)
Eyelid surgery (233,000)
Tummy tuck (146,000)

It is interesting to consider the reasons behind the growing popularity of plastic surgery. A December 2006 article in USA Today examined plastic surgery among baby boomers. This famously large demographic is approaching retirement age, which inevitably includes some wrinkles and sagging. Some baby boomers are choosing to spend their money on cosmetic procedures. USA Today reported that many baby boomers adhere to active and fit lifestyles, and, for some of them, this includes seeking to maintain youthful appearance. It is about wanting to look as young and vigorous as they feel.

Because there are so many baby boomers, their growing interest in plastic surgery is one element driving the rise in visits to plastic surgeons. The generation that once dominated the youth culture still wants to look young. And when they have areas of unwanted fat, they are willing to go for Los Angeles liposuction.

Aside from the aging population, there is another factor behind the popularity of plastic surgery. It lies simply in the growing availability of plastic surgery and awareness of the cosmetic benefits that a plastic surgeon can deliver. A ripple effect occurs throughout the population as people undergo plastic surgery. As more people have plastic surgery, they expose their friends and relatives to plastic surgery and its possibilities. It is not a rare sentiment for a woman to want a “mommy makeover” whether she gets one or not. But for those women who think about it, plastic surgery is much more attainable now because there are many qualified plastic surgeons practicing throughout the country. It is a leading specialty pursued by medical doctors in fact.

Although plastic surgery is available and popular, it does not mean that changing something about your appearance will solve your problems in life. Certainly there is some truth in the adage that if you look good you will feel good, but looking good does not mean that life will be good. If you decide to consult with a plastic surgeon about a feature of your body with which you are no longer happy, be prepared to discuss your motivations for plastic surgery in a candid manner. An ethical and well-trained plastic surgeon will thoroughly assess each candidate’s reasons for surgery to make sure that his or her decision is based on a well-grounded and healthy outlook.

With the level of skill available among plastic surgeons currently available and the awareness the public has of plastic surgery, there is no reason to believe that the popularity of plastic surgery will diminish. A relationship with a plastic surgeon is frequently the beginning of a person’s renewed excitement about his or her physical appearance.