The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 has made is possible for many women to gain access to affordable or fully-covered reconstruction following mastectomy. But a lack of communication between doctors and patients has caused some women to unknowingly forgo immediate breast reconstruction.

Many women are simply unaware that most insurance companies, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover the cost of reconstruction because their doctors fail to mention it.

According to a 2009 poll published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 70 percent of women with breast cancer who are eligible for breast-reconstructive surgery are not informed by their physician that the option exists.

To gap the bridge in communication, New York and Texas have recently passed laws that require hospitals and physicians to discuss reconstruction options with their patients before undergoing breast cancer surgery.

While these laws have the right intentions, many physicians feel they may create even more issues for hospital staff.

According to Dr. John C. Oeltjen, a Miami plastic surgeon, mandating a law in all states “”would create uniformity among hospitals as far as disclosure of patient options goes,” but he argues it “would not solve all the logistical problems of coordinating consultations and then surgeries between … doctors.”

The issue is not an easy one to solve, but it’s clear that women are missing out on important health-related information. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and breast reconstruction surgery is a key component to emotional and physical recovery.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Mentor Worldwide LLC, a leading saline and silicone breast implants manufacturer, has launched a new educational campaign for women featuring actress and model, Brooke Burke-Charvet as their new spokesperson.

“If cosmetic surgery is something you’re considering it’s important to make an informed, healthy decision. In truth, I think the decision-making process is as important as the procedure itself,” said Burke-Charvet.

How the New You Visualizer can work for you

The New You Visualizer, which was developed by Mentor, can be found at LoveYourLook.com. The website allows you to securely upload a photo of yourself and make modifications based on implant size, shape and position. You’re also able to design customized before and after plastic surgery images that you can print or save online for later.

“Women are bombarded with information about breast augmentation, but don’t get the answer they really want, specifically ‘How will I look afterward?’. I love that the New You Visualizer empowers women to inform themselves,” Burke-Charvet said.

Mentor recommends bringing these simulated images with you to your first plastic surgery consultation. This will help eliminate some of the ambiguity that can arise when discussing your cosmetic goals and expectations

“Our goal with this campaign is to enable a better conversation between a woman and her doctor so she can achieve the best results possible,” said David Wilson, Worldwide President, Mentor Worldwide LLC.

Set-up a consultation for breast augmentation

Once you’ve done at-home research on breast augmentation surgery, the next step is to set-up a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Gill is a leading plastic surgeon in The Woodlands with years of experience performing breast augmentation. Contact our office to schedule your consultation today.

Source: PR Newswire

Regular mammograms are the most effective way to detect instances of breast cancer in women. You should never have to sacrifice your health for beauty, which means women may need to take additional steps when seeking out regular mammograms after breast augmentation.

Mammograms must be performed in a special way for women after breast augmentation in order to see the breast tissue effectively. If performed incorrectly, it is possible for mammogram screenings to provide inaccurate results for these women. Factors such as implant placement, type of mammogram technique utilized and technician training and expertise can all affect the results of the mammogram.

According to ImplantInfo.com, women who have undergone breast augmentation should take certain precautions when seeking out mammograms. If you have breast implants, you can assure more accurate breast cancer screenings by following the steps below:

• Ask your plastic surgeon if he or she can give you a referral for your mammogram
• Verify that the staff is properly trained and certified to give mammograms
• Explain to the staff, prior to your appointment, that you have had breast augmentation
• If possible, request to work with a technician that has experience with breast implants
• Remind your technician that you have breast implants prior to your mammogram

In addition to regular mammograms, women with breast augmentation should follow the same breast care guidelines as women who do not have implants. Monthly self-examinations should be implemented, and mammograms should be performed at the recommended intervals – initiating at age 35 and then continuing annually after age 40.

In an effort to raise awareness, Vancouver, Wash., plans to launch a day dedicated specifically to breast reconstruction advocacy according to Mayor Tim Leavitt. The event, deemed Breast Reconstruction Advocacy Victory Event (BRAVE) Day, is the first of its kind, but many, including American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) member Allen Gabriel, MD, hope that it will catch on in cities across the country.

“We would like all ASPS members to wear pink on March 21 to help us celebrate BRAVE Day,” he says. “Our goal is to bring attention to the advocacy efforts that are needed to counteract the lack of meaningful legislation targeting breast reconstruction rights.”

To show their support, Alaska Airlines employees will wear pink BRAVE Day bracelets all day on March 21st. Alaska Airlines also plans to display banners at hubs across the U.S. to bring national attention to this important event.

A nationwide event for Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) is also being launched by the ASPS. The observance is planned for October 17th, during Breast Cancer Awareness month. Events organized by the ASPS will be launched across the U.S., Canada and 20 other countries.

You can learn more about local and national breast reconstruction awareness events by visiting myreconstructionrights.org.

Unfortunately, many people are completely unaware of their condition. Unresolved teeth grinding, otherwise known as nocturnal bruxism, can lead to a myriad of health problems. Teeth or jaw damage, along with headaches and chronic pain are all associated with teeth grinding.

Most current treatment recommendations revolve around behavioural changes such as exercising, diet modifications and stress counselling. Additionally, a custom made mouth guard can be worn during sleep to protect the teeth.

Research shows Botox injections may treat nocturnal bruxism

Experts are currently researching new methods of treatment, and according to a pair of new studies, Botox injections may serve as an effective solution. Botox – a common cosmetic treatment for facial wrinkles – works by blocking signals from the nerves that stimulate muscle contractions.

The first study examined 23 men and women suffering from nocturnal bruxism. Participants were randomly assigned to receive Botox or placebo injections over the course of four weeks.

The results showed a significant improvement in night time grinding for those who received Botox injections. It is important to note that those who received Botox also experienced a slight change in the appearance of their smile.

In the second study, men and women suffering from severe bruxism following a severe head injury were treated with Botox. The results of this study showed significant improvement without noticeable side effects.

More Research is needed to confirm results

Most experts agree that Botox injections may be a promising new treatment alternative. However, more research is needed to confirm its overall effectiveness.

If you’re interested in Botox injections, it’s essential that you speak with a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist to ensure safe, reliable results.

Sources: WebMD and ASAPS

Of the 13.5 million procedures performed in 2011, over 12 million were considered minimally invasive, up 5 percent from the previous year. Minimally invasive procedures are up 123% from the year 2000. The top five minimally-invasive procedures in 2011 were:

• Botulinum Toxin Type A (5.6 million)
• Soft Tissue Fillers (1.8 million)
• Chemical Peel (1.1 million)
• Laser Hair Removal (1 million)
• Microdermabrasion (900,439)

Cosmetic surgical procedures also saw an increase in 2011. Surgical procedures were up 2 percent from the previous year. However, surgical procedures in general, were down 17 percent since the year 2000. The top five surgical procedures in 2011 were:

• Breast Augmentation (307,180)
• Rhinoplasty (243,772)
• Liposuction (204,702)
• Eyelid surgery (196,286)
• Facelift (119,026)

Some other notable trends included chin augmentation, which saw a 71 percent increase from 2010. Cheek implants, pectoral implants and buttock implants also saw significant increases this past year, each climbing over 40 percent from 2010.

The most notable decrease in minimally invasive procedures were collagen fillers, which saw more than a 50% decrease in popularity from 2010 to 2011. As for surgical procedures, lower body lifts saw the most significant decrease, down 21 percent from 2010.

The numbers appear to speak for themselves. Cosmetic plastic surgery is more popular than ever, despite a precarious economic climate, with minimally invasive procedures leading the pack.

Like a mommy makeover, a daddy do-over is a combination of cosmetic procedures performed in a single surgery. A daddy do-over usually combines a male tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with male breast reduction. Both procedures trim excess skin and fat that cannot be eliminated through regular diet and exercise. The end result – tighter abs and more contoured chest muscles.

Cosmetic Surgery Options for Men

Though the field of cosmetic surgery is still largely dominated by female patients, plastic surgeons have reported a steady increase in male procedures over the past several years. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 9% of all surgical procedures in 2011 were elected by male patients – a 121% increase since 1997.

The same taboos that existed 10 years ago no longer plague male patients and the desire to look youthful and fit is just as important for men. In addition to male tummy tucks and breast reduction some of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures for men include liposuction, rhinoplasty (nose surgery), eyelid surgery and facelifts.

Dads who are considering cosmetic surgery should always seek out the consultation of a board certified plastic surgeon. Learn more about tummy tucks, male breast reduction and other popular daddy do-over procedures in The Woodlands.

Sources: Market Watch and LA Times

BMI – The Current Standard

There are many health risks associated with being overweight and BMI has traditionally been used as a health screening tool. Using a simple conversion formula, BMI can evaluate your health based on your current height and weight.

While BMI is a quick and easy way to evaluate health risks based on weight, BMI does not take age, gender or muscle mass into account – making it an ineffective screening tool for a certain patients. BMI also does not take into account the distribution of fat around the body.

Excess abdominal fat in particular, can adversely affect the heart, liver and kidneys, leading some researchers to believe that waist-to-height ration is a better health screening tool than BMI.

Research Points to Waist-to-Height Ratio

After analyzing the health of 300,000 patients, study leader, Dr. Margaret Ashwell, found waist-to-height ratio to be a better indicator of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, in comparison to BMI.

“Keeping your waist circumference to less than half your height can help increase life expectancy for every person in the world,” said Ashwell, as reported in the Telegraph.

According to the World Health Organization, in order to gain an accurate waist measurement, you should measure half way between the lower rib and the iliac crest (the top of the pelvic bone).

Reducing Your Waist-to-Height Ratio

For most people, a healthy diet and exercise program can significantly reduce waist circumference. However, in some cases stubborn fat deposits cannot be removed through normal means.

Many patients elect liposuction or tummy tuck procedures to eliminate unwanted abdominal fat. It is important to note that liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are not recommended for significantly overweight patients.

Learn more about liposuction and tummy tuck procedures in The Woodlands.

Sources: WebMD, Medical News Today

Survey results

According to the survey, nearly 74 percent of respondents were unaware that skin cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in the U.S. Another 53 percent were unsure of how to examine their body for early signs of skin cancer. While 30 percent of respondents were unsure or did not know if skin cancer could be treated easily, if caught early.

SPOT Skin Cancer

In order to shine a public spotlight on the issue, the American Academy of Dermatology has initiated a new SPOT Skin Cancer public awareness program.

“Unlike other types of cancer that can’t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it,” said board-certified dermatologist Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president, American Academy of Dermatology. “The goal of SPOT Skin Cancer™ is to help save lives by educating the public on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to examine their skin for suspicious spots.”

Recognizing Skin Cancer

Warning signs of skin cancer can often be detected using the A-B-C-D-E method. If you notice any of the following irregularities, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your physician:

• Asymmetrical differences
• Border irregularities
• Color changes
• Diameter changes
• Evolution in size, shape or color

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer, contact a plastic surgeon to learn more about treatment options. Find out more about skin cancer surgery in The Woodlands.

Mary M. Mitchell, who has written several books on etiquette, recently wrote a Reuters story about what she views as proper etiquette regarding plastic surgery. If you know someone who is considering or has recently undergone plastic surgery, an appropriate reaction will make the situation more comfortable for everyone. Here are some suggestions from Mitchell:

1. Remain Neutral
   If a coworker, friend or family member confesses to you that he or she is considering plastic surgery, resist trying to talk the person out of it. Plastic surgery is a very personal decision. It’s right for some and wrong for others. Either way, it’s important that you remain neutral and respect his or her final choice.
2. Don’t Say a Word
   Though you may be tempted to ask, it’s simply bad manners to bring up a person’s recent cosmetic procedure. Unless he or she brings it up first, you have no business talking about it. If you feel compelled to comment, offering up a vague compliment like: “You look so great lately,” may open up the conversation door about the topic.
3. Avoid Judgment
   If someone tells you about a recent plastic surgery procedure, remain diplomatic. Ask the person how he or she feels about the final results, but don’t offer up an opinion on them. The best way to respond to someone’s omission of dissatisfaction with a physical flaw is to say something like: “I see what you mean, but only after you pointed it out.”

Are you considering plastic surgery near The Woodlands? Contact Gill Plastic Surgery.