Approximately 5 to 10 million women worldwide have breast implants. Silicone breast implants are also the most studied device by the FDA with years of clinical research and long-term follow up that continues to be done. Based on those studies, there are constant improvements made to the implant options available. Currently, 7th and 8th generation silicone implants are being developed. In recent news, attention has been brought to a rare type of lymphoma that has been linked to breast implants. BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) has been a topic of concern for patients, physicians, and implant companies. Being committed to your care, we feel it is important that we provide our patients with this information. The seriousness of the existing cases, including nine…
Navigating sexual intimacy after breast reconstruction Dr. Ong writes about one of the struggles affecting women after breast cancer in Breast Reconstruction: A patients guide to understanding her treatment options, a supplement to Plastic Surgery News published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) during breast cancer awareness month. Are you struggling with intimacy after breast reconstruction? You are not alone! Many women share intimacy challenges after cancer treatment. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that 70 percent of the 994 cancer-treated patients who were sexually active at the time of diagnosis reported that they were still experiencing sexual difficulties two years after cancer treatment ended. (“Sexual Function After Breast Cancer, “2011) Unfortunately this topic of sexuality and intimacy may be one…
For women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, your oncologist may prescribe an aromatase inhibitor as part of your cancer treatment. These medications are most often prescribed to postmenopausal women after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Aromatase inhibitors stop the production of estrogen by blocking the adrenal enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase turns the hormone androgen into estrogen in women. This lessens the available estrogen in the body to stimulate the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells. As with most medications, there are some side effects associated. It is important to discuss and understand all the possible side effects with your doctor before starting. One of the side effects is that it can decrease bone density over time causing women to…
A cancer diagnosis is something you can never prepare for. Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity through this unfortunate circumstance, meet and care for some amazing people. I have always wondered how women successfully deal with this devastating diagnosis. I reached out to my patients to get some answers. Here is great advice from a wonderful lady, Ginny, who has become a friend of the Ong Institute for Plastic Surgery and Health. With Love From Ginny ”I hope that my comments below can touch the life of one of your patients. I am forever grateful that you have inspired me to move forward with my life.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help I’ve always felt that I was someone who could get…
When you are fighting cancer, the treatments that your doctor may prescribe can be tough on your body Chemotherapy works to destroy cells that divide rapidly. As they are killing cancer cells, they are often destroying healthy cells too. This damage to healthy cells can lead to side effects such as infection, nausea, and fatigue.Side effects can vary in intensity depending on the type of chemotherapy drug. Fatigue is the most common side effect that people fighting cancer experience. It is important to keep your doctors in the know. It is a good idea to keep a journal of what you are experiencing so your doctor can offer help and guidance. Some things to jot down to discuss with your doctor would be: the date of…
Understandably, a woman’s mind may experience tailspin when she hears the words “breast cancer” uttered in her direction. Within the swarm of thoughts may be concern that mastectomy and breast reconstruction will be necessary. The first objective of care is to remove all indications of cancer. After recovery from the initial procedure, a woman is better able to ascertain her choices in restoring the desired shape to her breasts. There are numerous techniques to facilitate breast reconstruction after mastectomy. No single procedure is right in every situation. This is why it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with the nuances of reconstructive surgery. Here, we will discuss the value of pre-pectoral breast reconstruction. Where Convention May Fall Short A…
