Giuliana Rancic’s Personal Battle with Breast Cancer

Giuliana Rancic, host of “E News”, was recently interviewed on several TV shows where she publicly shared her personal battle with breast cancer.  Ms. Rancic was only 37 when her breast cancer was incidentally diagnosed when she was undergoing fertility treatments.

She first chose to undergo lumpectomy surgery on the affected breast, which  proved to be unsuccessful in removing all the cancerous cells.  Subsequently, she decided to have bilateral mastectomy surgery with immediate bilateral prosthetic breast reconstruction.  By undergoing immediate breast reconstruction,  the plastic surgeon is able to recreate the shape breast tissue through several surgical techniques, whether it be prosthetic reconstruction with tissue expander/implant or autogenous reconstruction which uses one’s own tissue.

It has been well documented that women who choose to undergo reconstruction after mastectomy surgery often times have a more positive attitude and anticipate a feeling of looking “whole” after their recovery.

In 1998 the Women’s Health and Cancer Right’s Act was passed. It states that insurance will cover reconstruction surgery in connected with mastectomy.  It further provides coverge–

. reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed

.reconstructive surgery on unaffected breast to produce a symmetrical appearance

.coverage for prostheses and physical complications of all stages of mastectomy, including lymphedema treatment

We have treated many women just like Ms. Rancic in our practice.  Click here to read patient #1 interview, click here to read patient #2 interview

Med Spa Boom

The number of medical spas have grown exponentially over the past few years.  In Massachusetts alone there are over 250 medical spas, from upscale  salons to medical practice based spas staffed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists.

At the present time these spas are not required to be licensed and are not regulated by the state if they are owned by, or affilated with a physician even thought the physician is not required to be present at the spa.

Over the past five years the  FDA received 930 reports of dermal filler injury administer by untrained personnel or in settings other that health clinics or physician’s offices.  These injuries ranged from facial palsy, infections, and scarring.

Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a well know dermatologist served on the task force to regulate medical spas.  He proposed cosmetic treatments only be performed by physicians or those employed by the medical practice.  He made reference to patients referred to his practice by their own doctor with brown spots to be lasered; under his trained eye these spots were in fact skin cancers.  If these patients had gone to a med spa, their spots might have been lasered and their skin cancers gone undetected.

Unfortuately, legislation to more tightly regulate medical spas was stalled in the State House last summer.

Click here to read the full article that recently appeared in the Boston Globe.

Botox Cosmetics/Frequently Asked Questions

What does Botox® do?

Botox® is a simple, non-surgical procedure that may help to smooth minor imperfections in facial skin, such as frown lines, wrinkle and creases that develop through the normal aging process.

Is that procedure painful?

The doctor will administer several tiny injections to the area being treated.  No anesthesia is needed.  Discomfort is minimal and brief.

Who is a good candidate?

Any male or female over the age of 18 who is concerned about their appearance may be a candidate for Botox® injections.

Will I look worse if I stop having treatments?

No.  Your lines will gradually revert to their pre-treatment appearance.

How long do the results last?

The effects may last up to 4 months.  It is recommended that you have repeat injections every 3-4 months to maintain your result.  Recent studies have shown, if you follow the recommended treatment schedule for 20 months, the interval between treatments  could be extended to 6 months with no difference in results.

click here to view before and after photos

Celebrate the 10th year of the Brilliant Distinction Program

If you are not yet a member of Allergan’s Brilliant Distinction Program, it might be the time to join!

To celebrate the 10th year of the rebate program, for a limited time from 2/1/12 thu 4/30/12, members can save up to $200 on their next three Botox® cosmetic treatments.

For more information call 781-341-8000 ext. 103

Considering Low-Cost Cosmetic Surgery, Then Consider This:

A recent article in USA Today highlights the much advertised clinics that feature low-cost cosmetic surgery.  These centers focus on speedy, inexpensive surgical procedures rather than patient safety.  These centers often times utilize high pressure sales personnel for consultations and diagnosis.  These low-cost medical centers perform in-office treatments as an alternative to an accredited surgical facility with full anesthesia.  Often times there is inadequate patient screening and follow-up treatment falling well below industry standards.  The main goal of these centers is low cost surgery with extremely high patient volume.

As USA Today stated in their article, ” They’ve created these kind of fast food courts where people go in, pick from a menu of what they want done and the physician who meets with them is not necessarily the doctor who operates on them and he’s not the one who follows up with them.  This is  a recipe for disaster.”

Making a decision to undergo plastic surgery is not something to be taken lightly.  It is important you find a surgeon you trust and feel entirely comfortable with.  In addition, it is important to research the physician’s credentials.  Experience and board certification is an important must when choosing your doctor.  You can be assured that the same ASPS board certified plastic surgeon you see in your consultation, will be the same surgeon performing you surgery.  This surgery will be performed in an accredited surgical facility with board certified anesthesiologists.

Click here to read more.

Do non-surgical skin tightening devices really work?

There are a number of non-surgical skin tightening devices on the market today.  These devices are advertised as a quick, non-surgical fix for skin laxity(loose skin).  At the present time there is  very little scientific validation to substantiate these claims.  These devices use radiofrequency, focused ultrasound and laser energy.

The emergence of these non-surgical devices stems from the public’s desire for less invasive procedures with little or no downtime.  However, patients who desire tighter skin without surgery maybe disappointed with the results.  These non-surgical methods may  tend to be subtle if evident at all compared to more traditional surgical procedures.

Many plastic surgeons remain skeptical; however in the properly screened younger patient with  slight laxity of the skin and who are not seeking a dramatic result, there may be some benefit.

Click here to read more.

Animation Video /Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

The New York Times recently posted an informative video highlighting  several common facial  cosmetic procedures.  Visit our website to learn more about these procedures.

Click here to view this video.