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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Click here to view this video.

When exercise and diet fails to tighten your loose skin or get rid of those localized fat deposits, tighten  muscle laxity  over your tummy area, it might be just be the time to consider body contouring  surgery such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or liposuction.

Abdominoplasty surgery is designed to correct protruding or loose skin and tighten loose muscles in the abdominal area.  The excess fat and skin is removed and the underlying muscles are also tightened.  You should be aware that abdominoplasty surgery is not  an alternative for weight loss and exercise.  You should be close to your ideal body  weight and in good health before considering any type of cosmetic surgical procedure.

Read more click on this link.

As with any surgery, if you’re considering breast work, it’s important to discuss with your ASPS board-certified plastic surgeon your desire to breast feed in the future.  This information may affect your choice of incision and implant placement.

Breast feeding after breast augmentation (enhancement) surgery is in most cases possible.  The most common type of implants used today for breast augmentation are either saline or silicone gel implants.  Neither of these implants will hinder your ability to breast feed.  That being said, there is no guarantee that any woman will be able to breast feed, regardless of whether she has had breast enhancement surgery or not.

A recent statement by the ASPS quotes Dr. Cruz as saying, “It makes sense that breast augmentation patients would be concerned about the effect breast feeding could have on the appearance of their breast.  After all, these women have invested both time and money into them.  However, available evidence tells us that although breasts sag more with each pregnancy, breast feeding doesn’t seem to worsen these effects in women, with or without breast implants.”

As with most surgeries,  the recovery period is as important as the surgery itself.  How you recover in a large part may determine your final results.  Below are a few things you should be aware of.

1.  You will be given pain medications following surgery to help with post-operative discomfort.

2.  You should rest and relax immediately after surgery and take it easy for the next several days.  However, strict bed rest is frowned upon,  you should move around to prevent any blood clots forming in your legs.

3.  Swelling after surgery is common and may last for several weeks as the implants settle into a more natural position in the breast.

4.  You should reframe from strenous physical excercise for 3-4 weeks following breast augmentation surgery.  You physician will advise you when you may resume excercising.

5.  Remember,  if you have any questions or concerns following your surgery do not hesitate to call your doctor.