kate gosselin hot: Breast Augmentation

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Breast Implants and Cancer- Understanding the FDA's Most Recent Paper

I suspect that over the next few days, we will all be bombarded with news stories about the FDA's recent paper describing a "link" between breast implants and ALCL- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.

I want to help educate you about this issue and give the healthy perspective that media outlets hungry for ratings/readers/listeners may not.

While the FDA does seem to believe that there is an ALCL-like phenomenon VERY RARELY associated with implants, it is, as of yet unclear whether this phenomenon truly represents ALCL, or a separate phenomenon.

Over the past 25 years well over 10 million implants have been placed, with only approximately 34 cases of this phenomenon being described worldwide over that time period.

In each case, the problem was successfully treated (cured) by removal of the implants, or through accepted treatment protocols for ALCL.

It is also noteworthy that the FDA did not alter their position that breast implants are safe and should remain available to patients- in point of fact, they reaffirmed their position that based on all available research and experience they indeed are safe and effective.

So the bottom line appears to be this- breast implants are safe and effective, but in very rare cases, a problem that we need to investigate further and do more research on can occur. This very rare problem does not appear to be life threatening and is easily treated- but quite simply more research is needed.

The FDA and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons have partnered to do the necessary research by carefully following our implant patients over time.

If you have more questions, call us or contact a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your community.

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Surgery Under Local Anesthesia – The Safety Myth

When considering elective plastic surgery, most patients spend a great deal of time researching their surgical procedure. A slightly smaller percentage of patients will also carefully research their plastic surgeon. But an unfortunately small number of patients actually look into the two other variables that will determine the safety and success of any elective procedure- the anesthesia provider/technique, and the facility in which the procedure will be performed.

Quite often, because patients are nervous about having surgery under general anesthesia, they seek other options they believe will be safe and less intimidating. One procedure that might pique the interest of many is known as the “Awake” breast augmentation.

Right now, there are more than 100 doctors nationwide busy doing breast augmentations only under local anesthesia. These advocates believe that having the patient awake during the procedure will allow for a more satisfactory outcome because the surgeon can communicate with the patient during surgery and receive feedback from the patient regarding the desired breast size.

Because the surgery is done while “awake”, patients falsely believe that it must be safer than undergoing general anesthesia- Unfortunately, this couldn’t be more wrong.

The truth is that the majority of “providers” performing cosmetic surgery under local anesthesia (and telling their patients that it is “safer” than general anesthesia) are doing so because they simply are not able to offer other options legally.

In order to perform surgery under sedation or general anesthesia in most states, you must have a licensed anesthesia provider and be performing the surgery in an accredited facility. In order to satisfy the requirements of most state medical boards, surgery centers, and reputable anesthesia providers, you must also be able to prove that you have privileges to perform the same procedure in a hospital and that you have completed residency training in the procedure in question.

If you do not have, and cannot get, the credentials necessary to perform cosmetic surgery in an accredited facility under a safe level of anesthesia, but you (and your accountant) really want to do breast augmentation (or liposuction), your only chance is to offer to do the surgery in your office under local anesthesia. But you need to convince your patients that it is safer to do so…

Lawrence S. Reed, president of the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, is concerned that some doctors are using local anesthesia to get around having to be an accredited facility.

If your surgeon were a board certified plastic surgeon wouldn’t they want everyone to know that they were operating in an accredited surgical suite and not a makeshift operating room that also doubles as the office lunch room?

Overmedicating is also a great safety concern when doing major surgeries under local. Indeed, multiple women across the country have lost their lives over the past few years after experiencing local anesthesia toxicity- a problem for which there is no cure, and which occurs only many hours after the patient has left the doctor’s office.

Breast Augmentations are not the only surgery offered as “awake” procedures. Tummy tucks and liposuction are also being performed- and reported to be just as safe as when under the care of a licensed anesthesia provider- when in fact the opposite is most likely true.

At the end of the day, your goal should be to have a procedure that would make you look and feel better, but not at the expense of your safety. Choose only surgeons Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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Thursday, August 12, 2010

Breast Augmentation Surgery: Cost vs. Quality

Before you shop around for the best deal in town on breast surgery, there are a few important things to consider... Take a look at our interview with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon- Dr. Armando Soto as he discusses the cost versus quality of surgery and the most important things you should know before going under the knife!

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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Positive Experience...

Working here at Aesthetic Enhancements and having the opportunity to witness Dr. Soto and our staff change women’s lives on a daily basis is a gift I appreciate greatly!

Take a peek at the letter we received from a patient just yesterday, who raves about her surgical experience here with us!

“I am absolutely thrilled with the beautiful breast enhancement that Dr. Soto did for me! What stands out most to me is how completely natural my breasts look, with a tapering, downward contour just like natural breasts. Not at all like those round, ball-shaped breasts that you can immediately spot on so many women who have had breast enhancement surgery. My breasts feel soft and quite natural as well.

Dr. Soto is as warm and genuine as he is a highly skillful surgeon. I was not only impressed with him, but I was also impressed with his entire staff. From his friendly and accommodating Receptionists, to his personable and helpful Account Manager and professional and informative Nurses. Even his Anesthesiologist telephoned me the day before my surgery to ensure that I prep correctly for my surgery.

In addition, Dr. Soto’s office is clean and inviting. I would recommend Dr. Soto in a heartbeat to anyone considering plastic surgery. Many thanks to you Dr. Soto ~ I will enjoy my revived bust line for many years to come!”

L.S., Orlando

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