What is the Best Method For Breast Reconstruction?

The unique circumstances of each patient help to determine the best option for the method of reconstruction that can be used. The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts of a patient’s desired size. The nipple and areola (the pigmented area surrounding the nipple) are also reconstructed. It is ideal to consult with a plastic surgeon prior to mastectomy. This allows the plastic surgeon to plan the treatment that is best suited for the patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later date.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction is performed at the time of mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction has the advantage of usually saving the patient at least one subsequent operation, and has been shown to have a significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast. All of the reconstruction options listed below can be performed at the time of mastectomy.

Delayed breast reconstruction is done at a later time. For some women, this may be advised, especially if radiation to the chest area is needed after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for these women because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

Breast Reconstruction Options

The circumstances of individual patient can help to decide what is the best method of breast reconstruction that can be used. The goals of breast reconstruction surgery are to re-create a breast which matches the opposite breast, or in bilateral cases, to reconstruct two breasts to the patients’s desired size. During Breast reconstruction surgery. the nipple and areola are also reconstructed. It is recommended that one consult with a plastic surgeon prior to a mastectomy procedure. This allows the Surgeon and his team to plan a treatment that is best suited for each patient, even if the patient decides to wait to have reconstructive surgery at a later time.

Immediate breast reconstruction occurs when reconstruction of the beast is done at the same time as a mastectomy. The immediate reconstruction method has the advantage of usually saving the patient from undergoing at least one subsequent operation, and this has been proven to provide significant psychological benefit, as the patient never has to experience the total loss of a breast.

Delayed breast reconstruction is a beast reconstruction surgery performed at a later date. The Surgeon may recommend this method for some women, especially if radiation to the chest area is required after the mastectomy. Delayed reconstruction is appropriate for some because radiation therapy following breast reconstruction can increase complications after reconstructive surgery.

Fertility Research Today, Tomorrow and Beyond

The science of reproductive medicine is constantly evolving. Many of the advances made in the field in recent years would have been considered impossible even half a decade ago. This progress is due in large part to the mapping of the human genome, which has and will continue to have, an incalculable impact on science and medicine. With emerging technologies, molecular analysis and diagnosis is now possible, affording us a clearer understanding of the genetics of the egg and the embryo, as well as the genetic cause of disease. By translating this data into innovative testing and treatments, we are now able to solve problems in the laboratory. Personalized medicine is fueling a significant new paradigm shift in reproductive science.

Understanding the conditions necessary for optimal embryogenic processes in the laboratory is a main focus of our research. Customization of the culture environment has a profound effect on the viability of eggs and embryos, which in turn, increases the success of IVF practice. And because genetic health is determined at the embryonic stage, this work has an inestimable impact on the health of children born through the use of assisted reproductive technology.

Breast Reconstruction Has Made My Wife a New Woman

Three years ago, My Wife was diagnosed with an aggressive case of Breast Cancer. Following the doctors advice, we scheduled her for surgery right away, and the surgeons were able to successfully remove the cancerous tissues, however, the surgery left my wife's breast deformed and sagging.

After a period of healing and severe depression, my wife had watched a TV show about another woman who had endured a similar situation. It seems the woman on the TV had used a plastic surgeon to perform a breast reconstruction, successfully restoring the volume, look and feel to her breasts. My wife became excited that she could experience the same happiness and see her self confidence, and self esteem restored.

We did some research on a website devoted to plastic surgery information, and scheduled a consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon located in San Francisco. The Surgeon was extremely knowledgeable, and was able to completely answer all of our questions and address oour fears and concerns. We got to look at other breast reconstruction surgery photos and get an ides of what results my wife could have. After the consultation we scheduled a date for my wife to have the surgery procedure.

Long story short, three years later, and my wife looks great and she says she feels fantastic. I have not seen her this vibrant, energetic and so full of life since we met in high school. We are very grateful to the surgeon for helping my wife reclaim her life.

Fertility Preservation for Women with Cancer

The fertility preservation options available to patients are determined by patient age, the type and stage of cancer, and the required treatment. The course of action requires critical decision-making and communication between the patient, oncologist and reproductive endocrinologist. This team approach expedites the process and has been shown to yield the safest outcome.

Current options for preserving fertility include egg, embryo or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Egg freezing is a newer procedure and is considered experimental by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Because of this, all activities at LIFE Research and its affiliates are conducted under the auspices of a research ethics board to assure patient safety.

It is important to consult with a specialist like Santa Monica Fertility Specialist Doctor John Jain, MD. Be sure to have all your questions answered and ensure you understand the egg freezing process prior to undergoing Egg Freezing and Fertility treatments.

What Is Egg Freezing and Who May Benefit?

Egg freezing is a breakthrough technology that allows women to freeze and store their eggs until a pregnancy is desired, at which time the eggs are thawed, fertilized and transferred to the uterus as embryos.

Many women today are feeling the pressure of having to choose between a career and a family. Some are returning to school or pursuing advanced degrees and don’t know when or if they will have children. For many, it may simply be an issue of not having found the right person yet. For all of these women, egg freezing is revolutionary not just in its technology, but in the freedom it can offer in allowing them to postpone childbearing.

Over 50,000 reproductive-aged women are diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments typically lead to infertility by destroying the eggs. While options vary depending on age, type of cancer and cancer-treatment plan, egg freezing can provide these women the opportunity to preserve their fertility.

It is important to consult with a specialist like Santa Monica Fertility Specialist Doctor John Jain, MD. Be sure to have all your questions answered and ensure you understand the egg freezing process prior to undergoing Egg Freezing and Fertility treatments.