Cosmetic Breast Surgery to Improve Breast Asymmetry
Whether or not we’d like to admit it, our outward appearance has quite a bit to do with self-confidence. If you read my blog on breast asymmetry shaping a woman’s outlook on life, you are most likely aware that research shows that women who undergo breast enhancement to make their breasts appear more symmetrical often experience a better quality of life after surgery as reported in an article from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). A more recent article from ASAPS reported a story about a Chicago-based radio station that held a contest to give away a free consultation and breast augmentation surgery to a woman with asymmetrical or under-developed breasts.
The radio station, WLUP, wanted to grant a woman who they felt deserved breast enhancement surgery with an opportunity to feel more complete. To enter the “Breast Year Ever” competition, contestants sent in a photo and an essay describing why they should win. The stories were so compelling that the station actually chose two winners. One woman’s husband entered her saying she deserved it after saving his life three years prior by donating her kidney after his failed. The other winner suffered with cancer during her childhood and the radiation used to treat the disease caused hormonal issues, which resulted in no breast development.
Dr. James Namnoum was glad to hear that the radio station was not only giving away a free breast procedure, but also a free consultation to these deserving women. As he constantly teaches patients, doing research before pursuing plastic surgery is vital, and consultations are a part of that research. Plastic surgery consultations give patients the opportunity to learn more about their prospective procedure as well as get to know their plastic surgeon better. It also allows the surgeon to learn more about the patient’s medical history so that he or she is better prepared for surgery.
Breast asymmetry and lack of development are not the only issues women (and men) have with their breasts. Some women are bothered by sagging breasts as a result of aging or pregnancy while others’ breasts are so large that they suffer back pain. Although men with gynecomastia (overly large male breasts) don’t often complain about pain associated with their breasts, they can relate to the embarrassment caused. Women bothered by sagging breasts can often benefit from breast lift surgery in which excess tissue is removed and remaining tissue is tightened to place the breast in a more youthful position. Those bothered by overly large breasts often seek breast reduction surgery, and Dr. Namnoum even performs male breast reduction surgery.
If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic or reconstructive breast surgery or another procedure Dr. Namnoum performs, visit his website or schedule a consultation. Be sure to connect with Dr. Namnoum on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for plastic surgery news and updates.
Breast Augmentation Surgery More Popular on West Coast but Growing Nationwide
In January, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that a majority of breast augmentation surgery performed in the U.S. is received on the West Coast. In fact, they found that 38% of breast enhancement surgeries were performed in Western states in 2010. Only 15% of U.S. breast enhancement procedures were performed here in the Southeast. West coast plastic surgeons seem to believe that people from their region are more accepting of plastic surgery. While that may be the case, we looked deeper into the statistics.
Although the 2011 plastic surgery statistics were recently released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), we had to review the statistics from 2010 for in depth information like plastic surgery by region. According to the data, breast augmentation is not the only procedure that dominates in the West. Perusing the statistics of procedures Dr. Jim Namnoum often performs at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, we noticed a higher percentage of breast lift, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery are also performed in the West.
However, the West coast had the lowest number of buttock lift surgeries in 2010 and the second highest number of male breast reduction procedures. While it’s true that Hollywood has quite the influence on the way people view cosmetic surgery, Hollywood’s influence extends much farther than just the West Coast. Westerners may be more accepting of plastic surgery, but plastic surgery acceptance is undoubtedly growing across the country. In fact, based on the statistics compiled by ASPS, the number of total plastic surgery procedures performed has risen for the past two consecutive years. This number includes both minimally invasive and surgical procedures.
Reviewing plastic surgery statistics from year to year is very interesting. Although we can currently only view and compare the top five cosmetic surgical procedures, cosmetic minimally invasive procedures, and reconstructive procedures for 2011, the data will eventually be broken down based on region, demographics, ages, and sex. Such information helps plastic surgeons understand more about their patients so that they can better serve them.
If you’re interested in learning more about the plastic surgery procedures Dr. Namnoum performs, be sure to review his website or contact the office to schedule a consultation. Stay tuned to his blog and social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter, and now Google+) for updated information on plastic surgery news and trends.
Are You Ready for Summer Vacation? Learn How Cosmetic Surgery Can Help Get Your Body Ready
More and more patients interested in body contouring procedures to enhance their appearance visit Atlanta Plastic Surgery as summer approaches. These patients are usually interested in fun summer activities requiring swimsuits like going to the lake or beach (hence the reason they’re interested in cosmetic surgery). However, plastic surgery recovery can inhibit such activities, so patients who are considering cosmetic surgery before their summer vacations should start planning now.
Women often worry about the appearance of their breasts in swimsuits. While they can wear supporting garments to enhance the breasts’ appearance in normal clothes, swimwear doesn’t provide much support or coverage. Some women are shy because of their small breast size, while others are embarrassed by overly large breasts or breasts that sag.
Dr. James Namnoum performs breast augmentation to enhance a woman’s breast size and shape with the insertion of a breast implant. He also performs breast reduction surgery to remove excess breast tissue and make breasts more proportional. Breast lift surgery may be performed to tighten and trim excess skin and lift the breasts to a more youthful position. Women aren’t the only ones who are self-conscious about their breasts. In fact, Dr. Namnoum also performs male breast reduction surgery on patients suffering from gynecomastia or overly large male breasts.
Breasts aren’t the only body parts that make people feel insecure. Excess fat and sagging skin can make anyone reach for a cover-up at the beach. Dr. Namnoum believes that eating right and exercising are important parts of the mind and body relationship, but he knows how hard getting rid of stubborn fat can be. He also understands how the skin’s elasticity gives over time, which no amount of exercise can help. Dr. Namnoum performs liposuction surgery to remove excess fat from various areas of the body like the abdomen, hips, arms, neck, legs, and back. He also performs tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to tighten loose abdominal skin and underlying muscles to yield a flatter tummy. For patients who have lost a large amount of weight or have undergone bariatric surgery and have loose hanging skin, Dr. Namnoum performs body lift surgery to remove excess skin and tighten remaining skin.
Although we’re suggesting getting a jump on your cosmetic surgery if you don’t want to spend the summer recovering, we aren’t suggesting you rush into anything. Do your research. Make sure you are pursuing a board certified plastic surgeon with experience performing the procedures of your interest. Be sure to review before and after galleries and schedule consultations to learn more. Dr. Namnoum provides education tools for patients through his blog and social media. If you haven’t connected with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, be sure to do so for plastic surgery news and updates.
Trends Show More Women Are Opting for Smaller Breast Implants
The phrase “go big or go home” doesn’t always ring true, especially in the world of plastic surgery. Although there are some women who wish to greatly increase their breast size with breast enhancement surgery, there are many who opt for smaller and more conservatively sized breast implants. In fact, according to an article recently released on NBC2, women who have had breast augmentation surgery in the past are beginning to exchange their larger breast implants with smaller ones more often than before.
Breast revision surgery is a procedure for women who have had breast augmentation surgery, but are not satisfied with their results, experience complications, or just want a smaller size breast implant. Although breast implants are not lifetime devices, it is best to have a good idea of what you wish to achieve initially through breast surgery and to pursue cosmetic enhancement with a board certified plastic surgeon to avoid breast revision surgery. However, if you do experience complications (i.e., capsule contracture, bottoming out, or implant rupture), I can perform breast revision surgery to try and repair the issue and address concerns.
For instance, using surgery techniques borrowed from my reconstructive breast procedures, I perform revisionary breast surgery to treat complications that occasionally arise. In additions to the complications listed above, revisionary breast surgery may be warranted by improper breast shape, improper positioning, and asymmetry. With breast surgery technology and techniques like capsule flaps, acellular dermal matrix, pocket reshaping, and fat transfer, I am able to meet my patients’ needs and yield the surgical results they’re after.
I can also exchange breast implants for women who aren’t happy with their previous physician’s results. Whether it’s due to the breast implant type, texture, shape or size, I will work to revise the breasts based on the patient’s desires. I find it most important to spend time discussing the patient’s goals during a plastic surgery consultation so that I can meet their needs the first time around.
I can identify with the article on women exchanging their implants for smaller ones as I have also seen this trend in Atlanta. Whether they’re aiming for a more conservative look, trying to accommodate their active lifestyle, or are experiencing back pain due to large breasts, more women than before are choosing smaller-sized implants. Depending on the size of the previous implants, patient’s age, and how long the implants have been in place, a breast lift procedure may be combined with breast revision when smaller implants are inserted to improve aesthetics.
To learn more about different types of breast surgery or to find out more about other procedures I offer my Atlanta patients, view the rest of my website. Be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter if you haven’t already to stay up to date on plastic surgery news.
Dr. Namnoum Discusses Hot Topics in Plastic Surgery
In the video below, Dr. James Namnoum discusses trends in the ever-evolving field of plastic surgery. As noted in the 2011 plastic surgery statistics recently released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Namnoum has also noticed a growing demand for minimally invasive procedures, such as facial rejuvenation with Botox® and fillers. He also discusses new trends in fat reduction like freezing fat cells through technology like Atlanta Plastic Surgery’s new CoolSculpting® system and goes on to explain how laser liposuction differs from traditional liposuction and how it may even tighten skin during the fat elimination process. Watch his video to learn more about other trends like different types of breast implants and fat transfer for body contouring.
Mind the Body: Unwind and Alleviate Stress
It’s hard to believe we’re this far into 2012 already, as the busy holiday season winds down with Valentine’s Day. The reality of daily routines, finances, taxes, relationships, and more often results in stress. As a plastic surgeon, I know overall health is important, and I believe it includes symbiosis in mind, body, and spirit because each one affects the other. Therefore, keeping stress at bay is vital to overall wellbeing and even plastic surgery healing.
Although you may not feel completely “stressed out,” symptoms of your anxiety can still physically wear on your body. Stress can lower the body’s immunity, triggering colds and flu. It can also cause physical symptoms like problems sleeping, headaches, weight loss or gain, digestive issues, as well as mental effects like frustration and unclear thinking. Some people may even wonder why they struggle to lose weight or sleep at night causing additional stress. During a plastic surgery consultation, I spend time learning about my patient’s medical history and the lifestyle factors that could affect plastic surgery.
When I have patients who are particularly high-stressed, I do my best to try and give them tips to unwind. I also reiterate the importance of keeping anxiety levels low during plastic surgery and healing. Because stress can impact the immune system, it can impede healing. When undergoing a cosmetic procedure, your body needs time to heal properly, especially in body procedures like tummy tuck and body lift surgery.
Rather than letting the tension build, I encourage my patients to find ways to de-stress. While it may seem impossible to relieve all of life’s stressors, you can do certain things to help. My favorite stress-relieving activity (and the one I most often suggest to patients) is exercising. It’s important, however, that you choose a physical activity that you will enjoy—the last thing you want to do is get frustrated during your stress-relief activity. Try something fun like dancing, yoga, jogging, riding a bike, or even Tai Chi. Relaxing activities are also good for reducing stress. Taking a hot bath, receiving a massage, drinking hot tea, and reading are some additional ideas.
Unfortunately there is not a one-size-fits-all method for stress reduction, so we encourage you to try to discover what works best for you. Maybe you’re considering plastic surgery, and that’s what causing your stress lately. Cosmetic surgery is a big decision, but don’t stress. Be proactive by researching potential procedures and plastic surgeons. Schedule consultations to learn more about the surgical process and what type of plastic surgery results to expect. If you are interested in learning more about the particular procedures I perform, visit my website. Be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter, if you haven’t already, for more plastic surgery news and tips to help you Mind the Body.
In the News with Dr. Namnoum
Because plastic surgery is a serious matter, patients pursuing cosmetic enhancements have to do quite a bit of research before undergoing a procedure or choosing their plastic surgeon. Rather than making patients search the internet for educational information on plastic surgery, Dr. James Namnoum provides patients with what they need to know before surgery through his website, blog, Facebook and Twitter. However, there’s more to research than just learning about cosmetic surgery procedures, the surgical process, and what to expect; it’s also important to get to know your prospective surgeon and make sure that you feel comfortable with him or her.
Plastic surgery before and after photo galleries are typically a good starting point as you can view the doctor’s previous work. Another way to find out whether or not you feel comfortable with a certain surgeon is by scheduling a face-to-face consultation. We also encourage you to use the educational outlets provided on Dr. Namnoum’s website to help you learn about Dr. Namnoum and the procedures he offers.
In fact, a great way to get to know Dr. Namnoum is by visiting his “In the News” page to view his plastic surgery videos. From new stories that have aired on television to Dr. Namnoum’s videos on the Plastic Surgery Channel™, you can learn about procedures like mommy makeover surgery and breast procedures (both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery) while getting a feel for Dr. Namnoum’s personality.
To learn more about Dr. Namnoum, be sure to visit our website. Besides the “In the News” section, there are other valuable tools to help you gain the information you need to make smart decisions regarding plastic surgery. Also if you haven’t connected with Dr. Namnoum on Facebook and Twitter, be sure to do so for constant updates on plastic surgery news.
28th Annual Breast Surgery Symposium in Atlanta a Success
Plastic surgeons from across the country and the world gathered at Northside hospital for the 28th Annual Breast Surgery Symposium. Aiming to allow cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeons to share breast surgery techniques and technology in order to advance breast procedures, the annual Atlanta symposium was a success. In fact, our very own Dr. James Namnoum served as a program co-chairman.
During the event, Dr. Namnoum held various responsibilities such as moderating discussion panels and speaking about breast surgery. A moderator of “The Future of Breast Reconstruction,” “The Future of Breast Augmentation,” and “The Future of Oncoplastic Surgery” panels, Dr. Namnoum discussed how to enhance the outcome of breast reconstruction surgery. He also enlightened fellow plastic surgeons on breast enhancement surgery with the superior pulley system during the breast surgery hot topics discussion.
Be sure to keep reading Dr. Namnoum’s blog for upcoming plastic surgery news, and find him on Facebook and Twitter for more frequent updates.
Breast Reconstruction is Safe for Older Patients
As a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, many of the women I encounter are breast cancer survivors seeking breast reconstruction. Therefore, I was surprised to read the recent news stories proclaiming many women, especially older women, do not undergo reconstruction. According to a study that appeared in the December issue of The American Surgeon regarding the safety of breast reconstruction in older patients, 48% of breast cancer cases occur in women over the age of 65, and very few of these patients choose to have breast reconstruction following cancer treatment. Although there are many reasons a woman may decide not to have reconstructive breast surgery, advanced age shouldn’t be one of them.
In order to find out more about breast reconstruction in older women, Dr. Marissa Howard-McNatt, assistant professor of surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, and her colleagues assessed 89 women over the age of 60 for 10 years who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction at Wake Forest. While the study did not show why fewer older women undergo breast reconstruction, it did conclude that the procedure is safe and practical for patients of any age.
I perform breast reconstruction surgery on breast cancer patients of all ages with varying needs. The ability to use different breast surgery techniques based on each patient’s personal situation is what makes events like the upcoming Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium so significant. Every woman and breast cancer case is different; therefore, each breast reconstruction surgery is different. There are times I perform reconstruction using a breast implant, but other times the breast tissue won’t allow room for an implant immediately and a tissue flap must be used. During surgery I carefully consider individual factors like age to ensure surgery is as safe as possible. Because this is a topic I am very passionate about, I’m especially excited to moderate “The Future of Breast Reconstruction” seminar at the aforementioned symposium.
In the future of breast reconstruction, I hope women will not let their age scare them away from undergoing a procedure that many see as a major part of the healing process. Visit my website to learn more about the breast reconstruction procedures I perform, as well as the cosmetic procedures I offer. If you haven’t already, be sure to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter for plastic surgery news and updates.
Watch Dr. Namnoum Discuss Breast Lift Surgery on the Plastic Surgery Channel
We’re frequently asked what breast lift surgery involves, so we thought we would share Dr. Namnoum’s video discussing the subject. Breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a cosmetic procedure used to improve sagging breasts and lost volume in women whose breasts have shifted downward because of advanced age, heredity, pregnancy, or weight loss. In the video below, Dr. Jim Namnoum explains that during the procedure, the areola and nipple are lifted upward to an aesthetically pleasing position. Excess tissue is also trimmed, and the breast mound is reshaped.
He shares that many women ask about breast reduction during their breast lift consultation, as it is not uncommon for women with excess breast tissue to experience volume loss over time. He indicates that while small amounts of excess tissue can be removed during breast lift surgery, breast reduction is a separate procedure that’s typically characterized by the removal of more excess tissue.
A similar question is also often asked regarding breast lift surgery with the placement of a breast implant. Dr. Namnoum says that this procedure, though possible, is more complex than a simple breast augmentation or breast lift. Variables like scarring and blood supply to the nipple require care and attention. Consideration must also be taken to determine the size and shape of the implant to lift the breast appropriately. He emphasizes the fact that scars are usually larger with combined breast procedures, but plastic surgery scars do fade. He advises patients to believe in the healing process and follow their aftercare instructions.
Watch his video to learn more, and be sure to connect with Dr. Namnoum on Facebook and Twitter for plastic surgery news and updates.
