October 4th, 2011
October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
A large part of my practice, Del Mar Plastic Surgery located in San Diego, is breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer and it has always been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding surgeries that I perform.
One in eight women (13%) in the the United States will develop breast cancer and it is the leading cause of cancer death among women between the ages of 35 and 54. Only a small percentage of women who develop breast cancer have a genetic predispostion or family history, and the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
So, what should you do? First make sure you have YEARLY MAMMOGRAMS starting at age 40. Mammograms, along with some additional studies like ultrasound and, if necessary, MRI, can detect cancers at a very early stage, which affects prognosis. Just as important is MONTHLY SELF-EXAM. No physician will know the substance of your breast as well as you. Report ANY new lump, tender or not, to your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment for breast cancer has come a long way over the the years. Surgical treatment involves either a lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy with breast reconstruction. Treatment choice is made by you and the physician together and will be based on many factors including the size of the tumor, the type, it’s location, etc.
Breast cancer awareness – this is a good month to start regular exams and update mammograms if it’s time. Early detection is the key to beating breast cancer.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Cancer, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
July 5th, 2011
Breast Cancer Part 1: Screening
I have been treating breast cancer patients for 25 years and over the last few years I have been alarmed at the number of young women being diagnosed. I have treated patients as young as 25-30 years old. While the incidence of breast cancer has been declining since 1999 it is still higher than it was in 1975, and this may be due to better detection methods.
Women in their 20′s, especially those with a family history of breast cancer, should start doing self-exams every month. Mammograms should be started at age 40 and done regularly. If there is a very strong family history–for instance in your mother, sisters, maternal grandmother and/or maternal aunts - you may want to consider genetic testing for the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes. This is sometimes covered by insurance.
Cosmetic surgery of the breasts, including breast augmentation with implants and breast lifts, does not increase your risk of breast cancer. I do, however, insist that mammograms be done on any woman over 40 who wishes to have a breast augmentation or breast lift.
Contact Dr. Pollack at Del Mar Plastic Surgery if you have questions about this or any other topic and stay tuned for additional installments about breast cancer treatment and reconstruction.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
March 13th, 2011
Plastic Surgery – Multiple Procedures in One Surgery, San Diego
So you’ve decided its time to see some plastic surgeons about getting the body you want and deserve. Perhaps you had a few babies, lost some weight, or just don’t feel as good as you did in your twenties. You write down your “wish list” and head out to see the doctor. Typically at the consultation, the doctor or his consultant will ask you to prioritize the list of procedures you are interested in. Many patients will arrive at the consultation wanting to have multiple plastic surgery procedures in one surgery, which can certainly be accomplished within reason. So the question arises, “which surgeries can I combine?”
There is a limit to how much surgery can safely be performed at one time. We try to limit the amount of time under anesthesia to no more than 6 hours. A mommy makeover usually consists of a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast surgery (lift and/or implants). Adding a thigh lift, arm lift, or facelift to this surgery is usually not recommended. Due to the length of the surgery, and the issues with recovery, adding any additional surgery would unacceptably increase risks. Usually, when considering which procedures to combine, we must consider if the patient will be able to compensate for the area of the body that needs to heal. For instance, when a patient has breast and tummy surgery, she will rely more heavily on her legs postoperatively. Having thigh lift surgery increases the amount a patient relies on her arms and abdominal muscles to move around. These are all factors to consider when requesting all-in-one surgery. At Del Mar Plastic Surgery, Dr. Pollack and his team consider safety first when designing every patient’s treatment plan.
Kate
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
February 6th, 2011
Understanding the FDA news released about breast implants and a rare cancer
The FDA released information (FDA article) suggesting a possible small risk in women with breast implants of developing a rare cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). The tumor is NOT breast cancer, but instead can develop in the scar tissue around the implant. So far, it has been reported in 35 women out of an estimated 10 million women with breast implants, and has occurred with both silicone and saline implants.
In all the reported cases, it was obvious to the patient and doctor that something was wrong, as all of a sudden one of the breasts was larger than the other due to a seroma, or fluid collection, in the breast pocket. The average time before this occurred was 8 years after surgery, with the longest being 23 years.
The FDA has stated that the risk, if real, is extremely small, and that the “weight of evidence supports a reasonable assurance that FDA-approved breast implants are safe and effective when used as labeled.” In fact, you have a higher risk (60,000 times!) of getting “regular” breast cancer, which occurs in 1 in 9 women, than getting ALCL from breast implants.
The kind of ALCL found in these women with implants is less aggressive than other types of ALCL, and is treated simply by removing the implant and the surrounding scar tissue. No recurrences were reported after this treatment.
The best advice is to see your plastic surgeon for ANY abnormality that occurs after breast augmentation or reconstruction, but especially lumps, late swelling of the breast, or hardening of the implant. Continue to do breast self-exams and yearly mammograms after age 40.
Larry H. Pollack MD, FACS
Del Mar Plastic Surgery
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
December 15th, 2010
Breast Implant Styles in Del Mar
When you first see a plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation consultation, you might expect that he will review the differences between saline and silicone gel implants. In addition to the type of implant, there are also several styles of implants as well. Your doctor should be able to show you the different styles and sizes in the office to give you a better understanding.
The standard breast augmentation implant is performed with a moderate profile implant. The moderate profile has an average width to fit most patients and a modest amount of projection to create desired fullness. 
Women with narrow chests, or mildly drooping breasts might wish to consider the moderate plus profile implant. A moderate plus implant is slightly narrower in width, but has a higher projection. This implant is great for those who don’t require a mastopexy (breast lift), but could use a little bit of help with lifting their own breast tissue. The third type of implant is used mainly in breast reconstruction—the high profile implant. Because of the lack of breast tissue on reconstructive patients, the high profile implant helps to recreate a new, natural looking breast. These implants are very narrow, and are rarely used in cosmetic surgery patients.
There has also been an “anatomical” or “teardrop” shaped implant available over the years. Dr. Pollack did use these implants for a short time but we discontinued using them. The teardrop silicone gel implants actually had a higher rupture rate due to a rubber insert, and the saline implants occasionally rotated.
The shell of the implant can either be textured or smooth, as well. The majority of our patients receive smooth implants, in order to allow them to rotate inside the breast pocket when bending over or moving. Textured implants do not typically “spin” with movement of the body, and therefore can show more wrinkling.
Each patient is very individual and the choice of style, size, and texture should be determined by an experienced plastic surgeon. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and ask to see and feel implants so you can gauge the differences and understand the doctor’s preferences. I am always happy to explain these differences to our patients.
Kate
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
November 29th, 2010
Cosmetic Surgery Financing, Del Mar
In the current economic climate, most of us don’t have extra cash reserves for the extra beauty treatments we would like to get. Finding ways to pay for cosmetic procedures is becoming more challenging. Thanks to innovative companies such as Care Credit, several options are available to help pay for surgery. Similar to a credit card, you can charge any procedures performed in the office to your account. This makes it convenient when stopping in for maintenance treatments such as Botox and Juvederm. Care Credit is accepted at thousands of medical practices, so it can be used to pay for other medical services as well. Several options for payment including no interest loans are available.
Rather than putting off the breast augmentation or tummy tuck you have been wanting to have, apply at www.carecredit.com and have your surgery today!
Kate
Posted in Botox, Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Earlobe Repair, Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Fillers, Financing Options, Fraxel, Home, Laser Hair Removal, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Skin Cancer, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
October 16th, 2010
Move your tummy and hip fat to your breasts and face – The Age of Fat Transfer!
Transferring fat from one area of the body to another has been done for many years with variable success. Over the last 5 to 10 years, newer techniques for harvesting the fat, rinsing and preparing it, and then injecting it have been developed, making the procedure much more effective, predictable, and successful.
I’ve been doing fat transfer for a couple of years, mostly on breast reconstruction patients, to smooth out deformities that occur as a result of mastectomy. Using newer syringe liposuction techniques, with less pressure and smaller cannulae, more fat survives the suctioning process. The fat then has to be cleaned and prepared for injection, and I use the Cytori Puregraft filter system, which gently separates the healthy fat cells from other tissues. This nearly pure, healthy fat is then injected under minimum pressure using small cannulae, which are similar to large but dull needles. All this is done through tiny 2-3 millimeter incisions, or other incisions already there from other procedures.
Studies have shown that there are stem cells in fatty tissue, and these are transferred with the fat. They have been shown to improve skin quality, especially in patients who have had radiation or have significant sun damage or facial aging.
While implants are still the gold standard for breast augmentation, some women want only a small enlargement and don’t want an implant. To get a 1/2 to 1 cup size increase, fat injection can be ideal if you have enough fat elsewhere. (Most women believe they do!). The procedure takes about 1 hour, and there is considerable less discomfort than with standard implant breast augmentation. Anywhere from 50% to 80% of the transferred fat survives and is permanent. Clinical studies in Europe have demonstrated safety, and there appears to be NO increased risk of breast cancer.
For facial rejuvenation, either with a facelift, or by itself, fat is an excellent filler material. Since it is permanent and your own tissue, there is no risk of rejection. I have used fat injection for lip enhancement, nasolabial folds (lines between the nose and corner of the mouth), and frown lines. It is also helpful to enhance cheeks without having to use implants. And, as mentioned, the skin over the area of the fat injection looks better and younger.
Find out if fat transfer is for you. Call our office for a free consultation.
Del Mar Plastic Surgery serves the following communities: San Diego, Del Mar, La Jolla, Encinitas, Poway, Escondido, Vista, San Marcos and North San Diego County.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Eyelid Lift, Facial Procedures, Facial Rejuvenation, Fat Transfer, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover | No Comments »
September 30th, 2010
By H.H.
Before Photo
As I was facing my 50th birthday, I stopped and took stock of my life and did not like what I saw. I was morbidly obese, depressed, reclusive, irritable, had weight related medical issues, and lacked all self-confidence. I guess I could have thrown up my hands and surrendered, but instead I decided to take life by the horns and reinvent myself and start living again. In December 2008, I had Gastric Bypass Surgery; this is not something anyone should enter into without a 100% commitment to changing their life style and eating habits. I made this commitment and the results were phenomenal, within three months I was off all medications, I was especially thrilled to have normal blood pressure again. As I approached my one year mark, I was amazed at my weight loss, my heightened energy, and most importantly my level of happiness and the disappearance of my prior depression, I was happy again.
The next step in my journey included a breast lift/augmentation, finding Dr. Larry Pollack was a blessing. During my first consultation with him I was instantly sure he was the one I wanted to do the procedure. I relied on his expertise and had faith he would do surgically the procedures that would best suit my body type, height, age appropriateness, and my desire to have a natural looking bust line when my surgery was completed. The results far exceeded my expectations and Dr. Pollack’s surgical artistry and sculpting were paramount for me in regaining my self-confidence and poise.
After Photo
My makeover has taken 20-months and I have lost an incredible 163 pounds and feel wonderful. I consider 12/8/09 my 2nd birthday, because I have grown and come so far in my life since that date. I now face the World with excitement and confidence, I also embrace being a woman in my 50’s and sharing my experience with others, to encourage them to never think it is too late to reinvent yourself and be the person you want to be. It does take hard work, dedication, and fabulous surgeons to accomplish the goal, but it is well worth the effort, because we are worth it!
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Home, Liposuction, Mommy Makeover, Patient Testimonials, Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
September 30th, 2010
Silicone implants came back on the market for breast augmentation 3 to 4 years ago, yet there remains some fear and confusion about their safety. Silicone implants were restricted in the mid-90′s so that they could only be used in breast cancer patients or women who had both a breast lift AND a breast augmentation. The only women who could not get silicone implants were those who wanted only a breast augmentation. While this made no sense to anyone, that was the FDA ruling.
After many years of additional trials and studies, silicone implants were proven to be safe, with absolutely no evidence that they caused any systemic disease like lupus, arthritis, or scleroderma. Nonetheless, these beliefs still linger.
Why are silicone implants better than saline for breast augmentation? Mostly because they are softer and feel more natural. Saline implants tend to be firm, and in women with small, thin breasts, implant wrinkles can be seen through the skin. It is, after all, a bag of water.
Having said that, both types of implants can create beautiful breast augmentations. I place all the implants, saline or silicone, under the muscle to minimize the “fake” or “done” look.
The FDA estimates that implants last about 10 years, but this was a compromise number, since individual lifestyles have more to do with how long they last. I have seen women that have intact, normal implants 20 or 25 years after augmentation, and others who have needed replacement in 5 or 6 years. Implants usually fail because of trauma, such as a car or skiing accident, or other activities like kick-boxing or surfing. If a saline implant fails, your body will absorb the water and the breast will go flat–easy to diagnose. If a silicone implant fails, it may be harder to tell, but most women report some trauma to their breast followed by the breast “feeling different”, usually softer. My advice is to see me if you experience any trauma to the breast so that we can check the implant.
So, silicone implant or saline implant? You have to feel comfortable with your choice, so talk to girlfriends who have implants or come in for a complimentary consultation to look at the implants and get more information.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
August 17th, 2010
San Diego Breast Augmentation
Silicone implants came back on the market about 3 years ago for use in breast augmentation, and since then, the procedure is more popular than ever. Silicone implants feel and look more natural than saline implants, and extensive international research has demonstrated their safety.
Even with the difficult economic times, breast augmentation in San Diego and nationally becomes more popular every year. Women want to enhance their appearance, and with more flexible financing opportunities, the procedure is available to almost everyone. More and more of my patients want a natural look rather than the “boob job” look. Choosing the right size is a joint effort between you and me. I have my patients look at pictures of other patients and photos from magazines so that we agree on the size and proportion that you want. I use those pictures in the operating room to help select the proper implant to get the result you want.
Many patients wonder how I can tell what the breasts look like if they are laying flat on the operating table. In fact, we sit you up while you’re asleep, with your shoulders, chest, and tummy exposed, so that we can see exactly how the breasts look on your body, and then compare them to the photos.
The incisions I use are either around the lower part of the areola or under the breast. I always place the implants under the muscle which gives a more natural appearance. The surgery takes about an hour and everyone goes home afterward. Most of my patients go back to work in one week and resume exercise in 3 to 4 weeks.
Visit our website for before and after pictures, or call us for a free consultation.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision, Home | No Comments »
