Category: Breast Reconstruction Surgery

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The website focuses on breast reconstruction for women with breast cancer or a predisposing genetic mutation.

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – DAVinci Plastic Surgery recently announced the launch of their new breast reconstruction focused website. The website was created as an educational platform for women with breast cancer and for referring doctors to offer as a resource to their patients in the Washington D.C. area. The website offers information regarding the stages of breast reconstruction, the multiple types of procedures offered, what patients can expect during their first consultation, and before and after photos of reconstructions completed at DAVinci.

The website will be a resource for breast cancer patients beginning their journey in reconstruction and looking for the right practice. “As a plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, my role is to educate and guide my patients through this process.” states Dr. Ximena Pinell, a physician at DAVinci, “I do my best to be clear and comprehensive, but I recognize that those early conversations can be overwhelming… this website was designed to be a resource for women facing breast cancer or a genetic mutation that increases their risk of breast cancer.”

Breast Reconstruction DC describes several methods of breast reconstruction, including the benefits and drawbacks of each, what to expect throughout the process, FAQs, and a photo gallery to illustrate the results of surgery. Patients can read about DAVinci’s two plastic surgeons, who have extensive experience with breast reconstruction. Dr. Pinell completed her training at Emory University and is double-board certified in general and plastic surgery. She offers many options for patients including those that make use of a woman’s own tissues, novel approaches using breast implants, and breast reshaping techniques at the time of lumpectomy. Dr. Steven P. Davison is a triple-board certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience, including expertise in revision breast surgery. 

The new website is accessible at www.breastreconstructiondc.com.

ABOUT DAVINCI PLASTIC SURGERY

DAVinci Plastic Surgery opened in 2011 and provides plastic and reconstructive surgery to the Washington, DC area. Their core mission is to provide a “patient-centric” environment with a team approach to ensure that patients are ideally looked after.

We have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Pinell for a little while now and I realized that I have yet to sing her praises on the blog. She is a wonderful addition to Davinci Plastic. I’m so grateful that she is a key part of the team for helping patients with their aesthetic and reconstructive needs. Dr. Pinell has breadth and depth of knowledge, skilled hands, and a huge heart.

Head

Dr. Pinell completed medical school at Emory University and remained there for General Surgery residency and a subsequent fellowship in Plastic Surgery. She learned the most advanced techniques under some of the greatest leaders and innovators in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery worldwide.

Hands

In addition to a wide breadth of skill in body contouring, Dr. Pinell has specialized in breast reconstruction techniques that offer cutting edge choices for Breast Augmentation and Breast Reconstruction patients. She is able to help patients with a variety of oncoplastic techniques in conjunction with either a mastectomy or lumpectomy. She is grateful to offer women such options as using their own tissues to recreate the breast, as well as the prepectoral (above the pec muscle) technique for implants.

Heart

Dr. Pinell came to the medical field to make a difference in people’s lives after a time in D.C. working in health policy research. She has studied advanced techniques in order to best serve breast cancer clients with breast reconstruction. She considers it a privilege to come alongside women who are fighting this battle.

Although she grew up in the Washington D.C. area, Dr. Pinell’s heart to help people has stretched across the sea to her country of heritage, Bolivia. Here she has volunteered her time and surgical expertise to help needy children with reconstructive surgery for cleft lip and palate.

As a mom of 3 young boys, she also personally understands the physical sacrifices of motherhood. Dr. Pinell can really empathize as she offers solutions for helping mothers to feel confident again with their post baby body.

I’m confident you’ll love her as much as we do at Davinci Plastic, www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

These days my patients are quite informed about the procedures they are requesting from me. They’re reliant on my professional advice on the details and implementation of their goals, but most Breast Augmentation patients have an idea about what the procedure entails. The lesser known sister of Breast Augmentation is Breast Revision surgery. There are a variety of reasons someone might need this “surgery after the surgery,” and I’ll cover those here.

Breast Revision surgery is for someone who’s already had a Breast Augmentation and needs a change that requires another surgery to the breast area at any point in time near or distant from the original Breast Augmentation. The majority of women love their new breasts with no complications and often experience satisfaction for many years.

However, a Breast Revision surgery is a great option for a variety of reasons, such as:

1. Address the natural effects of aging and gravity on the breasts. The breasts with the implant still will sag over time and so a Breast Lift could help restore perkiness and placement.
2. Breasts change as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or gain. If the Breast Augmentation occurred before these events, a Revision can be intended to restore your breasts to their former stature.
3. Change the implant size with a Breast Implant Exchange to go smaller or larger. Fortunately, the Breast Implant Exchange is less intense of a surgery than the original augmentation. The space or pocket for the implant has already been created so there’s not the stretching discomfort experienced during the initial surgery. Also, the recovery time is usually shorter.
4. Repair breast implant malposition. The implant didn’t settle where it should be and has caused the breasts to look unnatural.
5. Correct capsular contracture where the tissue surrounding the implant contracts and squeezes the implant into an awkward and uncomfortable position. In this case, the constricting tissue would be removed and the implant replaced.
6. Change the implant type. Some women who got saline implants and experience rippling or wrinkling, prefer to exchange them for the consistency of a silicone gel. This is particularly common for women who got a Breast Augmentation when the silicone option was off the market from 1993 to 2006.
7. Breast Implant Exchange for prevention or in the case of leakage. Implants do not have a lifetime guarantee to not leak. It is recommended to exchange for a new implant every 10 years. If a saline implant is leaking, it’s easy to detect because the breast will appear deflated. However, in most cases, a silicone implant leak would require an MRI to detect leakage, so regular checks are recommended.
8. Breast cancer treatments may require the implant to be removed. This is a decision that should be made along with your medical support team.

In conjunction with considering the need for a Breast Revision surgery, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of choosing an experienced plastic surgeon to perform it. Maintaining aesthetics of the breasts while navigating prior surgery effects is an art that requires much technical skill and expertise. To discuss the possibility of putting yourself in the hands of a triple board certified surgeon, such as myself, you can schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Everyone wants to have an idea of what they’ll look like after their cosmetic procedure. It used to be all conjecture, but fortunately now with 3D technology, you can get a really good idea of your results. I’m pleased to offer Vectra Breast Imaging as a state of the art imaging program to help in the process of creating the best Breast Augmentation results achievable.

See What Can Be… This state of the art computer program, along with our trained implementation of it, can give you realistic images to explore your options in a hypothetical visual sense of what your body could look like. This can better help you set your goals while allowing for the benefits and conditions of your options to sink in. This significantly improves your decision making ability by allowing you to get the best possible idea of what you could look like after your Breast Augmentation. We can also be sure to manage expectations and be on the same page for the best possible treatment plan.

Customized to You… Vectra Breast Imaging takes exact measurements of the current body contours and proportions, and uses this to adjust volume with just one click. The degree of change is highlighted with a color distance map. It offers 3D views from any angle of your body with superimposed images to see “before and after” views before the actual possible reality of it. This means you can seamlessly rotate from front, side and back views to get a complete picture. Also, the “before and after” views can be formatted in side by side or as a faded overlay.

Easy Consideration of Choices… This tool also allows you to compare multiple scenarios with different size and implant types. It uses the implant shape, size, placement and factors in gravity. Vectra Breast Imaging’s dynamic capabilities allow for the correction of ptosis (sagging) and breast asymmetry.

Visualize in Office and at Home… These images are not only available in our office consultation, but through the ViewMyConsult portal. You can visually soak in the different options and review treatment recommendations in the comfort of home. While I strive to offer a compassionate, complete, relaxed office consultation, these types of decisions have multiple levels of consideration and having all the information and images at your finger tips is so reassuring.

Vectra Breast Imaging empowers our patients with confidence, manages expectations, and improves our communication to get your Breast Augmentation journey off to a great start. But to make sure the actual outcomes are the best possible, you need to be in the best hands… our hands. To begin your successful Breast Augmentation journey with me, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

The more you learn about your breasts the better you can care for them and appreciate them. Here are some more fun facts to help you know more about your girls.

Side sleeping is best for breast shape. They even could use some pillow support while you sleep. This is just another reason that belly sleeping isn’t best for your body.

Breasts can be a breeding ground for bacteria. This happens because sweat can collect and the abundant oil glands above and between your breasts to make the area vulnerable to clogged pores and pimples. Prevent problems by wiping the area right after workouts or if you’ve been outside sweating a lot, and never staying long in sweaty bras because they can harbor bacteria that love dark, damp places.

They have growth potential through your early to mid 20s. This is especially important for younger women when considering breast augmentation. Though most breast growth does happen through the puberty years, they do continue to grow into early adulthood. How big they do get is actually determined by genetics from both parents. After the mid 20s, it’s unlikely for them to grow unless you gain weight, get pregnant, breastfeed (however they will go back down afterwards) or sometimes with birth control.

Nipples usually get darker during pregnancy. The body does this because it is anticipating breastfeeding the baby, which can better see darker colors. The darker nipple makes it a more visible target. No reason to freak out though, most women’s nipples lighten back to normal a little while after baby is born, while some may stay just slightly darker.

The creation of cleavage isn’t just based on breast size. While the larger ladies do have a cleavage creating advantage, breast shape and location on the torso also come into play. This means that the same cup size can vary in their ability to create cleavage. If the breasts are fuller in the outer breast or positioned wider apart, cleavage may not come as readily. A narrow torso, breasts set closer together or fuller in the center have an easier time creating cleavage.

Exercise can’t increase breast size, but the right ones can help their appearance. Breasts aren’t made of muscle, but they’re resting on top of muscle. These exercises can help firm up the pectoral muscles, which can slightly perk up the breasts: pushups, bench presses, dumb bell flies, medicine ball slams or pullovers. If this doesn’t provide enough of the lift and firmness you’re looking for, a Breast Lift can definitely enhance the positioning and perkiness of the breast.

If you’re considering any cosmetic surgery related to the breasts, it’s worthwhile to talk to an expert in this area. As a triple board certified plastic surgeon, I’ve had extensive training and expertise in all areas of Breast Augmentation and Reconstruction. Schedule a consultation to see how I can help you enjoy your desired breasts, by visiting www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

Your precious pair can surely be assets of enjoyment and wonder. Hopefully, you’ll have your set for life, so it’s a great idea to get to know them more. Here are some facts about your bosom buddies that may be surprising.

Breasts have their own monthly cycle so there is a better time of the month to schedule your breast exam. Fluctuating hormones cause changes in breast tissue. Level hormones in the week after your period help even out any lumpiness or swelling, which makes it easier to diagnose any abnormalities. They’re also less sensitive, making the exam more comfortable.

You should be using anti aging cream on your breasts. Breasts consist of fat, milk glands and firm, connective tissue called collagen. As we age the glands shrink, collagen decreases and fat may increase. Along with gravity, this results in the drooping over time. It doesn’t help that the skin of the breasts is quite thin. This means that you shouldn’t neglect to moisturize your breasts and nipples and event can use collagen building creams to help keep the skin supple.

They weigh less than you think, but still need support. Surprisingly, with an A cup size, you’ve got about a half pound of weight all together in your breasts, a pound total for B cups, C cups add up to about a pound and a half, and about 2 pounds total for D. Even though it doesn’t sound like a lot of weight, the thin skin and loss of collagen with age, mean that it’s best to help your girls with supporting them with a bra, especially during exercise.

Nipple hair is completely normal. It’s very common to have 2 to 20 nipple hairs on each breast. Heritage, skin and hair darkness, and hormonal stages play a big part in how much hair each woman deals with. Generally, darker skin and hair on the head means more nipple hair. To remove them, waxing and plucking is completely fine, just be sure to clean the area before and after to prevent infection.

They come in different sizes, shapes and directions even on the same person. No one is completely symmetrical with any part of their body. Most women actually have their left breast with a little more tissue so it’s slightly larger. Also, nipples point in different directions and come in varying shapes and sizes.

Breast implants are more common than you may think because they can look more natural than you may realize. The statistics say that about 250,000 women get them every year and estimates are that currently 2 million women have them. While the extreme makeover cases get the most attention, most women simply wanting to go back to their before children breasts or just making slight improvements, with just a 2 cup size increase on average.

Learn more about your breasts and if you’d like to talk about improving them, schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

When considering Breast Reconstruction after cancer, I will guide you through the possibilities for creating the most natural, beautiful breasts. There are a couple of different types of surgery that you may want to familiarize yourself with beforehand. These are the kinds of Breast Reconstruction surgeries available through my office. Some options utilize the body’s own tissue taken from areas with a little extra, such as the abdomen or thighs, and the others use silicone or saline implants.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction

DIEP stands for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator. This technique uses excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area. The incision is similar to the one used for a Tummy Tuck and can be easily hidden by clothing or bathing suit. Another benefit to this surgery is that it flattens the abdomen for an overall beautiful body contour. It spares the abdominal muscle and there is significantly less pain in the shorter recovery process. Since the muscles are in tact, the abdominal wall strength is not affected.

Tram Flap Breast Reconstruction

This is another technique that uses the abdominal tissue to rebuild the breasts, however the difference from the DIEP is that it does use abdominal muscle in addition to the skin and fat. The incision will still be discreet and hidden by the clothing or bathing suit, but recovery will take longer due to harvesting muscle. I am skilled in offering options within this surgery, which are to take the tissue connected to a blood supply, which is called pedicled, or not attached to the original blood supply and requires connection to a new one, which is called free flap. Both of these methods require immense skill and unique challenges. For example the pedicled technique is to avoid muscle rotation, which can create an abdominal bulge, and the free flap technique is even more intricate of a surgery as it requires successful reconnection of arteries using microsurgery.

Gracilis Flap Breast Reconstruction

This surgical technique uses excess skin and fat from the inner thigh to reconstruct a natural appearing breast. This can be done without taking any muscle, which it would then be called the Transverse Upper Thigh Flap surgery. Sometimes the inner thigh flap requires a small amount of muscle in order to assure an adequate blood supply to the flap. The muscle that’s used to do this is the gracilis muscle, which is what the surgery is named after. Unlike missing a part of the abdomen muscle, the gracilis muscle is often not missed unless you do a lot of exercises or sports mostly depending on quick changes of going side to side. A side benefit of taking tissue from the inner thigh is that it often can reduce inner thigh friction.

Latissmus Flap Breast Reconstruction

This surgery reconstructs the breasts using a flap of skin and muscle from the back of the same side as the operated breast. This living tissue is used to recreate the breast mound. It is mostly used for women who don’t have enough abdominal tissue or have had previous abdominal incisions. There are usually no complications and the blood supply is highly dependable. The use of the latissmus flap can be combined with implants.

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Because of the familiarity with implants for Breast Augmentation, this is an option chosen by thousands of women each year who undergo a mastectomy. It is also commonly used for women who are thin and don’t have extra tissue to use. A major benefit is that this can be done sequentially under the same anesthesia as the mastectomy surgery, called immediate reconstruction. This process still usually requires 2 or more surgeries, as we will have to navigate unique issues with the skin stretching (possible loss of elasticity due to radiation treatments) and addressing scar tissue.

You can rest assured that I am using the most cutting edge and advanced techniques along with my immense experience to help guide you to the right surgical options for your Breast Reconstruction. Please schedule a consultation to discuss what might be the best option for you, www.davinciplastic.com.

Sincerely,

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

One of the many considerations of breast cancer that requires a mastectomy is Breast Reconstruction surgery. This can be a time of overwhelming choices and so my goal with each Breast Reconstruction patient is to provide compassionate care and the best natural looking results possible. This is a specialty I give the utmost attention to and have developed knowledge and skills that have provided beautiful results that have been very healing and satisfying to many clients.

Why Reconstruction?

While considering being in surgery again most certainly is not appealing after going through cancer treatments, I have found that it does help empower women to regain their feelings of femininity and sense of normalcy. Most times I’m helping to rebuild a breast mound after lumpectomy or mastectomy surgery, however I can also correct previous breast surgeries and nipple replacement.

Deciding on the Surgeon

Through my many years of experience and artistry, as well as using the most sophisticated and cutting edge techniques, I can help to create natural looking breasts to enhance body shape. Breast reconstruction surgery requires a thorough understanding of the intricacies of the human anatomy, as this is not the same process as the standard Breast Augmentation. I have extensive experience and years of specialized training in Breast Reconstruction surgeries to provide my patients with the most beautiful, natural looking results possible.

Making Decisions

Working alongside your oncologist, we will patiently and thoroughly discuss your options regarding Breast Reconstruction surgery. We will cover many topics, such as the possibility of performing Breast Reconstruction at the same time as the cancer removal under the same anesthetic, or if we should wait until after other treatments.

You also have options as to what you’d like to replace the breast tissue with, including your own living tissue from an area with some extra to spare, such as your inner thigh, or implants made of silicone or saline. All of these can be used to create beautiful, natural looking breasts. The best choice differs for each individual based on many factors so we will discuss this extensively. Some of these factors are (but not limited to):

• cancer type
• stage of breast cancer
• your personal preferences
• overall health

If you’re considering Breast Reconstruction after cancer, and you’re looking for compassionate and expert care for the best results possible, please visit our website to schedule a consultation at www.davinciplastic.com.

Sincerely,

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

For Americans the “perfect body” includes big breasts, a small waist, a sexy butt and being fat free…for men and women. Europeans are obsessed with being dimple free…no cellulite period!  Asians prefer smaller breasts and butts but demand long, slim legs. Brazilians gave us the Brazilian ButtLift…curvy buttocks and also voluptuous Big Breasts. Perceptions vary between countries.

US CLOTHING and SOCIETY influences the plastic surgery trend. 1)  Cleavage baring tops (shirts, blouses etc) are a primary factor in breast surgeries.  2) Curvaceous butts thighs sought by American celebrities forced the surge in “Brazilian Butt Lifts”.  First Lady Michelle Obama’s Arm Lift became an inspiration for women of all colors to get their arms toned and in shape with Arm Lift surgery.

TOP SURGERIES WORLDWIDE  Breast Implants,  Leg Refining Procedures,  Butt Augmentations,  Cellulite reduction.  In 2011, Mexico led the charge among the top 5 countries worldwide with 800,000 cosmetic procedures.  America led the way with the obsession for “bigger is better” breasts and the most Breast Augmentations (Http://www.davinciplastic.com.).  Younger women want more on top while mature women and post pregnancy Moms want restored fullness.  The Best Butt for American Jeans is  the Braziliain Butt Lift and their trend for a perfectly proportioned backside with curves in all the right places!  American women love it and proved it with a 60% increase in Butt Augmentations during 2012, using their own body fat and Implants to achieve the right size and shape buttocks.

PERFECT BODY... Americans are obsessed with the breasts and being fat free..a narrow waist.  Breast Augmentations, Liposuction with Fat Grafting/Transplanting and Butt Augmentations have been the top choices for a few years now.  Men are also into sexier, fuller butts and get Butt Augmentations to fill out their pants.

EUROPEAN OBSESSIONS are about “NO CELLULITE…Period!”  All Europeans want to be dimple free with a natural looking body that looks as if it could be had easily with a healthy diet and a steady workout regimen. Many of the world’s top cosmetic procedures are born in Europe and after being proven they migrate to other places like the US.

ASIANS SEEK SLIM, TRIM, PETITE AESTHETICS   South Korea ranks #7 for women having plastic surgery before age 50, during 2011.  Their #1 obsession is super skinny, bulk free legs (Radish Legs). They clamor for long slim calves void of heavy looking muscles.  Small Breasts is their other ideal.  If they choose breast enlargement, they want only miniscule increase in size.  Breast implants, however are seeing a major advancement in Japan for reconstructive surgeries, a challenge that Japanese surgeons are overcoming as they get up to speed on the products and procedures.

BRAZILIAN SHAPE = CURVY + VOLUPTUOUS…Brazil’s #1 obsession is Full Perky Breasts and perfectly round buttocks.  They are obsessed with plastic surgery to make sure they have curves in all the right places by having Butt implants and fat augmentation  as well as large breast implants and breast lifts.  Many Brazilian women are naturally blessed with all the curves they desire, but plastic surgery is a major trend for those who are not so blessed.  My website educates you on all these procedures and many more that I offer: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

At DAVinci Plastic Surgery, I offer “Premium” procedures that  patients travel from around the world to have me perform because….I’m Board Certified, Highly Qualified, Well Experienced and have a host of happy patients…around the world.  I help people put their best self forward!

Best to You and Yours,

Steven Davison M.D.

Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

“DAVinci….where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

Since Angelina Jolies public announcement, and Brad Pitt’s comments about her double breast mastectomy, removal of both breasts as a “preventive” measure against developing breast cancer…I’ve decided it’s a good time to discuss today’s most popular…most natural cohesive (gummy bear) breast implants.

Natrelle 410 Ultra Cohesive Breast Implants are the most popular in the world today…chosen 2:1 by women having breast reconstruction surgery (after cancer treatment and breast removal)…and by women having implant revision surgery.  The Natrelle 410 also has more “loyal” physician advocates than any other single breast implant in the world!

WITH NATRELLE’s 410 COHESIVE tear shaped BREAST IMPLANTS…YOU WILL ALWAYS KEEP THEM GUESSING! 

The 410 Implant was the very first highly cohesive…anatomically shaped implants and they are now referred to as “gummy bears.”  They have been in use throughout Europe since 1993 with wonderful results.  Natrelle 410 offers 12 shapes for a given volume.  I love them…my patients love them… for many reasons!

• Natrelle 410 Implants…mimic the natural breast the best
• They are the implant of choice today for women having breast reconstruction surgery
• For breast implant revision surgery…the Natrelle 410 is top choice over all implants
• It’s “tear drop shape” contours resemble the curve of a woman’s breast
• The highly cohesive gummy silicone filler “holds together” uniformly to prevent migration in the event of a rupture (rarely occurs according to years of studies)
• 12 shapes for a given volume enables patient/surgeon to be very specific in shape selection…for every single patient
• Natrelle 410’s are chosen 2:1 by patients because they feel the most natural….soft to the touch
• It’s the #1 shaped gel implant chosen by surgeons in Europe and Canada…where it’s been available for years  (the FDA just approved it in the US in February, 2013)
• The textured surface means it will stay where it is placed beneath the breast
• The implant surgery requires specialized training and skill…I am one of a select group of surgeons currently allowed to offer the Natrelle 410 implants to patients.

Highly Developed Method…used for selecting the ideal implants for each individual patient….no cookie cutter methods here!  Also, incorporating my Vectra 3D Computer Imaging program empowers my patients to see actual potential results…before having surgery.

Hand in Glove Fit! Selecting the right implant is the first step to achieving your desired outcome…Second is “surgical technique and skill.”  Added years of specialized surgical training and years of great success and natural outcomes in reconstructive breast surgeries…have given my patients have the highest level of confidence in my abilities…strong enough to send their friends and loved ones to me also.

OK…been thinking about implant revision/replacement…or have you been through a mastectomy?  Let’s talk…

Spring Graduations, June Brides, New Mommies, Class Reunions, Career Changes, normal facial Aging is really showing…Beach Days are here…are you beach body ready? …and many more reasons to get that Breast Augmentation scheduled, to have a Mini Facelift, to keep them guessing with Botox treatments or have an “instant liquid facelift.”  Take 10 years off the face with an Eyebrow/Forehead Lift…removing years of aging with an Eye Job (Blepharoplasty) or a Nose Job…come on and let’s get to work. See complete info: https://www.davinciplastic.com.

Helping You Keep Your Best Self Forward….best to you and yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci….where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”

Angelina Jolie’s double mastectomy is big news right now...and is a timely reminder for women around the world…about the risk of developing breast cancer when a person is BRCA1 positive and/or has a strong family history of breast/ovarian cancers. Angelina chose to have a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) for several reasons….these 3 being the highest priority:

1) Angelina’s double mastectomy (surgical removal of both breasts) greatly reduced her changes of getting breast cancer by 87%.  For people who test positive for BRCA 1…the breast removal surgery reduces the risk of ever getting cancer…significantly.

2) The mastectomy surgery reduced her risk of getting ovarian cancer by 50%.  This is the disease that killed her mother (after fighting it for 10 years) at age 56.

3) Having the double mastectomy reduced her risk of breast cancer down to less than 5%…so she could tell her children: “They don’t need to fear they lose me to breast cancer.”    Her big why was her kids.  Living a long life to be there with and for them.  I didn’t want to leave them or for them to lose me at a young age the way I lost my Mom.  Angelina, age 37, and Brad Pitt have 6 children. Three are her own natural born and three are adopted.

Angelina chose to tell us all about her double mastectomy to encourage other women to:  get gene tested and to raise awareness of the options available to those at risk.

Angelina’s surgery was done in February…but she kept it private until now.  Even her own father, Actor/Celebrity John Voight didn’t know about it until recently at a family birthday party for one of the kids…and was very surprised because she has been very active and looked (looks) perfectly normal and healthy.

Brad Pitt and their 6 children were totally involved in the entire process…and even set up a little post-op recovery area at home so they could help mommy and be part of her recovery.  Brad is thankful and relieved for the clean bill of health….and for the fact that the cloud has been removed!

About BRCA1...BRCA1 is a gene mutation that men and women can carry and pass down to children.  This mutation makes people at risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers.  Genetic counseling followed by gene testing (blood tests) allow mutations to be found either BRCA1 or BRCA2…and empowers other family members to get tested also.  See: www.davinciplastic.com

Angelina said:

“This was not an easy decision….but one I’m glad I made! Now I want to encourage other women to get tested…especially those with a strong family history of cancers! ” She encourages us to seek out the information and the experts…learn about all the options…and those who can help you through this aspect of your life…make informed choices and become empowered!

Other Celebs who’ve had double mastectomies include:  Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Crow.          November, 2012….Sharon disclosed the facts about her breast removal surgery  after a genetic test revealed she was a carrier of BRCA1 genes.  She knew immediately that the odds were not in her favor….she’s had cancer before and did not want to live under that cloud again.

The critical message here is:  if you have a strong family history of cancer….get tested.  Let’s talk about….I’m specialized in all breast procedures including reconstruction options.

Best to you and yours.

Steven Davison M.D.

I’ve written several articles this year about men and cosmetic procedures…because men want the information, they appreciate the education and, they love the results they get from each procedure. The trend is that men are having more cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of every type, every year. Male Gynecomastia surgery is done to reduce the size of male breasts (same as breast reduction in women) for various other reasons.  I perform many of these operations every year to help my male patients regain self esteem, get renewed confidence and a new “physique” they can show off without embarrassment.

DATA:  40% to 60% of all men are affected with enlarged women like breasts

• Male Breast reduction is ideal for men who are self conscious about their condition
• Gynecomastia usually begins during adolescence & continues for life if not corrected
• It psychologically impacts men of all ages…starting in the early teen years
• Causes of large male breasts include:  obesity, Klinefelter’s Syndrome, Gilbert’s Syndrome, normal aging, hormone fluctuations, RX medications, anabolic steroids, impaired liver function

Male Breast Reduction Surgery… Results in a chest that is flatter, firmer, more contoured. Men and boys who suffer with Gynecomastia have found this surgery to be the ideal solution to their problem.  1) Male breast reduction is typically an outpatient surgery performed under general or local anesthesia. 2) I work through one small incision to  and remove excess fat and skin and to sculpt the breast to a masculine appearance. 3) My advanced techniques/skills and experience results in inconspicuous scars. 4) As with any operation, there is some swelling, bruising and discomfort for 2 to 3 days.   Oral pain medication manages this nicely. 5) Final results are seen when all swelling has resolved…usually 2 to 3 months.

Questions Men Ask Most Often:  See my website for info: http://www.DAVinciplastic.com

How much work will I miss?   My patients report back to work in 1 to 2 days.  Choose a long weekend for your procedure.

Will Activities be Restricted?   Yes.  No sex for 1 to 2 weeks following your surgery and no heavy, strenuous exercise for about 3 weeks.    Will Male Breast Reduction surgery change my looks?  NO.  You will look like yourself…just more fit, trim and contoured!

Will Male Breast Reduction negatively affect my sexual activity?  NO…in fact…men report to me it really enhances it due to their renewed self esteem and pumped self confidence!

OK. This gives you a good overview.  Come in soon and let’s talk.

Steven Davison M.D.

“DAVinci….where I combine the supreme elements of art and surgical science.”