Southern Plastic Surgery - Blog
Posts for the ‘Educational’ Category
Part II of Dr. Whiteman’s Intern Blog Series: “Can I still breastfeed after breast reduction?”
The second blog in a series of guest blogs from Dr. Whiteman’s interns.
In simple terms, breast reduction surgery involves removing part of the breast tissue in order to decrease the size of the breast. It is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed on young women today, and has an extremely high satisfaction rate. Most of the young women who are considering breast reduction surgery are simply tired of the neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, uncomfortable attention, peer pressure, lifestyle limitations, poor self-image and sometimes sexual harassment. Upon having the breast reduction procedure, these patients can significantly regain a confident self-image and increase their self esteem. Breastfeeding is often an uncommon concern at the time of breast reduction surgery; however, when the time for breastfeeding arrives, there are some common questions that arise. “Can I breastfeed my baby at all after breast reduction?” “Would my decision to have a breast reduction years ago affect my ability to feed, nurture, and bond with my baby at the breast now?”
To answer those burning questions, one must understand what breastfeeding really means. Breastfeeding should not be viewed as an “all or nothing” event, but should rather be viewed as how much milk a mother can produce. When the question is viewed from this perspective, breastfeeding after breast reduction is a very viable possibility. Breast reduction surgery, or any type of breast surgery, will almost always compromise a woman’s lactation potential to some extent, but the good news is a woman can still breastfeed her baby even if she cannot produce a full supply of milk. Breastfeeding a baby is not just about milk; more than that, it is about the special bonding created naturally between the mom and her newborn at the breast. Therefore, it is absolutely worthwhile to attempt breastfeeding even if breast reduction surgery causes reduced milk supply during lactation. It should be noted that there are ways women can increase their milk supply such as a supplementer, breast pump, etc. Education, support from family and doctor, reassurance, and patience are key factors needed for successful breastfeeding. If a mother is able to breastfeed, she will increase that special bond with her child allowing her to better nurse, comfort, and soothe her child. No matter the amount, as long as a mother can give her child any human milk at all, it will be well worth the effort.
Therefore, it is extremely important for young women to express their desire to maintain their breastfeeding ability when consulting with a plastic surgeon prior to breast reduction surgery. Mothers will have more successful breastfeeding capability if their surgeon takes care to preserve their mammary tissue, vital nerves, and ducts during the breast reduction procedure. Lactation capability is influenced by the type of breast reduction surgery a mother had done as some surgical techniques will preserve more lactating breast tissue than others. It is never too late to learn about the type of breast surgery you have had, or plan to have, and its impact on your breastfeeding capability.
At Southern Plastic Surgery, Dr. Whiteman and his staff are dedicated to making you comfortable and confident in your decision for a breast reduction procedure by making sure that you completely understand the procedure, expectations and possible outcomes. Dr. Whiteman and his staff are glad to answer any questions you may have before and after your surgery. At Southern Plastic Surgery, we are here to make your life easier and more meaningful in any way possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (770) 622-9100 or visit www.southernplasticsurgery.com to learn more about breast reduction surgery options.
Posted on February 15, 2010 7:56PM
Southern Plastic Surgery: Reaching out to Patients in the Southeast and Beyond!
While seeing surgical consultations recently, Dr. Whiteman noticed an interesting trend: many of the patients coming to see him had traveled to his Atlanta, Georgia office from various parts of the country. Within one day of consultations, Dr. Whiteman met with patients who lived in Florida, North Carolina, Illinois and even Italy!
This trend of traveling patients highlights the fact that you don’t have to “settle” for a plastic surgeon based on geography. If there is only one wedding dress shop in your town and none of the dresses struck your fancy, you aren’t going to settle on a dress you don’t like; instead you would travel to a dress shop that better fit your needs. Why should you not do the same with something as important as a cosmetic procedure?
When choosing a plastic surgeon, you need to first and foremost make sure that they are board certified in plastic surgery. In this economy, many general surgeons are offering plastic surgery services as a way to make extra income. Board certification in plastic surgery however, means that an independent board has reviewed and approved a surgeon’s experience, education, and ethical/moral commitments. It is very important for your safety and your satisfaction that you only have the most qualified and experienced physician performing your procedure. (Click here to learn more about Dr. Whiteman’s qualifications).
But choosing a plastic surgeon is not just about medical credentials, you should also feel comfortable and “at ease” with your surgeon, their staff, and their practice before you opt for a procedure. What sets Southern Plastic Surgery apart is that most of Dr. Whiteman’s staff has been working together for over a decade. The close bond that we share is reflected on every patient that walks through the door of our practice and it is our goal to make every patient as comfortable as possible. Contact us to visit our office for a consultation.
Posted on February 1, 2010 8:31PM
Nipple Correction Surgery can be the Key to a Better Breast Enhancement
Breast augmentations and breast lifts are among the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the nation; but many women don’t realize how much the nipple and surrounding dark area (the areola) around the nipple can affect the look of the overall breast. Thus more and more people are opting for nipple or areola correction surgery (also known as Areola mastopexy), a reconstructive surgery to correct aesthetic problems by changing the shape and size of the nipple.
Nipple correction can give your breasts a whole new look, without having to undergo extensive surgery. In fact, the procedure is an in-office procedure, only requires local anesthesia, and no downtime. Nipple correction is most often done in conjunction with other breast enhancement procedures.
Patients who seek reconstructive surgery on their nipples are often unsatisfied with an areola that is too large, of unusual shape, or one that protrudes out. For patients such as these, nipple reduction or nipple prominence reduction would be recommended. This is a procedure that involves telescoping the nipple to make it look less prominent in clothing, without affecting nipple sensation or the ability to breastfeed.
Some women wish to correct the “stretched” look of their nipples caused by a condition known as ptosis, or the stretching of breast skin, loss of breast fullness, and the subsequent downward projection of the nipple. This can often be corrected by a donut mastoplexy, which involves the removal of a donut-shaped piece of tissue around the areola, resulting in a flatter, rounder breast and nipple shape.
Others opt for a lifting surgical technique, also called a crescent mastoplexy, where the nipple is elevated on the breast to make breasts appear perkier or more lifted without undergoing a breast lift procedure. This procedure involves excising a crescent-shaped piece of excess skin from above the nipple, allowing the nipple to be lifted and repositioned.
Others come in to correct a fairly common condition called an inverted nipple or a cosmetic deformity in which the nipple is retracted into the breast tissue instead of pointing outward. There are three grades of inverted nipples, rising in severity, and the inversion can be present in one or both breasts.
Whatever aesthetic feature you wish to correct, it is important to acknowledge the variety of options available to cosmetic surgery patients. While breast lift and breast augmentation procedures are the still the most realistic options for enhancing the look of the breasts, nipple revision surgery may be a viable option for a select few.
Consult with Dr. Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery to discover which option will be the best for your breast enhancement needs.
Posted on December 14, 2009 2:02PM
Testing Performed during Breast Reduction Surgery may Help Detect Early Signs of Breast Cancer
The benefits of breast reduction surgery are obvious; in addition to giving patients a more comfortable breast size, a breast reduction can help alleviate common problems associated with large breasts such as neck and back pain, poor posture, a rash under the breast area, breathing problems, and difficulty engaging in physical activities.
But there may be another surprising benefit for those who opt to undergo this surgery. According to a new study presented at the 2009 conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in Seattle, testing the excess fat and tissue removed during breast reduction surgery can lead to better cancer detection. Of the two hundred plus cases that were reviewed, cancerous or pre-cancerous cells were found in 12.4 percent of patients – yet, none of these cancerous or potentially cancerous lesions were found in the mammograms required prior to surgery.
For women fighting breast cancer, early detection is key. With about 90,000 women opting to undergo breast reduction surgery in 2008, there is a great potential to help better identify women who are at-risk for this disease.
Visit Southern Plastic Surgery’s website to learn more about Dr. Whiteman’s breast reduction and breast reconstruction surgery.
Posted on November 30, 2009 2:39PM
‘Informed’ Breast Cancer Patients More Likely to Undergo Reconstruction
Breast Cancer surgery can be one of the most devastating experiences in a woman’s life. Not only are patients exhausted from their battle with cancer and worried about their future, but a mastectomy (the surgical removal of one or both breasts) can leave a woman feeling less like her old self than ever before. That is why a new statistic by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons came as such a shock: nearly 70 percent of women eligible for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy are not informed of the surgical options available to them.
The difference in those seeking reconstruction and those who did not was most apparent when comparing different racial and ethnic groups. In another study by the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Latina who spoke limited English were less likely to undergo reconstruction than white women, black women, and English speaking Latina women. While 41 percent of white women and English speaking Latina women underwent reconstruction, only 14 percent of less acculturated Latinas did. Because of the language barrier that exists between patient and doctor, patients who spoke limited English were less informed of their options.
In fact, a related study showed that women who were simply referred to a reconstruction doctor during their breast cancer surgery were much more likely to undergo the procedure. In the ACS Clinical Congress study, 92 percent of patients who were referred underwent reconstruction and none of the non-referred patients underwent the surgery!
The statistics above show how much a little information can do to help a patient realize their recovery options. That is why new technology is emerging to help patients become more aware of their options. For instance, there is a computer based decision making aid on the market right now that teaches patients their various reconstruction options. According to a study conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, women who used the CD learning module were more involved in choosing reconstruction than those who did not, and they believed they were offered a greater number of surgical options for breast reconstruction – once again highlighting how empowering information can be.
The bottom line is that all women should be informed of all of their options from the onset of their breast cancer diagnosis. Whether or not a woman chooses to undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a personal decision – yet every woman deserves the right to make that decision.
It is important to present plastic surgery as an option from the onset of treatment; that way, doctors can work together every step of the way to give a patient the best possible treatment. In fact, many patients choose to have their breasts reconstructed during the same time as their mastectomy to reduce the number of surgeries needed.
Education is only one of the ways to make the battle against breast cancer more bearable; that is why Dr. Whiteman developed a “buddy system” in the offices of Southern Plastic Surgery. His support program gives breast cancer patients the option to speak with other survivors to gain a better understanding of what to expect from their surgery.
Source: MedNews
Posted on November 16, 2009 2:12PM
Dr. Whiteman Achieves “Platinum Level Status” as Botox Injector!
Dr. Whiteman is one of the few physicians in the Atlanta area to have achieved “Platinum Level Status” as a Botox® injector! Botox® is a cosmetic injectable, FDA approved for wrinkle removal, and developed and distributed by Allergan, Inc.
This exclusive platinum status is only awarded to physicians with a high level experience in safely using Allergan products.
Other popular Allergan cosmetic products falling under Dr. Whiteman’s Platinum Level status include: Juvederm®, Latisse® eyelash treatments, and Natrelle® breast implants.
To learn about these products or Dr. Whiteman’s experience schedule a consultation today.
Posted on November 9, 2009 3:04PM
Congratulations Dr. Whiteman!
Dr. Whiteman recently received the “Outstanding Contribution Award” for his work with for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the 2008/2009 Academic Year. Congratulations on the hard work and your continued commitment to higher education!
Posted on October 7, 2009 2:06PM
Is there a Bright Side to Cancer?
A note from Dr. Whiteman:
This blog entry is the start of a series of blog entries from the interns that have been working with me at Southern Plastic Surgery and Gwinnett Hospital. I think it is important to get always take a look at a fresh perspective, and look forward to hearing about the insights and experiences of the interns over the coming weeks. I hope you enjoy them as well!
Is there a Bright Side to Cancer?
Is there a Bright Side to Cancer? According to many of Dr. Whiteman’s patients, visits to his office are just that – a ray of hope. As a third year medical student who just spent four weeks learning from him, his staff, and his patients, I agree wholeheartedly. Surgical removal of cancer leaves a permanent reminder and can oftentimes disrupt quality of life. Luckily, the breast cancer journey doesn’t have to end there for these patients.
Breast cancer is a particularly special field because it is not only anatomy, but a source of femininity and life. Recent data trends demonstrate that the incidence of breast cancer has increased. Investigators suggest that this increase may be due to older age at initial pregnancy, increased use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, and changes in average ages of menarche (first menstrual period) and menopause.
Because of his expertise and reputation, Dr. Whiteman is referred many breast cancer patients at all stages of their journey, but especially for breast reconstruction. “I always enjoyed coming to see Dr. Whiteman because it marked the positive part of this road,” stated a breast cancer patient of his.
Through his office’s breast cancer support system, many have found lifelong friendships and support from other survivors. This “buddy system” has allowed patients talk to other women not only about the disease but about their reconstructive surgery and what to expect. These women share a unique bond; because no one can completely understand how difficult this is unless they have gone through it.
Just as not all breast cancers are the same, not all of the reconstructive surgeries for these women are alike. There are different procedures according to the needs of the patient. Treatment of cancer can consist of a lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, partial, or radical mastectomy. All of these change the breast in different ways. The important factors in determining the type of reconstruction that is best include the type of treatment received, the patient’s body type, and the patient’s preference.
There are many procedure types and they can range from creating new breasts from the patient’s own tissue to using an implant. Reconstruction can take two or more surgeries in which recreation of the nipple and tattooing of the areolar area is the final touch. The entire process can last months to over a year depending on the patient.
One of the patients that I spoke in detail with decided on the TRAM (Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous) Flap operation. In this procedure a tissue flap including skin, fat, and muscle taken from the abdomen is used to make a new breast mound. This surgery may require hospitalization for 3-4 days. Recovery will take 3-6 weeks. Another option is to place tissue expanders in the chest area where the breasts were. These expanders are slowly filled with saline to create room for an implant at a later date. This procedure is better for some who may want only one surgical area or who do not have ideal tissue to create a new breast. This surgery is often done as an outpatient procedure and recovery will take a couple of weeks.
It is also important in some cases to reconstruct the opposite breast to match. As one patient put it, “I had a breast that looked like it was 20 years old and one that looked 50!” Many women opt to have the opposite breast lifted in these situations. After going through the disease many women make the best of the reconstruction and decide on the size and shape they had always wanted. There are several options and continuous advances made for women with breast cancer at any stage. Whether women begin reconstruction in the operating room immediately after their mastectomy or wait until months after chemotherapy or radiation; the reconstruction is vital in their recovery. Dr. Whiteman is known for working hand in hand with the oncologists and other surgeons to determine what is best for his patients. After what these survivors have gone through, the reconstruction is a positive step forward.
My previous rotation was working with an oncologist, therefore, my exposure to breast cancer has come full circle. What a wonderful experience to see these women at this part of their journey with a new lease on life. They are some of the most open and touching patients I have come in contact with. After speaking with many of these ladies, it is easy to understand that they chose Dr. Whiteman to be a part of their journey because of how “comfortable” they felt with him and his office staff. As one woman declared, “It was hard to realize how much of me would be lost, I will never be the same…but Dr. Whiteman made me whole again.”
-Beverly Davis, Student Medical Intern
Posted on October 5, 2009 2:39PM
Evolence – FDA approval on longest lasting facial filler yet!
Ortho Dermatologics recently announced FDA approval of the new labeling for EVOLENCE® – the very first facial filler who can rightfully claim results lasting through a year. While EVOLENCE® has been in the United States since 2008, the previous label was only approved to say “results lasting up to 6 months.” Further testing however, has lead the FDA to approve the new label; thus recognizing the validity of the claim that it can correct moderate to deep lines and wrinkles through 12 months.
Wrinkles and folds are caused by the gradual depletion of collagen in the face, a process that is sped up by things like smoking, too much sun, or even unlucky genes. Like its facial filler competitors, EVOLENCE® works by replacing this lost volume and “filling” in those lines and folds that make your face look old, tired, and weathered. EVOLENCE® uses an all-natural filler made of collagen that closely mimics the collagen found in your skin – giving you a smoother, more natural look when injected into the problem areas of the face. It is important to remember, however that you can achieve the safest and best results when you get injections by a board certified plastic surgeon.
EVOLENCE® is actually relatively new to the US market compared to other parts of the world – Canada, Western and Eastern Europe, Israel, South Korea, and Russia have all been using this filler since 2004/2005. But with results lasting longer than any other product of its kind on the market, EVOLENCE® can be expected to gain quick popularity for those looking for a longer lasting wrinkle fix.
Contact Dr. David Whiteman at the office of Southern Plastic Surgery to find out more about EVOLENCE® and to see if it’s the right product for you.
Posted on September 28, 2009 4:47PM
Traveling for Cosmetic Surgery?
You may recall awhile back the story about the wife of music celebrity Usher Raymond who traveled out of the country for ‘privacy reasons’. While her true reasons are unknown, the facts are she very recently gave birth and attempted to get liposuction while in Brazil.
Most board certified plastic surgeons in the US would have warned her out of undergoing the procedure so early after childbirth and send her away for the time being, but those out of the US, away from bothersome things like “credentials” and “board certifications” have no qualms with taking the money from someone famous. The result of her voyage? Falling into cardiac arrest prior to the procedure due to irresponsible anesthesia administering.
This information became, as you can see, anything but ‘private’, thereby making the reason for her leaving the US absolutely meaningless. The practice of leaving the US to get plastic surgery, whether for privacy concerns or to save some money is sometimes called ‘Medical Tourism’ and it clearly comes with its own risks.
According to a recent article in U.S. News & World Report, 28 countries on four different continents are part of the medical tourism business. Each year 2 million patients get procedures done in other countries besides their own; and these countries offer everything from dental care to plastic and cosmetic surgery. Even Americans, more than 180,000 in 2008, are going abroad to visit hospitals and clinics in other countries besides the United States.
The reasons for “outsourcing” often come down to the money you
will save. Other reasons include trying to keep your operation under the radar so no one at home will know that you have gotten work done. But there is nothing to be ashamed of when considering plastic surgery. If you want to get rid of that post-pregnancy weight (similar to motives of Usher’s wife), people will understand. You just need to work with your surgeons, because many will ask you to wait for a few to several months after birth so your body can normalize and recover.
While the choice of where you get your medical procedures done is up to you, keep in mind the risk you will be taking if your physician is not a board certified or have excellent credentials and past experience. If you travel out of the US to find a US-trained and board certified plastic surgeon; but keep in mind there may be a reason why they have left the US. Your best bet is to stay local and stick with the names you trust. All of my patients have and I hope their results speak for themselves.
[Original news source courtesy of the Huffington Post and U.S. News & World Report]
Posted on September 21, 2009 1:18PM
Entries (RSS)Contact Us
Southern Plastic Surgery
David M. Whiteman, M.D., F.R.C.S.(c)
3855 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite 370
Duluth, Georgia 30096
Google Maps
Phone: 770.622.9100