Tag Archives: plastic surgery duluth ga

The Link Between Obesity and Breast Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million women world-wide are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Breast cancer risk factors span from those that are not easily treated such as age and family history, to those that may be easily minimized by leading a healthy lifestyle. Though there are multiple factors that can contribute to cancer risk, body weight proves to have the strongest evidence linking it to cancer. Excess body weight contributes to as many as 1 out of 5 of all cancer-related deaths.

breast reconstruction in atlanta georgiaRecently, studies from both the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the World Cancer Research Fund concluded that there is substantial evidence that being obese or overweight can promote breast cancer following menopause. The study also found that women over the age of 18 who gained 60 or more pounds had double the risk of being diagnosed with post-menopausal breast cancer compared to women who lived physically active lives and had a lower body mass index.

Reaching an appropriate, healthy weight can often be challenging. However, it is important to maintain positive lifestyle habits to not only prevent your risk of life-threatening illnesses, but is also essential to maintaining plastic surgery results. While I do perform body contouring procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, and mommy makeover surgery to help patients achieve a slimmer, thinner contour, plastic surgery should not be a “quick-fix” but rather assist you in achieving your goals. I always promise that I will do my part to meet your desired cosmetic goals, but also place the utmost importance that you do your part to preserve a successful procedure outcome.

If you’re looking to make the first steps towards healthy lifestyle changes, our in-house NESTA Weight Management Specialist, Jackie Madison is here to help. With the Lifestyle & Weight Management program, Jackie will help coach you through your pre and post-surgery transition by teaching you how to commit to an active lifestyle, achieve weight loss and weight management goals, provide effective eating habits, manage your time, assist with battling stress and more.

If you are interested in any of the cosmetic procedures I perform, please contact Southern Plastic Surgery, P.C. today. Be sure to connect with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for plastic surgery news.

Breast Reconstruction FAQ’s

“I am truly blessed to have a doctor so gifted by God with a brilliant mind, skillful hands, and a passionate heart for his patients – I know you have made many sacrifices for me and have been at my side when I needed you; your devotion is greatly appreciated.” – Judy

Atlanta Breast ReconstructionI fully understand the toll that breast cancer has on a woman both physically and emotionally. After undergoing a mastectomy or lumpectomy following a diagnosis, a breast cancer survivor can be overcome by a lack of self-confidence. For over 20 years, I have crafted my expertise in breast reconstruction and have continued to utilize various innovative surgical techniques. With a strong emphasis on restoring the breasts in the most natural way possible, I aim to ensure the best possible care and results for all of my patients. For patients who are interested in undergoing breast reconstruction, I will share a few of the top common questions patients typically ask before/after undergoing surgery:

Q: Who is a good candidate for breast reconstruction surgery?
A: Breast reconstruction is an elective procedure because it is never medically necessary. Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately after a mastectomy or lumpectomy or delayed until all cancer treatment is completed or when the patient is ready. Some women may even choose not to have surgery after a mastectomy at all. Other women may choose to undergo breast reconstruction to maintain their body image and have a sense of closure from their experience with cancer. During a consultation, I will examine the skin, muscle, and residual breast tissue, and depending on your individual case and goals, I will create a personalized treatment plan to provide the most natural breast reconstruction outcome.

Q: How is breast reconstruction surgery performed?
A: When performing the procedure, I first examine the breast and additional areas where skin, tissue, and muscle can be repositioned to restore the breasts if a flap reconstruction method is used. If the patient doesn’t have a suitable amount of tissue, I will insert a silicone or saline implant and tissue expanders, which are balloon-like devices inserted under the skin to gradually stretch the skin, may be utilized to allow space for the breast implant. To improve symmetry and form of the breasts for patients who’ve undergone a full or partial mastectomy, a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast reduction may also be recommended.

Q: Will my reconstructed breast look and feel the same as my original breast?
A: Usually, the breast may appear flatter or more round depending on whether it is rebuilt using harvested tissue or breast implants. When undergoing breast reconstruction, the size and shape will never be exactly the same as the original breast, but each patient can opt for a smaller or larger size. While a reconstructed breast may mirror the appearance of the original, it will not have the same sensation and feel as the breast it replaces. My overall goal is to exchange the patient’s breast tissue, skin, and the nipple-areolar that were removed during mastectomy to construct new, natural-looking breasts that fit the patient’s body accordingly.

To help raise awareness for breast cancer, I encourage you to get involved with The Sport of Giving, a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization supporting women’s cancer care and prevention with special fundraiser events and Life After the Fight, to promote breast cancer survivors’ professional ventures. To learn more about breast reconstruction at Southern Plastic Surgery, P.C., please contact us to schedule a consultation. Be sure to connect with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic and reconstructive news.

How Your Physical & Mental Health Impacts Your Plastic Surgery Results

When it comes to plastic surgery, both your physical and mental health plays a very significant role when it comes to the overall outcome of your procedure(s). There are many factors such as fatigue, anxiety, stress, eating habits, and exercise which all play a part in achieving desired plastic surgery results. There is however necessary pre & post-operative steps that should be taken in order to minimize potential complications and further ensure optimal recovery.

How Your Physical and Mental Health Impacts Your Plastic Surgery ResultsA healthy body starts with maintaining a proper exercise and diet regimen, which is essential to help fight against possible infection, and repair blood vessels, muscles, bones, and skin following your surgery. Additionally, a steady diet consisting of vitamins, carbohydrates, protein, and antioxidants can help in decreasing your chances of cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Typically, I recommend patients wait a few weeks before partaking in light physical activity and 4 to 6 weeks before returning to a regular workout routine.

As with any surgery, there is always the risk of complications, therefore it is vital that patients be mentally healthy and stable before and after receiving cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, or mommy makeovers. The thought of going through surgery, deficiency of sleep, and the pain and swelling during recuperation may often cause patients to become stressed. It is known that stress is one of the leading causes of weight gain and noticeable signs of aging. One of the best ways to minimize stress is by making sure to get the recommended 6-8 hours of uninterrupted rest. Lack of sleep can affect productivity, memory, weight and aging. When we sleep, our bodies go into “repair-mode” to mend the damage from daily activities by replacing old cells and stimulating new skin cell growth.  When our bodies are not able to get enough rest, they become stressed and release increased amounts of the hormone cortisol. An increase in cortisol can affect the skin’s collagen production, which is beneficial in preserving the skin’s elasticity, and can lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.

While I offer various facial and body procedures, I place the utmost importance on patients leading a healthy lifestyle in order to preserve successful and aesthetically-pleasing results. If you’re looking to make the first steps towards healthy lifestyle changes, our in-house NESTA Weight Management Specialist, Jackie Madison is here to help. With the Lifestyle & Weight Management program, Jackie will help coach you through your pre and post-surgery time period by teaching you how to commit to an active lifestyle, achieve weight loss and weight management goals, provide effective eating habits, manage your time and assist with battling stress.

If you are interested in any of the cosmetic procedures I perform, please contact us today. Be sure to connect with me, Dr. David Whiteman, on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for plastic surgery news.