 Hello, Warriors! Welcome to The Breast Place blog and thank you for taking time out of your active schedule to visit! We appreciate our readers to the utmost degree, as we do our patients. If this is your first visit to The Breast Place blog, we welcome you. We cover a range of topics here. From breast cancer management to anti-aging skin treatments to helpful tips for maximizing your overall health and wellness—The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Our offices are open and our staff is prepared to answer any questions you may have about your health, your breast cancer risk, and how to reach your aesthetic goals.
At The Breast Place, we offer several oncoplastic surgical procedures, such as natural reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy, Hidden Scar™, implant reconstruction, and breast lift with or without reduction. Oncoplastic surgery is distinct from both breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery–though you initially assume oncoplastic surgery to be a mixture of both. Rather, the aim of oncoplastic breast surgery is “to achieve good aesthetic outcomes for women with breast cancers who would have unacceptable outcomes with other BCS techniques, and in addition, enable breast-conserving surgery for larger breast cancers.” While breast cancer surgery prioritizes the eradication of cancerous tissue and plastic surgery prioritizes the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, oncoplastic surgery takes both of these aspects into account when planning for the final outcome. You can find out more information about what to look for in an Oncoplastic surgeon here. Our last article discussed the implications of genetic testing. Genetic testing is an invaluable resource for detecting those genetic mutations which leave us at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and diseases. This detection can help individuals prepare for the future, make informed decisions about their care, and preempt the actual formation of a particular cancer or disease. We also discussed different types of genes and their implications. It is important to note that not all gene mutations lead to an increased chance of developing breast cancer. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to go check out our last blog. Before we dive into today’s topic, we’d like to make you aware of a few promotions available at The Breast Place this February. Though this month is often associated with romantic love, it’s important we remember to also love ourselves. Do we feel good and strong within our own bodies? Have we been practicing self-care with consistency and intentionality? If the answer is no, now is the time to start. If the answer is yes, then continue! The Breast Place is here to help! We’re offering $150 off each syringe of Juvederm Ultra XC, so you can have extra kissable lips this month. As well, each unit of Dysport is only $3. Our Grande Bundle—which includes GrandeLash, GrandeBrow, and GrandeMascara—is only $125. All products ship free! If you haven’t received a breast screening in a while, we encourage you to schedule one. (You can perform a self-exam in the meantime using this resource.) Overall, we encourage you to use the rest of February to catch up on your sleep, move your body, eat a balanced diet and prioritize your own wellbeing. Today, we’ll be discussing body contouring! This is sometimes referred to as “body sculpting”, and is an increasingly popular procedure that aims to reshape parts of the body and reduce fat. By reducing fat in certain areas of the body, the body can be contoured and shaped. After having children or simply encountering challenges in life, unwanted fat can stick around no matter how hard you work. Sometimes, certain areas of the body do not respond to diet and exercise. Body contouring is a great solution for anyone looking to get rid of stubborn fat pockets. There are a variety of surgical methods of body sculpting, including lifts and tucks, and liposuction. Nonsurgical methods of body sculpting include injections, the use of cold temperatures, lasers, or ultrasound waves. Here at The Breast Place, we utilize truSculpt iD from Cutera, which is an FDA-approved, noninvasive fat removal device for quick fat loss. This device uses the latest body sculpting technology personalized to fit anyone, and there is almost no limit to the areas that can be treated, unlike other devices on the market. This technology is clinically proven to provide an average of 24% fat reduction. It also tailors to each patient’s individual needs. truSculpt iD kills fat cells with every treatment and addresses skin laxity with its innovative heat-based technology, known as radiofrequency heat. This targets water in the cells, so it is helpful to make sure you are hydrated before treatment. This differs from Coolsculpting, which uses cold to get rid of fat. The heat causes fat cells to die off which makes the skin tighten rather than become saggy. This can result in giving the skin a more youthful appearance. If you have a cold intolerance, truSculpt iD is a great alternative to Coolsculpting. Body contouring is often used to make people look or feel thinner as well as to attain a certain shape. It is used to target specific unwanted areas, rather than a weight loss method. It is important to note that body contouring is not meant to serve as a weight loss solution. It is generally ideal for people who have already reached their desired weight. For people who have lost a significant amount of weight, body contouring can help get rid of excess skin. Common areas that body contouring is used on the arms, back, belly, and flanks (sometimes known as “love handles”), buttocks, neck, chin, and thighs. Body contouring can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Most fat-reducing procedures on the market are only approved for those with a lower body mass index (BMI). However, truSculpt iD can treat people with a BMI of 30 or above. When you first meet with your provider, you will discuss your medical history, including health conditions and previous surgeries. Your provider will examine the target areas, discuss options and make recommendations. Feel free to ask your provider questions about the procedure as well as ask to see photos of before and after results. truSculpt iD requires a minimum of two to four treatments, spaced four to six weeks apart. The best results are seen after completing all treatments, but proven results have been reported in as little as one 15-minute treatment. Since the best results come gradually, this will make the change in your appearance feel more natural to those around you. This non-surgical sculpting has no downtime, which means it can be completed during your lunch break! Cutera describes the treatment as feeling like a “hot stone massage”, and can leave some redness behind on your skin, as well as sensitivity, but you can resume normal activities immediately. 169,695 nonsurgical body contouring procedures were performed in 2016, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. With these procedures, only mild side effects such as redness, swelling, and pain were reported. There will be no scarring or discoloration. There are fewer risks associated with nonsurgical body sculpting, because there is no anesthesia involved. These procedures also tend to be less expensive than surgical liposuction procedures. After treatment, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy and exercising. Drinking, smoking, and consuming other substances that may affect your metabolism and weight should be avoided. Overall, committing to a healthy lifestyle will help maximize your results. Women may also want to consider body contouring after they are finished having children. The major impact that pregnancy has on the body has the potential to undo results. As you can see, body contouring is an easy, non-invasive way to get rid of stubborn fat, excess skin, or cellulite. There is no downtime and virtually no risks, and treatment is personalized to fit each patient’s needs. If you are interested in this treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have! We are committed to empowering women, and we are proud to offer truSculpt iD to help you look and feel your best. Thank you for taking the time to read today’s article and we hope you’ll check back in for future posts about treatments, wellness, and more!
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Hello, Warriors! Welcome to The Breast Place blog and thank you for taking time out of your active schedule to visit! We appreciate our readers to the utmost degree, as we do our patients. Hopefully, you’re taking advantage of the current climate and enjoying our lovely city in autumn. If this is your first visit to The Breast Place blog, we cover a range of topics here. From breast cancer management to anti-aging skin treatments to helpful tips for maximizing your overall health and wellness—The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Our offices are open and our staff is prepared to answer any questions you may have about your health, your breast cancer risk, and how to reach your aesthetic goals.
At The Breast Place, we offer several oncoplastic surgical procedures, such as natural reconstruction, nipple-sparing mastectomy, Hidden Scar™, implant reconstruction, and breast lift with or without reduction. Oncoplastic surgery is distinct from both breast cancer surgery and plastic surgery–though you initially assume oncoplastic surgery to be a mixture of both. Rather, the aim of oncoplastic breast surgery is “to achieve good aesthetic outcomes for women with breast cancers who would have unacceptable outcomes with other BCS techniques, and in addition, enable breast-conserving surgery for larger breast cancers.” While breast cancer surgery prioritizes the eradication of cancerous tissue and plastic surgery prioritizes the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, oncoplastic surgery takes both of these aspects into account when planning for the final outcome. Our last article was dedicated to what you should look for in an oncoplastic surgeon. We discussed specific certifications available to those who perform oncoplastic surgery, how to judge past outcomes, experience levels, seeking a second opinion, and more! If you’re on the hunt for a skilled, experienced oncoplastic surgeon, we recommend giving our latest article a read and then reaching out to us! Before we dive into today’s topic, we’d like to make you aware of a few promotions available at The Breast Place this February. Though this month is often associated with romantic love, it’s important we remember to also love ourselves. Do we feel good and strong within our own bodies? Have we been practicing self-care with consistency and intentionality? If the answer is no, now is the time to start. If the answer is yes, then continue! The Breast Place is here to help! We’re offering $150 off each syringe of Juvederm Ultra XC, so you can have extra kissable lips this month. As well, each unit of Dysport is only $3. Our Grande Bundle—which includes GrandeLash, GrandeBrow, and GrandeMascara—is only $125. All products ship free! If you haven’t received a breast screening in a while, we encourage you to schedule one. (You can perform a self-exam in the meantime using this resource.) Overall, use February to catch up on your sleep, move your body, eat a balanced diet and prioritize your own wellbeing. Today, we’ll be discussing the implications of genetic testing. Genetic testing is an invaluable resource for detecting those genetic mutations which leave us at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and diseases. This detection can help individuals prepare for the future, make informed decisions about their care, and preempt the actual formation of a particular cancer or disease. That said, many individuals aren’t entirely prepared for the process of genetic testing. From how long it’ll take to receive results to how to deal with the emotional aftermath—genetic testing can be shrouded in mystery. We hope to peel back the veil and give those about to undergo genetic testing a sense of what to expect. At The Breast Place, genetic testing and family history go hand-in-hand. We partner with Ambry Genetics to offer a self-assessment, which—based on the answers you provide—can give you a better sense of your risk status. If you are at an increased risk, then genetic testing may be for you. We partner with AmbryCARE to perform comprehensive genetic assessments based on your DNA sample. To read more about the importance of genetic testing, the process of genetic testing, and who should be tested—check out our previous article about genetic testing. Gene Mutations Not all gene mutations lend themselves to an increased chance of developing breast cancer. The chart below seeks to give a brief overview of each gene and its implications. If you test positive for any of these genetic mutations, you’ll want to have a more in-depth discussion with your genetic counselor to understand the minute implications. Genes and Implications BRCA1 Breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1) is a type of protein responsible for repairing damaged DNA strands. Known as a caretaker gene, BRCA1 serves to regulate the repair of chromosomal damage, ensuring all damaged genetic information is restored correctly. Damaged DNA stands can cause cells to grow abnormally or multiply quickly. BRCA1 keeps our cells stable and, as such, is considered one of the primary human tumor suppressor genes. When our BRCA1 gene is mutated, its ability to regulate DNA repair is impaired and we are left more susceptible to tumor formation. Between 55% and 72% of females with a harmful BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer before the age of eighty. A BRCA1 mutation is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer. BRCA2 Breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein (BRCA2) is actually a completely unrelated protein to breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein (BRCA1), though it is also a human tumor suppressor gene. BRCA2 plays an equally significant role in repairing damaged DNA. Technically, BRCA2 is a “mediator of the core mechanism of homologous recombination,” while BRCA1 is a “pleiotropic DDR protein that functions in both checkpoint activation and DNA repair.” Each gene has its specific role. Between 45% and 69% of females with a harmful BRCA2 mutation will develop breast cancer before the age of eighty. A BRCA2 mutation is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer. PALB2 PALB2 stands for partner and localizer of BRCA2 and is also known as FANCN. This protein is responsible for repairing double-strand breaks and, therefore, is responsible for protecting the human genome. When we develop breast cancer, the PALB2 gene protein binds to the BRCA2 gene protein and helps carry out its functions within the body (as well as localize its presence, thus stopping tumor growth). You can inherit a mutated PALB2 gene but have two normal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, in this case—if both of your inherited PALB2 genes are mutated—you are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. This risk is about 9.47 times higher. “Women with an abnormal PALB2 gene had a 14% risk of developing breast cancer by age 50 and a 35% risk of developing breast cancer by age 70.” A PALB2 mutation is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and ovarian cancers. CHEK2 Checkpoint Kinase 2, or CHEK2, is a “cell cycle checkpoint regulator and putative tumor suppressor.” This means, when damaged DNA causes our cells to grow or multiply rapidly, CHEK2 kicks in and acts as a roadblock. CHEK2 also works in tandem with BRCA1 and BRCA1 to ensure our cell’s continued survival even after cell damage has occurred. If you have a harmful mutation to the CHEK2 gene, you are twice as likely to develop breast cancer (as a woman), as well as colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, and kidney cancer. ATM ATM serine (ATM) or threonine kinase is only activated by double-strand DNA breaks. When DNA is damaged, ATM proliferates several proteins which trigger the checkpoint (mentioned in CHEK2). This checkpoint results in one of three things: cell cycle arrest (full-stop), DNA repair (fix), or apoptosis (cell death). These functions are carried out by other gene proteins, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and others. A mutated ATM gene can result in a 20-60% increased chance of developing breast cancer; it is also associated with a condition called ataxia-telangiectasia (AT), which is characterized by a lack of muscular coordination, lessened immunity, and a predisposition to certain cancers. The Aftermath Learning you have a genetic mutation can be disorienting, frightening, and overwhelming. It’s important to realize you are not alone and you do have options concerning how you wish to process. Discuss these options—as well as any emotions you may be experiencing—with your genetic counselor and medical provider. The Breast Place is committed to empowering women. Knowledge is power. If you have any questions about how your family history affects you, about genetic testing, or about any of the genes mentioned here today, schedule a consultation with The Breast Place today. Thank you for taking the time to read today’s article and we hope you’ll check back in for future posts about treatments, wellness, and more! |
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