Archive for October, 2022

October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a month to show your support for a woman in your life with the disease, a reminder for women to take care of themselves and do all they can to educate themselves about staying healthy, and a time to celebrate survival. If you have had a mastectomy or a lumpectomy, you may be trying to decide what to do next – you should know that breast reconstruction surgery is an option.

What is breast reconstruction?

Every woman is different, as far as how cancer has affected them and what results they would like to see from breast reconstruction. Your doctor will be able to go over your options and the pros and cons of each. Here are some things to think about:

1. You don’t have to decide right away. Cancer and its treatment are overwhelming enough as it is, and you may not want to think about reconstruction right now. But that’s OK. While some women do opt for reconstruction at the time of mastectomy, others wait to decide what (if anything) they want done. It is a procedure that can wait for months or even years.

2. Insurance companies are legally required to pay for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy or a partial mastectomy/lumpectomy.

3. If you are having trouble deciding what to do, it might help to speak with other women who have been in the same situation. Look for a support group in your area or even online.

4. Many women who have had one breast affected opt for plastic surgery on both breasts, so that they will be the same size and shape.

5. Research has shown that breast reconstruction does not make it harder to check for cancer in the future, and it does not increase the odds of getting cancer again.

Dr. Weinstein and the staff at the Weinstein Plastic Surgery Center want to be there for you at this stressful time, to answer your questions and address your concerns and to help you decide if breast reconstruction is the right choice for you. Call the office in Chester, New Jersey, for a breast reconstruction consultation, at (908) 879-2222.

Posted in breast reconstruction on October 15th, 2022

The 411 on Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Undergoing a mastectomy in order to rid your breasts and your body of cancerous cells and tissues is a life altering decision. And although this life altering decision can and likely will save your life, it can leave you as a woman feeling a bit deflated both physically and emotionally. If you have recently undergone a mastectomy and your breasts are either completely gone or they are crooked then you may want to consider getting breast reconstructive surgery done by Dr. Larry Weinstein. Read on to learn more about this life changing and restorative procedure.

Are You a Good Candidate?
Most women who have undergone either a mastectomy or a double mastectomy are going to be considered a good candidate for reconstructive breast surgery. During a mastectomy, although the surgeon will want to try to maintain as much of the breast as possible, the main goal is to get rid of any and all cancerous cells and tissues in the breast, oftentimes leaving women with less than ideal breasts afterwards. Simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Larry Weinstein in order to determine what can be done for your breasts.

What Are Your Options?
The great thing about reconstructive breast surgery is that there are several options for you to choose from including the following:

Breast Implant: One of the more popular things to get when getting reconstructive breast surgery is implants in both breasts— this will help to give you symmetrical breasts that are full and have the shape that you desire.

• TRAM Flap Surgery: Another option that you can choose is TRAM flap surgery that uses extra skin and muscle from your abdominal region in order to reconstruct your breasts without the use of a breast implant.
• Latissimus Flap Surgery: Just like TRAM surgery, Latissimus surgery uses excess skin and muscle from your body in order to reconstruct your breasts without an implant. However, this surgery uses the area of your skin along the back of your arm and back.

If you would like to learn more about reconstructive breast surgery or if you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Larry Weinstein, contact our office today!

Posted in breast reconstruction on September 30th, 2016

3 Things About Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Breast reconstruction surgery is designed to treat women who have suffered from breast cancer and have had to have a mastectomy. Once your original breast has been removed, or if portions of your breast were removed, a surgeon will then go into the breast in order to try to reconstruct it. Read on to learn more about breast reconstruction surgery.

1. There Are Two Surgical Options
Did you know that when considering getting breast reconstruction surgery that you actually have two different options available to you? The first, and most common form of breast reconstruction surgery, involves using an implant or device in order to get the breast back to its normal appearance. The other form of breast reconstruction surgery is called autologous breast reconstruction surgery which uses the body’s natural cells and tissues in order to get the breasts back to their natural shape, size, and appearance.

2. You May Lose Sensation In Your Breasts
One of the biggest downsides to breast reconstruction surgery is the fact that you may lose all sensation in your breasts. Things that used to either spark arousal, pain, or discomfort may not do the same thing for you anymore. However, your surgeon will try to ensure that you can at least feel some sort of sensation in your breasts after the surgical procedure.

3. Incision Sites Are Likely Visible
Unlike breast enhancement surgery where there are typically no incision sites or scarring visible, breast reconstructive surgery is different. By making incisions typically around the front part of the breast around the nipple, it can be hard for surgeons to avoid any sort of visible incisions or scarring.

Breast reconstructive surgery is both a scary and exciting. By understanding the three things above, you can help to go into your surgical procedure with more confidence and a better understanding of what to expect. Get your breasts back and start to feel like your pre-cancer self with breast reconstruction surgery. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Weinstein’s office today!

Posted in breast reconstruction on February 15th, 2016

Your Breast Reconstruction Options in New Jersey

Thanks to Angelina Jolie’s recent revelation about her preventive mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction with implants, a lot of women are now aware about their options when faced with the diagnosis of breast cancer, or even how to prevent it from occurring if they have found out that they are highly susceptible to the mutation. Dr. Larry Weinstein, a New Jersey breast reconstruction surgeon, believes that the key to a successful breast reconstruction is all about understanding your options and consequently making an informed decision.

Angelina’s Three-Phases of Breast Reconstruction
Angelina’s breast reconstruction, by and large, had three phases.

“My own process began on Feb. 2 with a procedure known as a “nipple delay,” which rules out disease in the breast ducts behind the nipple and draws extra blood flow to the area,” Jolie wrote in her revelatory New York Times post. “This causes some pain and a lot of bruising, but it increases the chance of saving the nipple.

The second phase involved the major surgery which include breast tissue removal and replacing it with tissue expanders. Nine weeks later, the teardrop-shaped breast implants were put in place.

Jolie decided to have breast reconstruction when her doctors estimated that she had an 87 percent risk of getting breast cancer and another 50 percent risk of having ovarian cancer. It should be noted that her mother, 56 years old, died of breast cancer after battling the disease for almost a decade.

Your New Jersey Breast Reconstruction Options
Your choice of breast reconstruction techniques will depend on certain physical factors, complementary treatments, and your own preferences. The following are your breast reconstruction option techniques in New Jersey for a more natural and fuller look:

1. Breast Implants – You can choose to have saline or silicone implants. You can also choose to have it either one-staged or two-staged.

2. TRAM Flap – This option allows you to use your own fat and tissue from your lower abdominal region and have it transplanted to your breasts instead of the usual silicone or saline implants. While this option is more complicated than implants, TRAM Flap is a good choice for women who wish to have a more natural feel and look.

3. Latissimus FLAP Surgery – This technique is quite similar to the TRAM Flap option but the skin, tissues and fat are obtained from your latissimus area (that muscle and tissue which runs underneath the armpit and diagonally across your back).

To arrange your initial consultation with Dr. Weinstein and learn more about your breast reconstruction options in New Jersey, get in touch with us at our Chester Clinic by calling us at (908) 879.2222 or by filling out this contact form. Make an appointment today and experience the life changing effects of plastic surgery!

Posted in Angelina Jolie, Body Procedures, breast reconstruction, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery News on June 7th, 2013

Your Breast Reconstruction Options

Breast reconstruction amongst women is typically used for women who have undergone a mastectomy — removal of the breast. Dr. Larry Weinstein performs a New Jersey breast reconstruction procedure either through breast implants or the woman’s own tissue, fat, and muscle.

Round vs. Shaped Implants
When it comes to breast reconstruction via implants, a recent survey revealed that outcomes are quite similar amongst women who had reconstruction via two types of implant shapes: round and the “anatomically shaped” implants. The results of the survey were recently published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal. The researchers surveyed and evaluated patient outcomes in women who had breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. The reconstructions were done with round implants amongst 65 women while 63 women had reconstruction with the anatomically shaped implants.

Utilizing the standardized Breast-Q questionnaire, data was collected between one to four years after the reconstruction procedure. The questionnaire evaluated several areas of life satisfaction like the overall outcome of the procedure, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being.

The results of the survey revealed that on a 100-point scale, the average satisfaction score for the overall outcome of the procedure itself was 75 for those with round implants and 77 for shaped implants. As to the appearance of their breasts, the two groups scored at roughly 64.

Breast Reconstruction in New Jersey
If you are considering a New Jersey breast reconstruction, you have the following options with Dr. Weinstein:

Breast Implants – you can choose either saline or silicone implants for the reconstruction. Some women are ideal for one-stage reconstruction while others may prefer to have it done in two phases.

TRAM Flap Surgery – you can opt to have your own muscle and tissue taken from the lower abdominal area to help reconstruct your breasts.

Latissimus Flap Surgery – the technique is similar to that of TRAM Flap but the muscle and tissues used are the ones from the one located beneath the armpit and diagonally across the back.

To arrange your initial consultation with Dr. Weinstein and learn more about breast reconstruction techniques as well as their corresponding pros and cons, get in touch with us at our Chester Clinic by calling us at (908)879.2222 or by filling out this contact form. Make an appointment today and experience the life changing effects of plastic surgery!

Posted in Breast Implants, breast reconstruction, Plastic Surgery News on May 15th, 2013

Breast Reconstruction New Jersey

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a devastating blow, made only worse when it means having to lose one or both breasts. Dr. Weinstein has helped countless women rebuild their confidence and life after a mastectomny with Breast Reconstruction. There are several Breast Reconstruction Surgery options- to find the best one for you, start by talking with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who can help walk you through the pros and cons of each option as it relates to your personal situation.

Breast Reconstruction can also help women born with breast abnormalities restore their breasts to a more normal, natural state. View photos of actual patients who’ve undergone Breast Reconstruction surgery to get an idea of the kind of results Dr. Weinstein can achieve with Breast Reconstructive surgery.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Weinstein to discuss what options are available to you just send us an e-mail.

Posted in breast reconstruction on June 27th, 2012

Celebrity Bust Enhancement

A recent posting about Celebrity Breast Implants may be of interest to my practice friends.

Breast enlargement and reconstructive surgery can enhance one’s shape, creating a more attractive, better proportioned figure and can increase confidence and self-esteem. Celebrities have breast enlargement surgeries for a number of reasons; some to signify a new beginning in their life, others to maintain the body they were known for when they were younger. Here are a list of the top ten rumored celebrity breast implants that exude a classy, tasteful look and have proven beneficial to the performer’s career.

1. Salma Hayek Actress Salma Hayek is known for her tremendously voluptuous shape, and in the last couple years it has become even more voluptuous. While many people attribute her extra curvaceousness to her recent weight gain, it’s nearly impossible to go from a large C cup, to very large DD’s in such a short period of time without augmentation.

2. Christina ApplegateChristina Applegate learned that she had a tumor in one of her breasts and a mastectomy was recommended. Applegate then opted for a double mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction surgery, during which she received new breast implants. The procedure provided tremendous medical benefits while leaving her looking as gorgeous as ever!

3. Beyonce KnowlesBeyonce is said to have had breast augmentation that have really balanced out her “bootylicious” figure, making her appear more curvy with the classic hourglass shape!

4. Hilary Swank Hilary Swank went from looking quite flat in the early stages of her career to being very busty after the release of her breakout film “Boys Don’t Cry.” Whether it is simply because she was concealing her naturally large breasts or if the rumors are true; it’s hard to believe that an actress who was once so associated with having a boyish figure was concealing her breasts and that her sudden growth spurt is not to be attributed to breast implants. Swank is said to have had the breast augmentation after her divorce from Chad Lowe, signifying a new beginning in her life.

5. Nicole Richie Nicole Richie is proud of her surgery, having gone from an ultra-flat chested size zero to a very tasteful large B cup. The breast implants have done wonders for her figure and have given her once overly nubile look a very elegant shape.

6. Mila Kunis Mila Kunis began her career on That 70’s Show and has never been very busty. Starring in the hit movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” Kunis showcased more than just her acting talents! Though her breast augmentation is not confirmed, it appears as though Mila Kunis opted for a moderate upgrade. Implants of this type are typically placed underneath the muscles, making the breasts appear very natural and not distracting from the actress’ already great figure.

7. Katherine Heigl Katherine Heigl is speculated to have had breast augmentation, though older photos indicate she has always been rather well endowed in that department. If her large breasts are the work of a surgeon, they were done very tastefully and suit Heigl’s image very well.

8. Denise Richards Denise Richards has had three breast augmentations. Richards had the first of her surgeries when she was only 19 years old. Her second surgery was done in the midst of her young acting career and the surgeon made the assumption that because she was an actress, she would benefit from a move up to a D cup, which was actually much too large for her frame. Finally, Denise Richards did her research and opted for a surgeon and breast size that worked well for her. Her current implants suit her body well and seem to be the perfect shape and size.

9. Demi Moore Demi Moore has been gorgeous from the start, but after the 1996 release of the movie “Striptease” there was a great deal of speculation that she had a breast enlargement surgery. In keeping up with her boyfriend Ashton Kutcher, she has maintained her body and has since opted for a more modern bust, slightly reducing the size of her implants and later having a breast lift.

10. Nicollette Sheridan Nicollette Sheridan made her comeback on Desperate Housewives, but long before she became Edie Britt, Sheridan was already well known for her amazing body and was said to have had breast augmentation. Even now, twenty years after the beginning of her career, Sheridan is still known for her tremendously beautiful body and spectacular bust.

Posted in breast augmentation, breast enhancement, breast reconstruction, christina applegate, Demi moore on November 23rd, 2010

Breast Reconstruction should be discussed
when Breast Cancer Diagnosed

Recently New York State has mandated a discussion of options for patients with Breast Cancer. Since my training at Sloan Kettering in New York I could not conceive of a woman not being offered the options of breast reconstruction when told of their diagnosis. A New York Times excerpt follows.

Before Breast Is Removed, a Discussion on Options
By ANEMONA HARTOCOLLIS
Published: August 18, 2010

After her mastectomy in April, Alantheia Pena cried for the loss of her breast. Her partner told her not to worry about the flat spot on her chest, but she could tell it bothered him when he looked away as she took off her shirt.

It was a kindly secretary at the place where she went to get her prosthesis, an artificial breast to fill out her clothing, who noticed her crying and told her that she could have her breast reconstructed, with health insurance covering the cost. Ms. Pena said her cancer surgeon had not told her.

Now a state law signed on Sunday by Gov. David A. Paterson will require New York hospitals and doctors to discuss the options for breast reconstruction with their patients before performing cancer surgery, to give them information about insurance coverage and to refer them to another hospital, if necessary, for the reconstructive surgery.

The law came about largely through the efforts a plastic surgeon at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx who gave Ms. Pena, who will turn 48 next week, a new breast, which made her so happy she wore a bikini last month for the first time in her life.

“It gave me back my life, Ms. Pena, who runs the H.I.V. ministry at Friendship Baptist Church in Brooklyn and lives in the Bronx, said on Wednesday. “It’s like my own breast. It’s beautiful. It’s perfect. It’s a perfect breast.

Dr. Garfein, who specializes in reconstructive surgery after breast, head and neck cancer, said he had pushed for the law after a friend of his, Dr. Caprice Christian Greenberg, co-wrote a paper showing that poor, minority women were much less likely to receive breast reconstruction after cancer than more affluent women.

Congress guaranteed universal coverage for breast reconstruction after cancer surgery in 1998. Only 30 percent to 40 percent of the women who had mastectomies now received breast reconstruction.

The number would be closer to 75 percent if more women were informed of their options. Ms. Pena, had her surgery at North General Hospital in Harlem, which is defunct, but she said her doctor there had never discussed breast reconstruction with her.

One reason for the low rate of reconstruction, Dr. Garfein said, may be the lack of plastic surgeons outside of large academic medical centers, and another may be financial.

Ms. Pena is still recovering from cancer, but with her new breast, she said, “at the end of it, you see some kind of rainbow.

Available every week to fit in breast reconstruction consults to discuss options. Larry Weinstein MD FACS www.drlarryweinstein.com

Posted in breast reconstruction, Breast Surgery on September 23rd, 2010

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