San Diego

Breast Cancer

After 15 years of plastic and reconstructive surgical nursing and helping numerous women through the process of breast reconstruction, I was still looking for a way that would help women through this emotional and stressful time. Establishing a support group for women undergoing breast reconstruction and taking a very personal interest in each women’s treatment never seemed like quite enough and I could not help but think that there must be something more that I could do or an other way to reach out to these women who were struggling so.

I still have memories of my first encounters with many of these women and can remember the devastation and fear that was apparent on their faces. They had different backgrounds, various lifestyles, personalities, and financial means but they all shared the same look of confusion and fear. They were confused about the possibility of disfigurement and how it could affect their life and their relationships. There was confusion about what could be done, where and when to begin, and how would it be paid for. Fear of the unknown was the most terrifying for all.

With all the progress that has been made in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, there are still too many unknowns about treatment, terminology, and reconstruction. I began to think that there must be a way to help all women become more informed about breast cancer and breast reconstruction before diagnosis. Simple facts and terminology logically complied together and available to all women, to be read and reread if ever needed or to be shared with a friend or a loved one. A source of basic information and a listing of resources for additional information about breast cancer, breast reconstruction ,and legislation allowing women to become more informed and familiar with breast cancer treatment and breast reconstruction options.

In hopes of eliminating some of the fears and unknowns about breast cancer and breast reconstruction I would like to share the following listing of basic information that I have personally collected.

Joanne Gladfelter, RN, CPSN

Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN

Breast Augmentation
One decision more and more women are making everyday is to have breast augmentation in Nashville TN a procedure to enhance the size of your breasts by using breast implants. The reasons for having breast augmentation surgery are numerous and varied. Some women feel that their breast size is too small for their body contours, while others may be seeking to turn the clock back on the effects of age and gravity. A lack of symmetry and living with the discomfort of ill-fitting clothing that comes as a result; lost volume due to weight loss or pregnancy; any of these reasons and more may prompt a woman to seek surgical enhancement of her breasts.

Breast implants vary in size, shape, contour, and filler; can be inserted directly under the breast tissue or even under the chest wall muscle; and can be used for restoration, balance, or increasing size from as little as a cup size to much, much more. This surgery is not for everyone, however, and doctors, recommend knowing before-hand about the procedures, risks, and alternatives involved, and what can be expected with each. The best candidates, are those with realistic expectations of improvement, not perfection.

The choice of implants depends on more than just aesthetics. A good plastic surgeon will take a patient's goals, lifestyle, and personal preference into account, and offer his or her own recommendations based on sound surgical judgment.

Liposuction in Nashville TN
Liposuction or Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL) is a surgical technique in which the removal of fat deposits reshapes a specific part of the body, such as the face, neck, arms, abdomen, hips, or thighs. The popularity of this operation is based on its relative simplicity which requires only a small incision usually well hidden in a normal skin fold. There are several methods of liposuction surgery, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Those seeking the procedure should expect a thorough consultation with their doctor to evaluate their health and determine which methods will work best for that particular patient. Although it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the myriad choices being promoted today, this consultation is no time for shyness. Each case is different, and much depends on individual circumstance. Frank, open discussion with a qualified doctor about the individual's situation and any questions or concerns they have is key. Even though lipoplasty is among the safest of cosmetic surgeries, it nevertheless presents a measure of trauma to the body, a fact which, not surprisingly, is rendered more true as the procedure becomes the more aggressive. Newer techniques such as UAL, which uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells and ease the process of removal, can nevertheless result in burns of the skin. Other methods, in which high doses of anesthetic are injected into the area being treated, can cause toxicity if levels and absorption are not managed properly.

Plastic surgeons in Nashville TN
Find plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons in Nashville TN to answer questions about saline implants, face lift surgery, liposuction and other cosmetic surgery procedures. Learn about the new developments in the plastic surgery industry and the benefits and risks plastic surgery presents. Read articles written by board certified plastic surgeons on tummy tucks, cohesive gel implants, silicone implants, liposuction and other health related topics.