Rare ALCL Cancer Linked to Breast Implants

Scientists have been investigating a rare form of cancer occurring adjacent to breast implants (not well-known breast cancer) named Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). This entity gained attention recently when the FDA released a statement. Their information can be found at www.FDA.gov/breastimplants or www.FDA.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm24000.htm

Here is some background information. Early reports date back 25 years and a JAMA article appeared in 2008. Following this the American Society of Plastic Surgeons contracted with the Rand Corporation to do independent evaluation and this information was used by the FDA for its 2011 announcement. The FDA did not change the regulatory status or availability of breast implants.

ALCL occurs in breasts without implants at a rate of 6 women per year in the US (3 in100 million). That makes it 18/millionth the rate of common breast cancer. It also occurs more commonly elsewhere in the body (1 in one-half million). There types appear to be more aggressive, with 30% five-year survival.

With implants 34-60 cases among 5-10 million women have been described worldwide. These types appear less aggressive. No deaths have been reported in published cases. It has been found near both silicone gel and saline breast implants. It has been found in both cosmetic and reconstructive patients.

The breast implant associated ALCL presents clinically as a late seroma (fluid collection) or mass in the capsule surrounding the implant. Recommended treatment is being researched, but removal of the capsule and any mass appears to cure the condition. Mastectomy did not appear to be necessary.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is working with the FDA to establish a registry at the FDA to collect new & existing data and allow careful scientific evaluation of the rare condition. This will guide scientists, regulators, surgeons and patients in making informed decisions.

Increasing Interest in Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation in one of the most commonly requested plastic surgery procedures, nationally and in our experience at the Aesthetic Center for Breast & Cosmetic Surgery. (We are also known for facial & body cosmetic surgery)

We are noticing an increased level of interest among our new and established patients. More phone calls. More e-mails. More questions in person. We are happy to answer the full variety of questions; from price to discomfort, from size to recovery.

Almost everybody has something planned this Spring. Something they're looking forward to. To looking their best in Spring & Summer attire. We find these patients enjoyable, positive & very happy with their breast enhancement results. Call or e-mail us if we can help.

info@expertplasticsurgeon.com
864-676-1707

Dr. Graham is one of the areas most experienced breast enhancement surgeons. He has a strong reputation for his interested & caring manner, his emphasis on safety & comfort, and finally beautiful & natural-looking results for his patients.

Breast Lift: help for natural or excessive sagging

Some women come to us with what they think is a relatively uncommon request, "can you put my breasts back where they were?" It is one of the most common issue we help solve.

Breast lift is a procedure the can be done in many ways, adapted to each woman's requests. Provide more projection, cleavage, upper pole fullness. Restore the nipples to the front of the breasts. Move the glandular tissue back to the upper chest (and off the lower ribs). There a variety of ways surgeons use to accomplish these goals.

As plastic surgeons, we want to achieve the best look and function with the least visible incision scars. All breast lifts leave a scar around the areola (except when a woman's goals can be accomplished by implant augmentation alone - no actual lift). When doing a small amount of tightening of the lower gland, a vertical incision is needed. This may be called the vertical mastopexy, key-hole, or lollipop pattern. When there is even more looseness of the gland or skin, we also remove an ellipse of skin beneath the breast, so that this scar is hidden along the inframammary (under-breast) fold. This scar pattern is called the inverted-T or Wise pattern. The latter is most often used when reducing the size of large, heavy breasts.

Numerous visual examples are provided in our gallery, which is updated regularly. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-lift-mastopexy-4796

For more information, see our website at http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/breast-lift-reduction.html

Sutton Graham, MD, FACS is an experienced, trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast and cosmetic surgery. His practice serves South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

New Augmentation Photos in Our Gallery

Dr. Sutton Graham regularly updates the Aesthetic Center practice website and blog. The latest is addition of fresh breast augmentation photos.

The last patient is an avid runner and active mom, who wanted a trim figure and natural, proportional breast appearance.
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-augmentation-4793/case-26-13537-20588 She was very complimentary of her result and the experience with our office, Dr. Graham and the staff.

More information about breast implants, augmentation recovery, breast lift options, and other breast surgery questions are available on our site www.ExpertPlasticSurgeon.com

If you would like to learn even more, call and talk to one of our helpful staff, and schedule your personal consultation session. Our phone number is 864-676-1707. You can also reach us through E-mail info@expertplasticsurgeon.com.

Dr. Graham's Reputation for Breast Enhancement (Augmentation, Lift, Reduction, Reconstruction)

Dr. Graham has been trusted by thousands of patients throughout over 15 years; and is proud of their confidence. We are also a trusted source where the area's doctors, nurses and other experienced health care professionals send their patients and friends, when they consider cosmetic breast surgery. Satisfied patients and referral sources further build our excellent reputation.

We are excited to care for so many wonderful patients.

Those wanting more information about Dr. Graham and our practice, or details about breast procedures can follow the link to our website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html

Our website includes an extensive photo gallery. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-augmentation-4793/case-1-12615-16304/32021

Sutton Graham, MD, FACS serves patients from throughout South Carolina, and many from North Carolina and Georgia. Greenville, Spartanburg, Asheville, Anderson, Greenwood, Hartwell, Keowee, Jocassee Lake Communities, Cliffs & Reserve Communities, Seneca, Pickens, Easley, Taylors, Greer, Simpsonville, Landrum, Tryon, Hendersonville, Columbia, Charlotte

Breast lift in South Carolina by Dr. Sutton Graham

In South Carolina, a very common patient request is breast lift. Women consult Dr. Graham about changes they have gone through. Their breasts have changed by their 30's to 40's, due to having children, nursing children, loosing weight, or simply time & gravity. They notice how good they look in supportive bras, but not without good support. They notice how sports bras and tight, fitted clothing flattens the breast. We often hear, "I'm only 30 and my breasts look like my grandmother's." (My apologies to beautiful grandmothers everywhere.)

Several before & after examples can be seen at our photo gallery: http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-lift-mastopexy-4796

Mastopexy means to lift or tack up the breast. It is the operation we perform to improve breast sagging. There are a variety of types based on the issues that patients are experiencing. Mastopexy does not make breasts larger or smaller because it preserves your natural breast tissue. Only skin is removed.

If we simply remove skin above a low areola and nipple, the operation is called peri-areolar mastopexy. If we remove some of the loose skin beneath the breast, the operation is called a vertical-pattern, key-hole, or lollipop mastopexy. If we remove more skin from the breast, the operation is called a standard or Wise-pattern mastopexy. Incisions will fade over time and can be easily covered under swim suits, bra tops, plunging necklines, etc.

In addition to the skin removal, important internal tightening is done. The breast gland tissue and normal fat is often suspended or supported internally to improve breast projection and upper pole fullness. Many patients request the addition of a breast implant to increase breast size and enhance projection and fullness. Some patients request a size decrease, removal of a portion of their breast tissue. This is called a breast reduction. When a patient has two different sized breasts, different procedures improve symmetry.

If you are interested in more information, and live in the Greenville / Spartanburg / Asheville / Anderson / Columbia areas, please call 864-676-1707 or send an e-mail through our website. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/breast-lift-reduction.html

Breast + Tummy (times 30s - 40s) = Mommy Make-0ver: That's the formula

Families cherish their children. Their birth brings us innumerable joys. Pregnancy also effects women's bodies in many ways. Sometimes there are minimal visible after-effects, however women with more pronounced changes consult Dr. Graham to improve their situation.

Breast size, shape and firmness can change. For some women, breasts become much larger and uncomfortable; breast reduction is in order. For others, breasts sag, become much smaller, and loose their firm texture. In these situations clothes don't fit well. It becomes harder to find dresses, summer tops, and bathing suits that flatter the figure. Breast lift (mastopexy) or breast augmentation (implants) can help these situations. The two may be combined, known as augmentation mastopexy. Some of our patients tell us they look better than they did before children! http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/breast-lift-reduction.html#breast-lift

We are impressed by how trim, toned and fit some celebrities look after bearing children, but we know they have the best help and perhaps PhotoShop enhancement. Normal women's abdomens become stretched by pregnancies, some with prominent stretch marks (known as striae). Metabolism changes and body fat accumulates in different places such as the central / lower tummy and the "love handles" or flanks and iliac regions.

Liposuction addresses localised fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. It can produce great improvement when skin elasticity is good. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/body.html#liposuction

Tummy tuck is also known as abdominoplasty - reshaping the abdomen. It is capable of removing stretch marks, removing loose (even overhanging) skin, tightening lax muscle tone, improving posture, and excising fat from the lower abdomen. There are modifications of the tummy tuck in which the incision is smaller and the skin and fat removal are less, for selected patients. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/tummy-tuck.html

In conclusion, breast plus tummy (in your thirties or forties) equals mommy make-over. Therefore symbolically, B + T (30 - 40) = MMO
http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty-4814/case-3-10730-16337

Dr. Graham frequently performs both breast enhancement and tummy procedures at our nationally accredited surgical facility in Greenville, SC. We serve patients from Columbia to Asheville and Charlotte to Atlanta. Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, Northeast Georgia.

Breast Augmentation. Natural results by Dr. Sutton Graham

We particularly welcome those of you who are researching breast augmentation (breast implant) surgery. We have a reputation among patients, medical professionals, and the public in our region for providing outstanding care, both personalized and technical. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html

New consultation patients seeking information about breast augmentation often comment that they heard that we are known for helping women achieve natural appearing, proportional breast enhancement. Women are reassured when they express reservation about looking overdone, fake or unnatural after breast augmentation. Our surgeon and our experienced staff help patients make good decisions about implants.

We also apply this experience and knowledge to patients who are not satisfied with results of implant surgery done elsewhere and often many years ago. Surgical techniques have improved. Saline implants are now safer. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/other-breast.html#implant-position-problems

We welcome patients from our region and beyond. Georgia: Hartwell, Elberton, Toccoa, Athens. North Carolina: Asheville, Hendersonvile, Flat Rock, Tryon, Brevard, Cashiers, Toxaway, Highlands, Franklin. South Carolina: Greenville, Spartanburg, Taylors, Travelers Rest, Greer, Simpsonville, Greenwood, Belton, Abbeville, Anderson, Piedmont, Powdersville, Easley, Clemson, Seneca, Westminster, Sunset, Lake Hartwell, Lake Keowee, Cliffs Communities, Landrum, etc.

Our website has more information for you. You are encouraged to call with questions (simple or complex) 864-676-1707.
Your can e-mail us at info@expertplasticsurgeon.com but remember e-mail is not private or secure.
Our photo gallery is available at http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-augmentation-4793/case-1-12615-16304/32021

Sutton Graham, MD encourages breast cancer awareness

October in National Breast Cancer Awareness month. http://www.nbcam.org/ is a website designed to educate and promote public awareness. Other relevant sites: http://ww5.komen.org/ and http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

At Dr. Graham's Aesthetic Center for Breast & Cosmetic Surgery we constantly interact with women regarding breast health. A smaller portion of our practice is post-mastectomy reconstruction, and we have cared for breast cancer patients for 19 years. We have offered a variety of reconstruction techniques (tissue expanders, implants, autologous tissue reconstruction, latissimus flaps, abdominal flaps, TRAM flaps, and symmetry procedures such as reduction and breast lift).

A larger portion of our practice involves women without a personal history of breast cancer. We encourage our patients to be involved in breast health. We encourage monthly breast self exam, annual physician breast exam, recommended mammography, ultrasound, and now breast MRI if indicated. If your physician has a question examining you following breast reduction, breast augmentation or breast lift procedures, we offer advice. We are happy to help our patients. You can download a self-exam card at http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastSelfExam.html

Breast cancer is a very common condition and treatments have improved dramatically. We look forward to future advances, and eventually cures and prevention.

Greenville, SC breast augmentation: Sutton Graham, MD

Saline implant breast augmentation remains our most popular surgical procedure (Botox & Dysport are our most popular non-surgical procedures. See other posts.)

Saline implants are well known for their long-term safety. Their use was never restricted by the FDA. Subpectoral saline implants have an excellent record; low rates of capsular contracture, good compatibility with mammograms and attractive transition between the upper chest and the upper breast.

We have an approach to selection of implant size that pleases and informs. We assess your desires, your current cup size, changes with prior / future pregnancies, changes from weight gain or loss, your breast gland thickness and firmness, and finally your skin looseness. We show you a range of sizers, and you try them on in a bra here with our experienced staff. You get to see approximately how your figure will look after surgery.

Appropriate pre-medicaton, surgical anesthesia (by our board-certified MD), and post-op medications provide comfort. Most women are decreasing the pain pills in a few days. Patients resume most normal activities quickly. We only ask that you hold off on your vigorous exercise routines for a few weeks. Of course, the results are obvious right away.

If you are interested in more information check our website. There you'll find discussion, photos, and contact information. We'll mail you more information if you call 864-676-1707.

Website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/augmentation.html

Photo gallery http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/photogallery/breast-augmentation-4793/case-1-12615-16304/32021

Providing all types of cosmetic breast surgery (breast lift, uneven breast correction, nipple correction, reduction of excessive size, breast implants, etc.). Serving Greenville, Spartanburg, Asheville, Anderson, Columbia and the surrounding areas of South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia.

Breast Augmentation; our website photos are updated

Breast aesthetic surgery is one of our most popular areas of specialization. Dr. Graham has a strong reputation among patients, the community, nurses and physicians for achieving superior breast enhancement.

We regularly update our website information and images to provide you valuable information. We want patients to know as much as possible about techniques, results, healing, recovery, outcomes, appearance, implants, manufacturers, and new improvements. The more you know, the more you can participate in planning and recovery!

We sincerely appreciate the patients who allow the anonymous use of their photographs to encourage others to understand more about breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, correction of uneven breasts, correction of problems with old implants, etc. The title link about will take you to our photo gallery, and the section on breast implant / augmentation. This is just a sample of the hundreds of patients who have trusted Dr. Graham to perform their breast augmentation. Please check our web photos!

Email or call if you have questions 864-676-1707 or info@expertplasticsurgeon.com

We welcome patients from Asheville, Biltmore, Henderson, Sylva, Tryon, Saluda, Brevard, Pisgah, Flat Rock, Cashiers, Sapphire, Highlands, Franklin, Spartanburg, Greer, Landrum, Campobello, Greenville, Taylors, Smipsonville, Mauldin, Greenwood, Belton, Columbia, Anderson, Piedmont, Powdersville, Clemson, Easley, Seneca, Sunset, Cliffs Communities, Reserve, Keowee, Hartwell, Toccoa, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Join us this Tuesday (next week); Learn about cosmetic breast surgery and body contouring

Sign-up is almost complete for our Fall Seminar featuring breast enhancement and body contouring. We'll have refreshments, a presentation that included many before & after examples, and there will be plenty of opportunity for questions. Dr. Graham and his staff always want to give you up-to-date information on procedures and plastic surgery in the news.

Tuesday's Seminar will be at our office suite on Halton Road in Greenville, starting at 6:30. If you are coming, please register so we know to expect you. You're welcome to bring a friend!

Call now (864-676-1707) or send an e-mail through our website http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/.

Dr. Graham has a strong reputation among both patients and professional colleagues (doctors and nurses) for attractive breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, correction of asymmetric breasts, correction of prior implant problems, tummy tucks, abdominoplasty, short-scar and mini-abdominoplasty, mommy make-over's, treatment of "love handles" & "saddlebags," liposuction, body contouring, arm and thigh lifts, etc.

Nationally Accredited Office Cosmetic Surgical Suite

One of the benefits of our location on Halton Road, Greenville, SC is a clean, modern, spacious, and specially equipped Cosmetic Surgical Facility. It operates under the name Plastic Surgery Specialty Center, PA, and is overseen by Dr. Sutton Graham. The head nurse is Cathy Cole, RN, CPSN (registered nurse, certified plastic surgery nurse).

Our facility anesthesia is only delivered by Dr. Merritt Tolan, board-certified anesthesiologist with years of experience, and a wonderful caring manner. Tina Kraus, RN is our recovery nurse, and brings years of hospital recovery experience. Dr. Graham's surgical assistant is Terri Scott, CST (certified surgical technologist).

Our location features a specialized office surgical facility, with over 2,000 square feet that are designed and engineered to national accreditation standards. Our facility offers outstanding patient safety as well as comfort and privacy, and includes the following features:
Convenient and private entrance/exit
Sterility and infection control
Patient and blanket warming equipment
High-temperature in-house laundry facilities
Dedicated OR Nursing Director
Certified medical gas system
Experienced Anesthesiologist (physician)
Electronic patient monitoring equipment
Back-up power generator
High-efficiency OR air filtration system
Instrument processing and sterilization rooms
Monitored recovery spaces
Our Patients Experience the Difference
Unlike a typical hospital or multi-specialty surgery center, our facilities are used only for cosmetic surgery procedures. We do not have many different surgeons treating all types of unrelated procedures and diseases. Our accredited, on-site facilities are used only by cosmetic surgeon Sutton Graham, M.D., and each member of our staff really understands the unique needs and concerns of cosmetic surgery patients. Our specialized facilities and expertise helps ensure the quality and safety of each surgical procedure. In addition, we have carefully designed a number of protocols to optimize the postoperative recovery of each patient. Every patient is educated and given detailed information in advance.
To learn more about what sets our practice apart from others in Greenville, including our cosmetic plastic surgeon and nationally accredited facilities, please contact the Aesthetic Center for Breast and Cosmetic Surgery today.

Procedures performed include: Breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, nipple & areola corrections, replacement of breast implants, correction of implant problems, facelift, cheeklift, necklift, browlift, eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), chin implant, fat grafts for lips / cheels / nasolabial grooves, tummy tuck abdominoplasty, liposuction, thigh lifts, arm tucks (brachioplasty), and others.

Patients come to us from throughout our region and beyond. (North Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina). For example: Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Easley, Pickens, Seneca, Clemson, Pendleton, Piedmont, Tryon, Landrum, Greenwood, Hartwell, Newberry, Clinton, Asheville, Hendersonville, Flat Rock, Brevard, Highlands, Cashiers

Summer Question & Answer Sessions: Cosmetic Surgery

SUMMER OFFICIALLY BEGINS JUNE 21st.

Join us for question & answer sessions. Dr. Sutton Graham and his staff at the Aesthetic Center for Breast & Cosmetic Surgery will host two summer presentations.

o Good chance to learn more about how procedures can benefit you.
o Opportunity to have your questions answered.
o Ways to help a friend or family member get helpful information. Bring them along! They’re welcome.
o Find out about new procedures, costs, downtime, and specialized ways we minimize discomfort.


YOUR BEST FACE: Tuesday June 16th 6:30-8:00pm
Subtle or dramatic, but always natural. Injectables, minimally invasive, short-scar, modified techniques. And when established procedures give the best results.
Eyelift. Facelift. Necklift. Botox, Juvaderm & Restylane. Chin suction lipectomy. And more.

BETTER BREAST & BODY: Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:30-8:00pm
Procedures that accomplish what diet & exercise cannot. Clothes fit better. Better proportions. More shapely. Chest, arms, hips, tummy, thighs. Lifts, implants, fillers, tucks, liposuction.

See why we have a reputation for excellent care and excellent results!

REGISTRATION IS IMPORTANT. Plus you can send us any questions in advance.

Register online by e-mail through our website (see the “Quick Question” box). Tell us how many are coming with you. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/.

Or register by phone 864-676-1707.

Refreshments will be provided.

ASPS annual statistics are out. And the Top Five are...

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the large national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. Their 2008 statistics were recently published. Reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (laser, fillers, neurotoxin) increased compared to 2007.

As expected cosmetic surgery was down, but a relatively small 9%. Articles in The New York Times (April 6th, "When All You Have Left Is Your Pride") and the Wall Street Journal ("Keeping Up Appearances") may explain why patients continue to seek care to enhance their appearance. In some circles, appearance may be critical in a time of high competition for jobs. Time Magazine had a recent article about the popularity of Botox for men.

The top 5 cosmetic surgery procedures in 2008: Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Liposuction, Eyelid Surgery, and Tummy Tuck. Botox was the most popular non-invasive treatment (5 million in 2008).

For a complete listing visit www.plasticsurgery.org/Media.html

Breast Augmentation, Lift, etc.

Breast Augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. This is true for our practice and based on national statistics (see prior blog post).

People are starting to get out and do more. This time of year, with its warmer temperatures, sunshine, Easter and Spring Break is an active time for phone calls, website visits, and consultation visits. Women are interested in learning more about breast implants, breast lifts, etc.

Dr. Graham's practice has a strong interest and excellent reputation in breast surgery. We have helped hundreds of women achieve better proportions and improved appearance in work clothes, casual clothes, work-out clothes and swimwear. Also, if you're having problems with asymmetry (difference between the two), nipple appearance, changes after breast-feeding or pregnancy, we can help.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an appointment, use the "Contact Us" link on our website or call 864-676-1707

Recycling: From Cardboard Boxes to Breast Implant Packaging?

Our facility proudly provides cosmetic surgery, non-surgical cosmetic medicine, and professional skin care for several hundred patients per year.

Doing this entails many shipments, plenty of packaging materials, innumerable containers, not to mention soda cans and bottles for our staff and patients, etc. We contracted with an office recycling company since we didn't' like seeing this going to our landfills. Now cartons, plastic bottles & aluminum cans, and yes, even plastic containers from breast implant packaging are recycled.

We also have routine trash disposal. Otherwise, we have unique waste disposal requirements. Documents with personal information are shredded. We utilize a separate regulated medical waste hauler for those materials.

We are glad to be reducing and recycling.

Breast Augmentation in South Carolina

Everyone looks forward to Spring and Summer. Some of the best things about those seasons are shedding winter clothes and enjoying the out-of-doors. In South Carolina we have great weather, beautiful beaches, extensive lakes, mountain trails, roadways for motorcycling and bicycling, golf courses, tennis courts and plenty of swimming pools.

Perhaps that's why breast implant / augmentation is our most popular body contour procedure. We perform this more frequently than tummy tuck (also common) or liposuction (most common in national surveys). Contact us and you'll find many other ways in which we are different form other medical practices you've encountered.

Patients seek breast surgery during the Spring & Summer to enhance their looks. Its a very popular time of year.

You can find more details on our website, http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/ or our link http://www.breastaugmentationcarolina.com/.

Silicone Breast Implant Update

A recently published Danish study of 190 implant patients, with 19 years follow-up showed 62% with contracture however the majority reported satisfaction and evaluated themselves positively. (Ann Plast Surg 2007;59:597-604). This corresponds to my experience doing revision procedures (replacement of gel with saline implants, breast lift [mastopexy], etc.). My practice uses saline implants for both initial augmentation and secondary procedures on patients with prior / old implants desiring another operation.