Recent media concerning actress Angelina Jolie and her decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy after discovering a BRCA gene mutation has a lot of women wondering: What is the BRCA gene? What does a BRCA gene test reveal?

BRCA1 is a human caretaker gene that produces a protein called breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein. BRCA1 can be found in the cells of the breast and other tissues, where they help repair damaged DNA and destroy the cells in which DNA cannot be repaired. However, if BRCA1 itself is damaged this increases one’s risk for various cancers, because it cannot help repair damaged DNA.

 

BRCA2 (breast cancer type 2 susceptibility protein) is also a protein found in cells, although this protein belongs to the gene family that help suppress tumors through the repair of chromosomal damage. Similar to BRCA1, if this protein is damaged itself and not helping to support repair, one’s risks for various cancers are increased.

Several different types of BRCA gene tests are available. Some are tests that look for a known mutation that has already been identified in another family member, while others can check for all possible mutations in both genes. A blood or saliva sample is needed to provide the laboratory with DNA for the mutation testing. Upon arriving at the lab it is analyzed and you are then provided with the results/findings.

In Angelina Jolie’s case, she decided to undergo the test, and tested positive for BRCA gene mutations. She made an individual decision about how to manage her diagnosis. But, a celebrity speaking out on their own choice and diagnosis does not make it the right option for everyone. Every woman is different, and any woman considering a BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test should consult with their primary caretaker.

We’ve all heard of someone undergoing a breast augmentation (implants) procedure. But did you know that breast reduction surgery is among one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic surgery? In fact, according to the Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank statistics, more than 100,000 women had like-surgeries in 2012.

But why?

Large or oversized breasts can cause a number of mental and physical strains including but not limited to:

• Poor posture
• Decreased range of motion
• The inability to enjoy physical activity or exercise
• Shoulder pain
• Painful indentations on the shoulders from bra straps
• Rashes along the breast folds
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Wardrobe selection trouble
• The need for special (and expensive) undergarments

Breast reduction is a procedure that can eliminate the above-mentioned symptoms, and is most often achieved through a combination of liposuction and surgery. Once excess tissue, fat and skin has been removed to decrease the size of the breast, the breasts are meticulously contoured. The areola can also be reduced in size at this time and is repositioned along with the nipple to adhere to the new shape of the breast.

Because breast reduction provides patients with such positive life-altering results, and because many insurance companies will cover this procedure (assuming certain requirements are met), we’ve seen a tremendous increase in popularity across the U.S., and right here in Bloomfield Hills at Amae Plastic Surgery Center.

If you are currently considering this procedure, or are just interested in collecting more information at this time, please contact us. Although having too large of breasts is often a problem from an early age, it is most often recommended to wait until breasts are fully developed to undergo a breast reduction surgery.

As a reminder, online research should never serve as a substitute for a professional consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon!

Mentor Worldwide, maker of high quality implants for breast augmentation announced it has received FDA approval on a new implant. The MemoryShape is an anatomically-shaped cohesive silicone gel implant designed to be used in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction.

The silicone gel in the MemoryShape breast implant contains more cross-linking compared to the silicone gel used in Mentor’s previously approved implant. This increased cross-linking results in a silicone gel that is firmer.

Research shows that patient satisfaction with breast augmentation is 98 percent, and continued advancements such as this will only serve to maintain and improve this number. Women now have more choices than ever to achieve a natural result, and plastic surgeons have another safe alternative to offer.

As with all FDA approvals, Mentor is required to conduct a series of post-approval studies to assess long-term safety and effectiveness.

This approval makes the Mentor MemoryShape implant the fifth FDA-approved silicone gel-filled breast implant available in the United States.

According to the recent statistics, arm lifts are on the rise. So, what is an arm lift?

The procedure, also called brachioplasty, is designed to remove the flabby skin and fat beneath the upper arm (from the elbow to the shoulder). Often times, even with good muscle tone and regular workouts there is still excess skin in this area, causing that “wiggle” beneath the upper arm.

An arm lift may include a combination of liposuction (for fat removal) and surgery to remove excess skin. An incision is made beneath or toward the back of the arm, and the length of the incision may vary. In some cases, incisions can be small and supporting tissue tightened.

An arm lift improves the contour of the upper arm, and the results typically are long-lasting provided proper weight is maintained.

If you are considering plastic surgery, contact Dr. Ali of Amae Plastic Surgery Center for a confidential consultation.