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Archives for June 2012

Am I A Candidate for Natural Breast Reconstruction?

June 29, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon Dr. James Craigie of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 at age 24 (infaltrating ductal, triple negative). I had a lumpectomy with a lymph node dissection, chemotherapy and radiation. I found out I was positive for the BRCA1 mutation in 2008 and had a myomectomy (c section cut) and subsequent full hysterectomy (via davinci) in 2010, since pathology found the mass to be Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma.

I am now considering a mastectomy to decrease my chances of reoccurrence. Would you recommend a prophylactic mastectomy? If so, what type of reconstruction can I have? I prefer natural reconstruction rather than implants, but do not know if I am eligible since I’ve had two abdominal surgeries and do not have a lot of extra tissue anywhere else.

Hi and Thank you for your question. I’m sorry you have been faced with these difficult decisions. Removing as much breast tissue as possible is the most effective thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. I  refer to this type of mastectomy as “risk reduction” because it does not make the chances 0 but is as close as one can get. Your previous tummy surgeries have probably not affected your ability to have natural breast reconstruction, as we have had many people who have had the same types of surgery before using the extra tummy. Even the people who have had surgeries that compromise the tummy we can almost always come up with an option for natural breast reconstruction. Many of our patients have been told they do not have enough extra to use but when we see them we can usually give them a very nice result without implants. I hope this answers your question.

Sincerely,

James Craigie, MD

Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction

 

Would you like your breast reconstruction question answered? Just ask us!

 

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The Best Bed-and-Breakfasts Charleston Has to Offer

June 27, 2012 by

Planning a trip to Charleston this summer? Instead of staying in a larger hotel, consider trying out a Bed-and-Breakfast!

Charleston is full of beautiful historic homes, and many of them have been transformed into Bed-and-Breakfasts. These homes are perfect for the visitor looking to experience Charleston’s charm and hospitality at its best, making you feel right at home in the Holy City. After a few nights in these houses, you won’t want to leave!

The Society House

Located at Society and King Streets, this charming inn offers a central location to all of Charleston’s finest amenities. Short-term and long-term rooms are available, complete with a full kitchen, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and large windows. You’ll feel as if you’re visiting someone’s home, and not a hotel room at The Society House.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.thesocietyhouse.com

Historic 86 Church Street Bed and Breakfast

Enjoy the charm of life South of Broad street at this popular B&B. This home was built in 1783, and is run by one of Charleston’s oldest families. You will be within walking distance of the Harbor, Battery Park, and many of Charleston’s oldest and most beautiful homes.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.charlestonbandb.net

The Elliott House Inn The charming Elliott House Inn is located on Queen Street, in one of Charleston’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. You will be within walking distance of some of Charleston’s best restaurants, including Husk, Poogan’s Porch, and 82 Queen, as well as the Dock Street Theatre and most of the city’s art galleries.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.elliotthouseinn.com

The Barksdale House

The Barksdale House is an old family home located in the historic section of George Street. You will be just a few blocks away from the South Carolina Aquarium, the College of Charleston Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, and the shops on King Street.

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: www.barksdalehouse.com

 

Where is your favorite place to stay when visiting Charleston?

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Gluten-Free Craze

June 25, 2012 by

Gluten-free foods have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many people discovering a gluten intolerance, or dedicating themselves to a gluten-free lifestyle.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. It gives dough its elasticity and lends a chewy texture to breads and other grain-based foods. Many foods have gluten additives to help thicken and flavor, often listed as “dextrin” on the nutrition label. This additive can be found in everything from ice cream to ketchup.

People who are gluten-intolerant cannot process this protein and experience severe intestinal complications from ingesting gluten. As gluten is found in many foods and beverages, maintaining a gluten-free diet can be challenging.

However, there are many benefits to a gluten-free lifestyle as well. People who adhere to a gluten-free diet, such as actress Gwenyth Paltrow, claim to feel more energetic and alert after making the switch. Some correlations have also been made between a gluten-free diet and weight loss – most likely because of lower carbohydrate consumption.

If you’re interested in making the switch, keep the following tips and resources in mind.

Keep an eye out for additives such as “dextrin,” and avoid imitation meats, which are often made with gluten. The USDA does not currently require companies to list gluten as an ingredient, so the best method to ensure that you avoid it is to eat whole, fresh foods. Foods also clearly labeled as gluten-free are safe to consume.

Some great gluten-free options include…

  • Corn.
  • Potatoes.
  • Rice.
  • Tapioca.
  • Quinoa.
  • Yams.

Interested in learning more about going gluten-free? Check out these resources:

Mayo Clinic

Gluten Free Girl

Celiac.com

Have you made the switch to gluten-free? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!

 

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What Changes Can I Expect After an SGAP Procedure?

June 22, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

What changes will I notice, if any, from an SGAP procedure after the first stage?

That is an extremely variable thing, some patients scarcely notice a difference in their buttocks after harvest of an SGAP from one side, while other patients noticed a significant difference.  In almost all situations, the buttock shape will not be optimized however after the first stage, whether it is a unilateral or bilateral SGAP.  The second stage of the SGAP, which can occur as early as three months after the first stage, typically involves a fairly extensive revision of the GAP flap donor site.  Our present feeling is that the GAP flap scar is ideally placed as high as possible, so that it may fit within most bathing suits, but still fit comfortably under shorts.

Learn More About Our Surgical Team

The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction was created by two surgeons, Dr. James Craigie and Dr. Richard Kline. Through their work at East Cooper Plastic Surgery, they saw patients benefit from breakthroughs in microsurgery and breast reconstruction. Their combined skills helped women achieve the very best results possible.

The result: a center devoted completely to helping women gain the breast shape and fullness they seek, without the loss of muscle or use of artificial implants.

Dr. Richard M. Kline Jr., MD

Home: James Island

Education: M.D., Medical University of South Carolina; B.S., Furman University

Residencies: The Cleveland Clinic, Louisiana State University Medical Center

Specialties: Perforator flap breast reconstruction

Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery

Personal: Married with two children

Dr. Kline trained in microsurgery with Dr. Robert Allen, who was pioneering the DIEP, SIEA, and GAP flaps at LSU while Dr. Kline was a plastic surgery resident. “We knew that he (Dr. Allen) was on to something very exciting,” remembers Dr. Kline, “but I doubt anyone back then foresaw just how sought-after those procedures would become.”

After completing his training, Dr. Kline spent several years in full-time academic surgical practice, first at LSU in New Orleans, then at the Medical University of South Carolina, during which time he performed the first successful DIEP flap in the southeastern United States. He entered private practice in 2000, and the practice rapidly became a regional referral center for complex microsurgical reconstruction. The practice has since evolved to focus almost exclusively on microsurgical breast reconstruction. “Our passion” says Dr. Kline “is restoring women’s body image after mastectomy using only their own natural tissue. We and our entire staff feel very privileged to be able to use our skills to help so many people in this way.”

A Charleston native, Dr. Kline lives near his childhood home and his parents. His wife, Elizabeth, is a thoracic surgeon, and the two met in the operating room. They have two children, daughter Bellamy and son Mahlon.

Dr. James E. Criagie

Home: James Island

Education: M.D. Medical University of South Carolina: B.S. Erskine College

Residencies: Medical University of South Carolina; Fellowship. Louisiana State University Medical Center

Specialties: Muscle sparing Breast reconstruction with the patient’s own fatty tissue

Certifications: American Board of Plastic Surgery

Personal: Married with two children

Some of Dr. James Craigie’s earliest memories are of afternoons spent at hospitals with his father, a general surgeon. “I liked to go with him on call and see the things that he did,” Dr. Craigie says. Today, Dr. Craigie is an accomplished surgeon himself, conducting 70-100 breast reconstruction surgeries each year, along with all types of body contouring and cosmetic breast surgery that is part of the process of breast reconstruction. “As plastic surgeon’s we use techniques that are often cosmetic in nature but included as part of the reconstructive process. My main goal is to help people,” he says.

His constant aim is to bring state-of-the-art techniques and the best possible results. Before joining our practice, Dr. Craigie opened a general plastic surgery practice in North Carolina and completed advanced training in micro-vascular breast reconstruction in New Orleans. He is one of a limited number of doctors who perform the specialized surgery, considered the “gold standard” in breast reconstruction techniques. “To do this complicated surgery, you have to have extensive training and a strong commitment.” Dr. Craigie says. “We saw a real need for this procedure, that many women could be helped.”

Do you have a question for the Charleston breast surgeons at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction? We’d love to hear from you.

Filed Under: Ask the Doctor Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Journey of Power and Purpose

June 20, 2012 by

We are so happy to share with you another In Her Words post, this time with Blaire Holloway, a breast cancer survivor and reconstruction success story!

Blaire was a patient of ours at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction and shared her inspirational journey in last month’s issue of Lowcountry Health & Wellness Magazine and we would like to share this article with our readers!

See below for Blaire’s Story (*Don’t forget to grab a downloadable copy of Low Country Health & Wellness Magazine at their website)

Click the article below to be taken to the full online version.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you downloaded the June issue of Lowcountry Health & Wellness Magazine? If not, click here.

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The Affordable Care Act’s Day(s) in Court

June 18, 2012 by

The Supreme Court heard arguments about the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act earlier this spring, and is expected to hand down a decision regarding the healthcare law any day now. Here’s a look at how various possible decisions could affect the state of healthcare in the United States.

Option 1: The Supreme Court Rules the Affordable Care Act Is Good to Go

The main argument against the Affordable Care Act challenges its so-called individual mandate, which, if enacted, would require all Americans to have health insurance (through the government, employers, or an individually purchased plan). If the individual mandate is given the green light, then…

  • Uninsured Americans will have to purchase health insurance by a certain deadline or face a penalty charged at tax time.
  • Health insurance companies will be required to make insurance coverage available to everyone, including those with preexisting conditions.
  • Low-income Americans (those with household incomes up to 138% of the poverty line) will qualify for government assistance for medical insurance (possibly in the form of Medicaid).

The individual mandate could be good news for women with breast cancer who have been denied coverage or reimbursement for treatment, because it will require insurers to cover them regardless of their current or former health.

But most health professionals, regardless of their political affiliation, agree that the individual mandate is far from an ideal system.

Option 2: The Supreme Court Strikes Down the Individual Mandate

If the Supreme Court rules that the individual mandate is unconstitutional, the Affordable Care Act may be doomed. Without the guarantee that all Americans buy health coverage, there is no incentive for health insurance providers to make coverage available to those with breast cancer and other potentially costly conditions.

Without the individual mandate, the health insurance landscape in the U.S. may remain as it is for the immediately foreseeable future.

More Reasonable Healthcare Down the Road?

Some commentators on the health care hearings have suggested that there might be greener pastures ahead for health insurance in the States. It seems that a dismissal of the individual mandate could, by some analyses, pave the way to a single-payer insurance system, under which all Americans would be covered by the federal government, regardless of job or health status.

While most Americans agree that the current state of health insurance in this country is far from ideal, few understand how important comprehensive coverage is better than those who have had life altering illnesses like breast cancer and major procedures such as breast reconstruction.

 

 

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Scarring After Breast Reconstruction Surgery

June 15, 2012 by

The below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

Is there anything you do to diminish the scars resulting from all of the reconstruction processes?

Generally speaking the quality of the scar is not affected by the surgeon’s technique, and is unfortunately completely dependent upon the patient’s biochemistry.  Having said that, there are some scar patterns, which are more favorable than others, in terms of allowing patients to wear different styles and types of garments without displaying scars.  In a best case scenario, every patient would have a nipple sparing mastectomy where scars readily conceal beneath most swimsuits, although this is unfortunately not possible.  The next best scenario is to have skin sparing mastectomies with a nipple reconstruction, which can still result in a scar pattern which can be readily hidden under most swim wear and in most types of clothing.

More Information on Scarless Mastectomy/Hidden Scar Mastectomy Procedures

Advances in microsurgery and breast surgery allow us to perform mastectomy with hidden scars as in a breast lift or augmentation, without leaving scars on the breast skin. Patients who are candidates for this surgery preserve their breast skin – including the nipple and areola.

This technique begins with an incision under the arm, under the breast fold, around the nipple or down the bottom of the breast below the bra line. Reconstruction involves using a one of the perforator flap techniques (DIEP, SIEA or GAP), with the relocated tissue filling in and shaping the breast.

Share this post with your followers on Twitter. And if you have a question for our breast surgeons, please submit them here!

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The Sound of Music: A List of Outdoor Concerts and Music Events Coming to the Low Country

June 13, 2012 by

Summertime in the South wouldn’t be complete without a picnic blanket, several hundred of your closest friends, and the sound of music weaving through the air.

Luckily, Charleston is a music city. You can find a concert to attend just about every night of the week, and in the summertime, many of them are outside. If you enjoy the outdoors, music, and good company, then these options will be great for you and your family!

Awendaw Green Barn Jam

Wednesday nights in Awendaw are filled with the sound of Charleston’s best homegrown up-and-coming artists. Shows start at 6:00 p.m. at the Awendaw Green, off Highway 17, just past the Sewee Outpost.

Party at the Point

Head over to Patriot’s Point after work on Fridays for an evening filled with great music and $2 beer. The Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina hosts this weekly happy hour concert series, letting you enjoy the cool harbor breeze as you unwind and enjoy the show. The series runs through Friday, June 29.

Last Summer On Earth Tour

Barenaked Ladies, Blues Traveler, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, and Cracker are coming to Daniel Island’s Family Circle Stadium July 14. Don’t miss this chance to see all of your 90’s musical favorites in one place! Tickets are available on Ticketmaster .

What are the summer concerts you’re most looking forward to? Let us know in the comment section below!

 

 

Filed Under: All Things Charleston Tagged With: , , , , ,

Omega-3s: 5 Ways to Load Up on These Healthy Fats

June 11, 2012 by

omega3Many people hear the word “fat” and immediately think it should not be a part of their diet. But what you might not know is that some fats are actually good for you!

Omega-3 fatty acids are in the “healthy fat” group, and your body actually needs them to function normally. Not only are they great for your brain, but they also have been shown to reduce inflammation, boost heart health, lower triglycerides, relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and even aid in the treatment of depression. As an added bonus, Omega-3s are an antiager!

These miracle fats are vital to your overall health and longevity. Your body can’t produce these healthy fats on their own, so you need to make sure you’re getting a daily dose through your diet.

Chances are you’re already eating foods that contain Omega-3s without even knowing it. Below are five wonderful sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and how to include them in your diet. Happy eating!

1. Fish

Salmon and tuna are two of the best natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These are a wonderful dinner option, served with wild rice or on top of a salad. Don’t shy away from the white part of the fish when it’s cooked – that’s where the highest concentration of Omega-3s is!

2. Avocados

Cut up an avocado and toss it into your salad – it’s a great way to get those healthy fats with fewer calories! Plus, they add variety to your traditional salad.

3. Walnuts

Keep a handful of these at your desk to ward off afternoon hunger and keep your mind alert.

4. Olive Oil

Heart-healthy olive oil is full of Omega-3 fatty acids, and is also great for your skin and waistline! Try substituting it for butter when cooking your morning omelet.

5. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds have one of the highest concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids found in nature. A three-tablespoon serving of flax seeds has the same amount of Omega-3s as a pound of fish, making this a great option for a girl on the go. Add them to your cereal, or serve with yogurt and fruit for a nutritious meal that will keep you going all day!

There are also many Omega-3 supplements available at your local health food store, if you feel that you’re not getting enough of these foods. Just make sure that you’re taking 500 mg of fish oil, or Omega-3s, per day.

Visit our Facebook page and share your healthy eating tips!

 

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Back to Bras: Adjusting to Bras After Reconstructive Surgery

June 8, 2012 by

post surgery braThe below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. Richard M. Kline, Jr. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

How soon can I wear a regular bra after the first stage surgery?

Well, I am not sure I know what a regular bra is.  Sport bras are very similar to the bras which we use in the hospital and we often recommend the people transition to sport bras.  I think most patients could wear almost anything they wanted, even an underwire, somewhere from 1-2 months after surgery, although this may not be as comfortable as some other options.

If you do need to have a special bra after your incision lines have healed, we are happy to provide a prescription. We’ve had lots of our patients rave about Nordstrom’s for post mastectomy bras. Not only do the kind folks there provide a professional fitting for mastectomy patients, but they also handle the insurance paperwork for you too!

Here are more helpful hints for post surgery clothing:

If you are having a DIEP breast reconstruction, abdominal swelling limits clothing choices. Wear loose-fitting garments to the hospital. Women should avoid fitted, zippered pants and skirts because they probably won’t zip when it’s time to leave. Even clothing with snug elastic waistbands may be uncomfortable. A loose chemise or drop waist dress or jumper is a good choice.

Slacks or skirts with elastic in the back and a smooth band in the front may be slightly more comfortable than those with a totally elastic waistband.

Consider clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily. Resting and naps are necessary while recuperating.

Cotton underwear breathes and is absorbent and comfortable next to the skin. Cotton’s fiber ends help the fabric stand away from the sensitive incision area rather than hug it, as some textured, synthetic fabrics do. If you don’t already have cotton briefs, buy a pair a size larger than your normal size. A little extra room adds comfort during recuperation. For waistline incisions, bikini cut styles may be better, while full cut panties and shorts might be preferred for incisions in the lower abdomen and buttocks.

Loose-fitting nightgowns and nightshirts are comfortable, especially when made from absorbent, breathable cotton or cotton-blends. If you prefer pajamas, select those with drawstrings. Elastic waists may be less comfortable for some people depending on swelling, tenderness, and location of incision. Sweatpants or crew pants are a comfortable change from bed wear, especially those with drawstrings, which allow some flexibility at the waistline.

Flat soled shoes that slip on your feet rather than tie are great to have, too, as you may be limited in your ability to bend over and tie your shoes.

Are you thinking of having reconstructive surgery and have questions or just want more information? Then click here to ask our team, we’d love to hear from you!

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