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Upcoming Breast Cancer Events in Charleston

April 7, 2015 by

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The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is so proud to be a part of the Charleston, SC, community, which continues to support local women and breast cancer awareness with amazing events and fundraisers.

We encourage you to show your support at these upcoming events in our area for a cause that is dear to our hearts.

April 8—Pink Out Night for The Cure!

Show your support and pink out the stadium at the Family Circle Cup. This fun event raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry organization. Wear your best pink attire, and $1 will be donated to help find a cure. Any survivor sporting their 2014 Race for the Cure t-shirt will receive a free general admission!

The gates open at 5 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the website.

April 11-12—Women living with metastatic breast cancer

Living Beyond Cancer is hosting their annual conference for women living with metastatic breast cancer. This 2-day event provides support, resources, and information to help those with stage IV breast cancer.

The doctors, researchers, nurses, and mental health providers all provide the most cutting-edge information. This is a great opportunity to meet others and be in the company of those who truly understand the struggles of living with metastatic breast cancer.

For more information, visit the website.

May 23—Rock Pink 5k 

This evening race is TONS of fun! From the pink glow necklaces, to the 80s rock band and outfits, to the body paint—this is the place to be! This 5k run/walk embodies the spirit of the cause.  All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Lowcountry organization.

For registration information, visit the website. 

Please share this information with your friends on social media!

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Ask The Doctor-Does lipomodelling make breasts more natural looking?

April 3, 2015 by

purple flowersThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Do doctors do lipomodelling of the affected breast to make it more natural looking? Implant does not help. Thanks.

Answer: Thanks for your question. We perform fat grafting as part of the breast reconstruction process. If you had breast reconstruction with an implant and the results are not natural, fat grafting can help. There are some situations that require removing the implant in order to get a more natural result. Let me know if you need more info.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

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6 To-Dos for Your Charleston Staycation

March 31, 2015 by

fountain in charleston

Okay, so you’re a little bummed that you’re not jet setting somewhere else for vacation this year.

Not to worry.  People flock to Charleston for their vacations—so why not plan your very own staycation?

The Holy City has so much to offer. From the history and culture of Lowcountry to the beaches and restaurants, there are plenty of activities and fun to experience right here in town!

Here are  6 to-do’s on your Charleston staycation:

Step away from the housework

Drop the broom right this very second! Not leaving for vacation does not mean you should fill it with your to-do list. You’ve earned this time off. It’s time to relax and rejuvenate!

Go back in time

Who says you can’t be a tourist in your own town? Take a historical tour and learn more about the fascinating city we live in! Take a two-hour walking tour of Charleston’s Historic District with experienced guides. Tours depart from The Shops of Historic Charleston Foundation.

Catch up on reading

You know that list of books you’ve been meaning to read? Curl up with a cup of tea and read your heart out! Or stake out a live oak tree covered in Spanish moss to read under. Heck, read from sunup to sundown—it’s vacation after all!

Try a new activity

Experience our beautiful city from a new perspective! Sign up for a Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayak tour and enjoy the outdoors. Trying new activities and exploring new areas is a great way to spend your staycation.

Catch a tour

The Charleston Tea Plantation is one of the few places in America to grow its own tea. Take a tour of the tea factory and learn about the history behind the 127 acres on Wadmalaw Island and taste different teas. The plantation also offers an educational trolley tour so guests can explore the scenic grounds.

Also on site is the Irvin House Vineyards, which produces wine and firefly vodka. Stop in for a tasting!

Beach day

We are lucky enough to have 5 beautiful beaches, aren’t we? Make a day of it with your family or friends! Get out early before the crowds, pack a cooler, set up the umbrella, and make sure to drop by Poe’s on Sullivan’s Island to take a break from the sun!

Are you a local? Share how you’d like to spend your Charleston staycation on our Facebook page!

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Ask The Doctor-Will my pectoral muscles will return to normal after I have my implants removed?

March 27, 2015 by

purple flowerThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I had a mastectomy with reconstruction using saline implants. I am considering having the implants removed, and am wondering if my pectoral muscles will return to normal.

Answer: Thank you for your question. If you are planning to have your implants removed, then are you planning to have any further reconstruction? Frequently, tissue expanders and breast implants used for breast reconstruction are placed under the chest muscle. If you are having problems with your chest muscles because of the breast implants, it is likely that some of the  problems would improve or possibly go away completely if you have the implants removed. On the other hand, it is very unlikely that your muscles will ever go completely back to normal after they have been lifted up and or divided to cover an implant. In my practice we keep the implants above the muscle. When this is possible the muscle is not disrupted at all. When we have a patient who has had problems with their implants, we can usually help them by removing the implant and capsule and reattaching the muscle. We then perform the breast reconstruction with the new breast on top of the muscle. If you  choose to have breast reconstruction after problems with implants, then replacing them with your own fatty tissue can be a great option. Let me know if you need more information. Thanks again for your question!

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

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5 Reasons Cleaning Is Good for You

March 24, 2015 by

lady cleaning in evening gownSpring has officially arrived, and along with the warmer weather comes, well, spring-cleaning.

It may be a sign of getting older, but somewhere along the way cleaning has somehow become…relaxing?

Sure, we put it off now and again (*cough *all the time), but when you truly get into the cleaning mode, there is something truthfully therapeutic about decluttering your home.

For those who are a little more skeptical of the benefits of spring-cleaning, we have listed the 5 ways cleaning de-clutters not only your house, but also your mind.

1. Clutter is stressful

This is just a plain and simple fact. When our house is a mess, we always have that in the back of our minds. We may even avoid coming home, because the mess is so overwhelming.

Spring-cleaning tip: tackle the clutter and disorganization first—that way everything is out of the way to finish the cleaning process.

2. Swiffer those calories off

Cleaning can be a real workout. You’re vacuuming and climbing all around dusting, and the next thing you know you’ve broken a sweat! When you workout, endorphins are released. And we all learned from Legally Blonde: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands.” The takeaway: cleaning makes you feel good, because you are up and moving about.

Spring-cleaning tip: to stay moving and motivated, put on some energetic music!

3. Sense of control

With life being so unpredictable and problems always arising, there is something comforting about cleaning. You know that if the fridge is dirty, you can fix that problem. Having the ability to tangibly make order out of chaos is a reassuring feeling.

Spring-cleaning tip: Pinpoint what is overwhelming you the most about cleaning your home, and tackle that first. This will help ease your mind.

4. Peace of mind

There are very few things as frustrating as when you’re trying to get out the door and you can’t find something, because the house is a disaster. Part of the reason cleaning is so relaxing is that it’s so nice simply knowing where everything is. When everything has its own place, your day-to-day routine becomes a lot less hectic.

Spring-cleaning tip: When you’re cleaning, don’t just throw everything into drawers and to the top of your closet. Take the time to thoroughly organize each area. By doing so, your house will stay orderly for a longer period of time.

5. Feeling of accomplishment

Doesn’t it always seem like your best cleaning comes when you have other things you need to be doing? That’s because you get a true sense of accomplishment from getting your home into good shape. The next time you have a hard time getting motivated to do something, try cleaning a small area of your home—it’s gets you moving and in the spirit to accomplish other things.

Spring-cleaning tip: If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to begin, make a checklist in the order of items you want to accomplish.

What do you love about cleaning? Comment below!

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Ask The Doctor-Is it possible to do a flap reconstruction after first surgeon tried expander on radiated breast on a smoker?

March 20, 2015 by

flowerThis week, Richard M. Kline, Jr., MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Is it possible to do a flap reconstruction after first surgeon tried expander on radiated breast on a smoker who had quit 7 weeks before surgery? 4 weeks later I still have open wounds almost the size of a quarter.

Answer: Thanks for your excellent question.

Fortunately, previous breast surgery, no matter how extensive, rarely impacts our ability to do a flap reconstruction using your own tissue. In fact,  a healthy, non-radiated flap is often beneficial in improving the quality of the radiated tissue around it.

As you seem to already be aware, nicotine is an absolute “no-no” when having surgery, and also when trying to heal a chronic wound. Nicotine causes the microscopic blood vessels in your tissue to clamp down, just like shutting off a valve, which deprives the healing tissues of oxygen. Usually, however, nicotine levels are unmeasurable after a full month of exposure cessation.

We have treated several chronic wounds in patients with failed implant reconstructions, and we have always felt that it was best to get the wound healed before proceeding with flap reconstruction. Achieving healing in these situations is often not straightforward,  but we have thus far eventually been successful. Sometimes retained foreign material (such as Alloderm) can play a role in keeping the wound open, and sometimes there is just not enough skin left in the radiated area. Rarely, deep infection of the bone or cartilage can be an issue, although this is unusual.

If you wish, we can set up a phone consultation to discuss your specific circumstances in more detail.

Best of luck, and thanks again for your question.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

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Detox Water: 3 Recipes to Cleanse Your Body

March 17, 2015 by

water with lemon and cucumberDetox water. It’s all the rage.

But is this new fad healthy? Absolutely! Just add it to your normal daily routine.

Detox water has a balance of fruits and herbs that flush fat, support liver and kidney health, and give your metabolism a jump-start.

Each of the ingredients in these recipes contain natural health benefits—and most you can find already in your kitchen!

Mix up a big pitcher of these 3 water detoxes or pour into a water bottle if you’re on the go.

Pre-Bathing Suit Season Detox

 

Ingredients:

  • ½ gallon spring water
  • ½ grapefruit, sliced
  • ½ cucumber, sliced
  • 2-3 mint leaves
  • ½ lemon, sliced
  • ½ lime, sliced

Why it’s good for you: The cucumbers serve as a natural diuretic, and help your body release water you’ve been retaining. The enzymes in grapefruits help you burn fat more easily. In addition, the lemons and limes help your digestive system. This detox will flatten your belly and have you bathing suit ready in no time!

Lemon Ginger Detox

Ingredients:

  • 1 12-ounce glass water, at room temperature
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 inch knob of zested ginger root

Why it’s good for you: The properties of zested ginger act as a detoxifier that help give your metabolism a jump-start. Lemons serve as a diuretic and improve digestive health to release toxins. Having a glass of lemon ginger water is a great drink for first thing in the morning to get your metabolism moving.

Fat Flush Detox

Ingredients:

-1 gallon of water

-Chopped-up watermelon in squares (about 3 slices)

-1 whole sliced cucumber

-1 lemon and/or lime

-Fresh mint leaves (about 10-13)

Why it’s good for you: The mint leaves are not only refreshing, but they also help cleanse the liver and relieve stomach cramping. Watermelon and cucumbers help filter your kidneys and liver. Lemons help to regulate your digestive track and break down fat. This is a great after-weekend detox to get your body back in tip-top shape.

Have a favorite detox recipe? Share on our Facebook page!

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Ask The Doctor-Will you give me your second opinion on insurance coverage?

March 13, 2015 by

This week, Gail Lanter, CPC, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: Do you accept BCBS insurance from Ga? I had a double mastectomy a year ago and breast implant reconstruction. I’ve had to have both taken out their weeks apart due to one being infected and one implant exposed. I would like a second opinion on where to go from here.

Answer: I’d have to see your card and check your plan to be completely certain, but we do participate within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Card Nationwide Network.  Does your card have a little suitcase on the bottom corner that looks like the one below?

BlueCross Blue Shield insurance card example

 

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

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Discover the Happy You

March 10, 2015 by

happy girl jumping in field

What makes us unhappy?

Chances are it comes down to at least one of these three underlying causes: a toxic person, a toxic mindset, or a toxic lifestyle.

When you get into the cycle of consistently having negative people, thoughts, and lifestyle controlling you, it’s difficult to move to a truly happy place.

Here are three reasons why you need to rid of the toxicity in your life:

1.    Toxic People

Having toxic people in your life is incredibly draining. The Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology at Friedrich Schiller University in Germany conducted a study and found that your brain’s reaction to these negative people results in a massive stress response.

Here are three types of friends that may be causing stress and unhappiness in your life.

  • “The friend that doesn’t reciprocate”—This is the friend that you are always the one reaching out to meet up, doing favors for, and being there for her. Because that’s what friends are for. But it gets old and upsetting when they just don’t prioritize you in the same way.
  • “The friend that’s always the victim”—This friend always seems to have stuff happen “to” her, and she never considers that her actions have an impact on these circumstances. She is always negative, and there is always a crisis.
  • “The friend that wants to feel better about herself”—This is the friend who guilt trips you for not going out on a Tuesday night and makes fun of you for always being “lame.” This person puts other people down to make up for her own issues.

It may be difficult to separate yourself from a toxic friend if you’ve been close for a long time, but if she is truly weighing you down, consider how much healthier and happier your life will be with more supportive and positive influences.

2.    Toxic Mindset

Sure, there can be a lot of toxic people in our lives, but it’s important to realize when we are being toxic to ourselves. We may be treating others in an unfair way, because we are unhappy.

Are you still angry with your ex for leaving? Do you still resent your parent for not being there? This hatred can turn into a toxic cycle of unhappiness and depression.

In the words of Frozen, let it go.

Seriously. It’s difficult get to that forgiving mindset, but when you truly decide to stop holding resentment, the feeling is indescribably uplifting.

Chances are, when you decide to move on without bitterness toward that person, other areas of your life will be positively affected by this change.

Not to mention maintaining a high level of toxic emotions can lead to serious health risks. According to Better Health Channel, this inner stress can even cause heart attacks and stroke.

3.    Toxic Lifestyle

This may be the trickiest of all three to overcome, but can make such a profound difference in your happiness. A toxic lifestyle consists of habits and routines that you do habitually, but you know that they are unhealthy and causing you a lot of unhappiness.

Scenario:

Your friends only like to hang out at the bar and don’t have many other interests or hobbies other than drinking, so that’s where you spend the majority of your free time. You’d like to do other things, but it seems too stressful to meet new friends.

Solution:

This is a tough situation, because you’re comfortable in your current situation. The important thing to realize is how much happier you could be finding friends with aspirations similar to yours. Join as many groups as you can that interest you, and find out whom you click with!

To end the cycle of a toxic lifestyle, the most important thing is to truly recognize exactly how unhappy it is making you. Next, you need to decide what is going to make you happier. Finally, you have to make steps for yourself on how to achieve those goals.

Everyone deserves to find inner joy. Once you surmount the toxicity in your life, the opportunities for happiness are boundless.

Read more on how to find happiness in your life.

 

 

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Ask The Doctor-What can be done about hard breasts?

March 6, 2015 by

8404745471_aa5de5fd5f_mThis week, James E. Craigie, MD, of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction answers your question.

Question: I have had a natural breast reconstruction. I have several places in both breasts that are hard. I also have a hole in the right breast that needs tissue. Will the hard places soften as time goes by? I am considering having tissue taken from my groins to fill the cavity. I also have to have the tummy tuck closed. Please advise. Part of me is thinking to have all the tissue removed. The hard areas feel like armor. Thanks. What do you recommend?

Answer: Thanks for your question, I’m sorry you’re having difficulties. How long ago did you have breast reconstruction? Have you had a second stage yet? If you had reconstruction with your own fatty tissue, sometimes some of the fat may not survive and can cause hard lumps. The lumps will soften with time but usually not completely go away  unless they are small. We usually remove any hard lumps at the second stage procedure about 3 months following the first surgery. If most of the fat is hard then sometimes we might need to add more fat to the breast to give it shape, or start over with tissue from another area. The thigh area is another possible area to get fat if needed depending on your situation. We avoid taking the groin muscles when we use the thigh fat to rebuild the breast. Let me know how long ago you had your surgery. Time may improve your situation and hopefully you won’t feel like you need to go back to having no breasts.

Have a question about breast reconstruction or post-surgical you’d like answered from our surgical team? Just ask!

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