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A study by the Group Health Cooperative, published in JAMA January 28, 2004 indicated that breast implants appear on mammograms as a white area that obliterates the breast tissue. Unable to view the breast tissue, screeners miss 22% more cancers in women with breast implants than in those without them.

While breast implants do "decrease the ability of mammography to detect breast cancer," the same study also found that the tumors discovered in women with implants were, in fact, smaller than those found in women without implants.

Several theories were presented to explain this:

• Women with implants may have less breast tissue making detection of a lump easier.
• Tumors might be easier to detect because the implant provides a firm platform against which the tumor would be easier to feel.
• Women with breast implants are more diligent in checking their breasts than those without implants.
• Being more conscious of their bodies, women with implants may seek medical care if they detect even a small change.

Women with implants are encouraged to have regular mammograms, and to request one if they detect any abnormality. Seek out a facility that is experienced in using the implant displacement view. This technique moves the implant aside to get a clear view of the breast tissue.

For more information about these issues please contact Phoenix plastic surgeon, Dr. Paul Angelchik to schedule a personalized consultation.

Breast milk is the perfect baby food, and breast-feeding the ideal way for mother and child to bond. If you plan to breastfeed after having a breast augmentation, be sure you let your cosmetic surgeon know your intent, as it will help him plan implant options that will give you the best outcome.

If you are concerned about your ability to breastfeed after having a breast augmentation, Dr. Paul Angelchik, Phoenix plastic surgeon, can advise you regarding this much-debated topic. The percentage of women choosing to breast feed after augmentation who can breast feed is in line with the percentage of women, in general, who can breast feed.

One of the risks of surgery, regardless of technique is losing the ability to breast feed because of damage to nerves providing sensation to the nipple area. Although there have been studies to suggest otherwise, in Dr. Angelchik's experience, a periareolar incision does not lead to more numbness if the dissection to create the pocket is done properly. Most numbness is related to pocket dissection, nerve location, and implant size issues, not the location of the incision.

No doubt you have many other questions, and will be happy to know that Dr. Paul Angelchik is happy to give you whatever answers you need. Please contact him to make an appointment for a personal consultation in Phoenix, Glendale or Scottsdale.

Many women are unhappy with the changes their bodies made during pregnancy, and want their breasts to look as they did before their pregnancies. These women will be happy to know that "mommy makeovers" are designed to do just that.

Other women of childbearing age are concerned about how breast augmentation will affect future pregnancies, or how pregnancy will affect their prior breast augmentation. The encouraging news is that breast augmentation and pregnancy are safe for both mother and baby.

While breast augmentation has no effect on pregnancy, the changes to a woman's body during pregnancy can affect breasts that have been augmented in the same ways as pregnancy affects natural breasts. Normally, a woman's breasts enlarge during pregnancy, stretching the skin and tissues, and resulting in sagging after the pregnancy. The same can happen after a breast augmentation, losing the shape of the original procedure.

For a personal consultation, or to get answers to your questions, please contact Dr. Paul Angelchik through his website to ask questions, or complete the form to schedule an appointment.

One of the major aspects of your breast implant evaluation will be to determine the right breast implant size to achieve the cup size that you desire. Choosing your breast implant size isn’t as simple as picking a “C-size” cup implant to achieve a “C” cup breast size. Choosing the right implant for a breast augmentation requires the expertise of an experienced plastic surgeon.

Because many measurements, health and lifestyle factors are evaluated to determine the ideal implant and cup size for you, you’ll be glad to know that one of the most skilled and qualified plastic surgeons, Dr. Paul Angelchik has several locations in Arizona.

He will show you actual pictures to get an idea of your desired results, but bear in mind that if your body shape differs from the one in the photo, the results will not look the same on you.

Several methods along the lines of the “rice test” have been used to get an idea of the desired implant size. These techniques involve padding your bra with baggies or stockings filled with rice, couscous, or another grain.

The more accurate implant sizers are designed to give you a better idea of what your actual implant will look like. You can wear these for several days, trying different sizes or shapes to see how they look under your clothing, and how each particular contour might feel.

Please contact Dr. Angelchik to schedule a consultation and to learn how to choose the right breast size for you.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) adopted a policy in 2004 in line with the FDA approval of using saline filled breast implants for women aged 18 years and older. The guidelines further suggest that you be 21 years of age to receive silicone implants. Dr. Paul Angelchik is among the most ethical plastic surgeons. His patients' testimonials confirm that he makes sure that the implants are the best size for his patients and maintains standards to safeguard other aspects of his patients' health and well being.

While only 4% of all cosmetic surgical procedures are performed on people 18 years old and younger, the ASPS emphasizes that the breast augmentation patient be mature enough to make an informed decision and is able to handle the emotional and physical aspects of surgery. Physical maturity and complete breast development are essential because if breasts continue to develop after augmentation, the final appearance of the breasts will be affected.

A factor to consider when contemplating breast augmentation is whether you want to have more children as pregnancy and nursing can alter the shape of your breasts. Depending upon genetics, weight stability, health, diet, skin care and other factors, some women may develop ptosis, or sagging breasts as early as their 20s, and others later in life.

Please contact Phoenix cosmetic surgeon Dr. Paul Angelchik to schedule a personal consultation.

Women's breasts naturally differ slightly, usually less than bra cup size. Some women tend to be very aware of asymmetries in their breasts and are bothered more than others by these normal differences. But when the breast asymmetry is greater than a bra cup size, or the nipple or breast position are clearly different when standing up, or the breasts are different shapes, you might want to consider breast augmentation for correction of breast asymmetry.

Breast asymmetry can occur naturally, or can be the result of breast conserving surgery. Regardless of the cause, if this seriously affects your self-image, you'll be encouraged to know that procedures, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction, depending upon which breast you want to match, can resolve your concerns. Another option would be to have both breasts augmented or reduced if you aren't happy with the natural size or shape of either.

Unless breast asymmetry is a significant cause of emotional distress, most surgeons will ask a patient to wait until they are about 21 years of age, or at least four years after the onset of menstruation to have surgery, to ensure that breasts have completed their natural development. Breast augmentation to correct asymmetry is a safe option, but one that deserves thorough research.

If you would like to learn more, please contact Phoenix cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Paul Angelchik for a consultation.

Protecting skin elasticity is one of the most effective ways of keeping your breasts in good shape. Among the several things you can do to maintain breast health before and after surgery, you can maintain skin by using sunscreen and quality, medical-grade lotions. Our Claro Light and Skin Therapeutics™ were designed for women who want better results from their surgery, as well as for women who aren’t ready for surgery and prefer non-invasive treatments.

Suggestions for good health for your breasts (and for your body, in general):

• Maintain a consistent weight so that your skin doesn’t stretch, then sag after you lose weight.
• Avoid smoking as it is not just hard on your lungs; it can cause your breasts to sag much earlier in life and can impede healing after surgery.
• Get fitted for bras that are appropriate to your breast size, shape, weight and activities. The right bra will reduce stretching your ligaments during exercise.

As always, regular mammograms and breast exams are important. This is as true after surgery as it was before surgery. In fact, detecting a lump can be easier after some surgeries, such as a breast augmentation.

Please contact Dr. Paul Angelchik, Phoenix cosmetic surgeon, for more information or to schedule a consultation.