Breast Cancer Month Blog: Breast Cancer concerns? What Cosmetic Surgery can do for you.

As October draws to a close, Aurora Clinics cannot forget to mention that this month has been devoted to Breast Cancer Awareness.

For a cosmetic surgery centre with many expert surgeons specialising in breast surgery procedures, this is a topic very close to our hearts. In the field of cosmetic surgery, breast cancer has an impact upon a number of different areas: both the aesthetic (cosmetic surgery) side and the reconstructive (plastic surgery) side of the business.

Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK and (although rare in men) found in both genders. It is strongly related to age, with your risk of developing the condition increasing as you get older. Genetic factors and certain lifestyle attributes (smoking, being overweight) also contribute to breast cancer predisposition.

Reconstructive (Plastic Surgery) & Breast Cancer

Sadly, many breast cancer survivors do not have reconstructive surgery after they receive the all-clear… because they feel guilty, vain or selfish for considering doing so! Older breast cancer patients in particular often feel lucky to have survived at all and that they should just be grateful to be alive, not wanting to have their breasts back.

This, twinned with a stigma about breast surgery which puts cosmetic surgery (breast enlargement / the ‘boob job’) in the same bracket as reconstructive surgery in the public perception, is apparently putting ladies off. This seems a great shame, as there is plenty that can be done to restore the shape of the breast after a mastectomy or partial mastectomy.

Although the procedure is quite complex, there are lots of options including reconstruction with a breast implant or with your own tissue.

For women who have not lost the whole breast, only the nipple, there is also the option to have semi-permanent makeup in this area (Medical Micropigmentation) which literally tattoos back on a very realistic-looking nipple and areola. This can do wonders for your self-confidence after breast cancer.

Aurora Clinics offer both of the above treatments and have a very sensitive expert team of surgeons and practitioners who know how to treat you with the care you deserve after such a traumatic time.

Cosmetic Surgery (Aesthetic) & Breast Cancer

It is a common myth that, following Breast Enlargement Surgery, the breast implants prevent you from examining your breasts for lumps or from getting a routine mammogram / ultrasound.

Aurora Clinics strongly advocate regular checking of your breasts for lumps: the earlier you can detect breast cancer, the much more positive your outcome is likely to be.

During breast enlargement surgery, breast implants are placed behind the breast tissue. The breast tissue is not divided (the connection between the breast milk glands and the nipple remains intact after breast enlargement surgery).

Since the breast implants are placed behind your breast tissue, your existing natural breast tissue is pushed forward and it is therefore possible to check your breast tissue regularly for lumps as they will not be concealed behind the implants. In fact, because the existing tissue is pushed forward, it sometimes actually becomes slightly easier to feel if any lumps are present.

Mammograms are also perfectly possible following breast enlargement surgery but it is important to make sure that the type of mammogram does not compress the breast implants. This compression can, in some cases, damage the breast implants.

Male Surgery & Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is a common concern of men who think that they may be suffering from Gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue). This is because both gynecomastia and male breast cancer can be felt as a growth underneath the nipple.

There is also a common myth that gynecomastia is a symptom of breast cancer in men. In actual fact, however, gynecomastia is a much more common condition which, though embarrassing, is completely benign.

It can, however, be a symptom of other health disorders so it is best for men who are concerned about this condition to get checked out by a GP before considering gynecomastia surgery to remove their male breasts.

If you are affected by, or concerned about, any of the issues mentioned in this article, our team of breast surgery expert surgeons will be delighted to advise you. Book a free Consultation or call for advice on 01324 578290.