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Fibrocystic Breast Disease, Explained

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When you feel a lump or discomfort in your breast, it’s likely one of your first thoughts turns to breast cancer. While it’s crucial to get checked to find out, there’s another possibility that’s much less serious, and that’s fibrocystic breast disease Click HERE for the full article.
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‘The majority of looksmaxxers are in their late teens’: Inside the bizarre trend that’s exploding in popularity among young men

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Dr. Constance Chen, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, told the Daily Dot that “plastic surgery involving the eyes is extremely popular.” “In 2020, there were over 325,000 blepharoplasties by plastic surgeons and likely at least that many by oculoplastic surgeons,” Dr. Chen said, referring to surgery to remove excess skin around the eyes. “Altering […]
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10 Proven Tips to Look and Feel Better After 50

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To look and feel your best after age 50, “Eat a plant-based whole foods diet,” says Dr. Constance M. Chen, a board-certified plastic and reconstruction surgeon in New York City. “Avoid processed foods and sugars.” Click HERE for the full article.
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What Are Breast Lesions—and Do You Need to Worry?

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There can be several types of breast lesions, says Constance Chen, M.D., a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in private practice in New York City. Here are the most common kinds of noncancerous lesions: Cyst: A fluid-filled mass or sac-like pocket of tissue. The NCI notes that cysts may be painful just before a […]
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Mini Tummy Tuck Before and Afters: The Results of This Procedure on Extra Ab Flab Can Be Dramatic

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“In a tummy tuck, the entire abdominal skin is elevated up to the lowest rib, and then it is pulled down like a window shade and a new opening is made for the belly button. It also tightens the abdominal muscles like a corset,” explains Constance M. Chen, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New […]
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Will Your Breast Cancer Come Back?

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For starters, certain types of breast cancer are more likely to recur than others, says Constance Chen, M.D., a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in private practice in New York City. These include inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), she says. Click HERE for the full article.
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Ditching Bras – The Braless Trend Takes Center Stage

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New York-based plastic surgeon Dr. Constance Chen, who also specializes in microsurgical breast reconstruction, agrees with Wong. In the case of a sports bra, Dr. Chen told Nike that it’s fine to wear it when sleeping. She even added that doing so “won’t stunt breast growth.” Click HERE for the full article.
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Ask a doc: ‘What should I know before getting a breast lift?’

“A breast lift — or ‘mastopexy’ — is a procedure in which excess skin is removed to tighten the breast envelope,” said New York-based plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen in comments to Fox News Digital. “This also repositions the breast tissue and the nipple-areolar complex higher on the chest wall.” […]
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How Can You Naturally Make Your Big Boobs Smaller?

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Your boobs could be causing back pain because you’re not wearing the right kind of bra. A very supportive bra could help take the weight off of your back and reduce the pain, said Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist at Mount Sinai in New York City. Click HERE […]
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Dispelling Misconceptions Around Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction and the Thin Patient

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Constance M. Chen, MD, MPH, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York and leader in microsurgical breast reconstruction, is back on the podcast with host Keri Stephens to talk about misconceptions in natural tissue breast reconstruction, specifically DIEF flap breast reconstruction. They specifically look at misconceptions around this procedure, especially when it comes […]
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Big Boobs: What Should You Know About Supporting Your Girls?

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“Some women feel pain and discomfort due to the weight of their breasts,” said Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. “Large breasts can also cause rashes under the breasts, shoulder grooves from bra straps digging in, numbness because the nerves are overstretched, difficulty or inability […]
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Is it Safe to Have a Titanium Marker in My Breast?

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Titanium markers—tiny steel clips that are about the size of sesame seeds—are important because they help doctors know what areas of breast tissue have been investigated in the past, says Constance M. Chen, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Click HERE for the full article.
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The Ellen Hermanson Foundation’s SUMMER GALA

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EVENT DETAILS Sat, Aug 26, 2023 at 6:30 PM Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club, 231 Midocean Dr, Bridgehampton, NY, 11932 More info here The Ellen Hermanson Foundation is thrilled to announce it will be hosting its annual Summer Gala benefit on Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM oceanside at Bridgehampton Tennis […]
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The Best Neck Creams That’ll Fight Sagging Skin

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What sets the StriVectin neck cream apart is that it’s one of the few and best neck creams to contain lactic acid. Using lactic acid helps firm and thicken the skin, giving it a smooth appearance with fewer lines and wrinkles. Key ingredients for this cream include peptides, hyaluronic acid, a ceramide blend and a […]
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Abdominoplasty: What a “Tummy Tuck” Can Accomplish

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Carrying extra fat and skin around the lower abdomen isn’t a rare phenomenon, but it’s a rare person who isn’t bothered by it. That dissatisfaction is the main reason driving the popularity of a “tummy tuck,” known medically as abdominoplasty, according to Dr. Constance M. Chen, a renowned plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Tummy tuck surgery […]
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Sore Nipples as You Approach Menopause? You’re Not Alone

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“Sore nipples, and also sore or tender breasts, are common as women are near menopause and experiencing fluctuations in their hormones,” according to Constance Chen, M.D., plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. “It is likely that your nipples will stop hurting after menopause. In fact, some women experience decreased nipple sensation […]
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Understanding the Potential Benefits of a “Mommy Makeover”

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The early days with a new baby are very special. However, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can sometimes change a woman’s body in ways she doesn’t like or want. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause the skin of the breasts and abdomen to stretch and lose elasticity, leaving stretch marks and loose skin. After breastfeeding is completed, […]
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What You Should Know About Large Areolas

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For both women and men, the areola is the pigmented ring of skin surrounding the nipple, and there can be significant variation in terms of size, coloration, and shape, according to Constance Chen, M.D., a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. That means there’s no “standard” areola appearance, so if you […]
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How Your Breasts Change As You Age — 30s, 40s, 50s & Beyond

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In Your 30’s: If you’re a mother, which you are likely to be in your 30’s given CDC data on the increase of births in this category, you’re well aware that your breasts are not what they used to be. “During pregnancy, your breasts are engorged with milk during pregnancy, and then involute after breastfeeding […]
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Breast Reconstruction Specialist Dr. Constance M Chen Provides Explains the Benefits of Short-Scar Breast Reduction

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Women with very large breasts often have chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain due to the strain of constantly being forced to bear the heavy weight of their breasts. They can also have problems finding clothes that fit well or bras that are comfortable and then have to contend with strangers staring at their chest. […]
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Cosmetic fillers: A popular choice for millions of Americans, but not without risks – including the rare possibility of blindness

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Although vascular occlusion is “extremely rare,” it can have extreme health consequences, says Constance M. Chen, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York. She encourages doctors to have thorough conversations with patients before procedures and to intervene quickly if a procedure appears to have gone wrong. “Warning signs that a patient is in […]
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Breast Reconstruction with Implants: Is it better to go above or under the muscle?

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According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 81% of women in the United States who undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy use breast implants. As opposed to natural tissue breast reconstruction, implant-based breast reconstruction does not involve surgery on any other part of the body outside of the breasts. Patients do not have to worry […]
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Cellulite Will Never Totally Go Away, But There Are Some Ways To Lessen It

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Do you have a foam roller gathering dust in the corner of your room? If so, it’s time to dust that bad boy off. “Foam rolling may cause some swelling, which can give the illusion of a smoother appearance on the skin, but it does not actually change the fibrous bands that cause the pockets […]
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Moldy breast implants may have caused this woman’s depression and joint pain

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Constance M. Chen MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist, says patients with BII may present with a wide range of symptoms, including “brain fog, joint aches, hair loss, swelling, visual changes, fatigue, strange body odors, skin changes such as rashes or discolored skin, nail changes (such as thick or black fingernails resistant to […]
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Understanding Nipple Reconstruction Alternatives after a Mastectomy

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The objective of breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is to recreate new breasts to help a patient feel whole and normal after surgery. The traditional mastectomy resects the nipple-areola complex and leaves a woman with a straight line scar across her chest. New mastectomy techniques preserve the nipple-areolar complex so that no nipple reconstruction is […]
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Breast Surgery May Be Utilized Due to Cancer or for Cosmetic Reasons

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“Someone might get breast surgery for any number of reasons,” said Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. “Usually, the reasons will either be cosmetic or medical. Cosmetic reasons for undergoing breast surgery include changing the size, shape and symmetry of the breasts. Medical reasons include […]
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New study explores omission of radiation in older women with breast cancer

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Constance M. Chen, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist, shares some thoughts. “While women have traditionally received radiation therapy after lumpectomy, it is an option to decline radiation therapy after lumpectomy—as long as women understand that they have a higher chance of having another breast cancer in their breast but they don’t […]
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Natural Tissue Breast Reconstruction for Thin People

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Autologous tissue breast reconstruction creates soft, warm, and living breasts from a woman’s own body tissue, and many consider it to be the gold standard in breast reconstruction. Despite this, many thin women report that they have been told that their only option for breast reconstruction is implants because they do not have enough fat […]
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Breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen on comfortable apparel choices for women after breast surgery

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For more than 100,000 American women who undergo mastectomies each year, it is important to be as comfortable as possible during the postoperative period. Pain and tenderness, swelling, surgical drains and other sequelae from surgery should guide the choice of bras and other post-mastectomy clothing, says plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist Dr. Constance M. […]
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What To Do About Unacceptable Breast Implants

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In October 2021, the FDA announced a series of changes to help ensure that women considering breast implants have a clear picture of what implants involve before undergoing surgery. The changes include new labeling requirements, updated screening recommendations, and selling implants only to facilities that outline their potential risks and benefits. “While breast implant surgery […]
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Common bumps on the areola, Montgomery glands can sometimes get clogged, and may need treatment if they get infected

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IF YOU’VE EVER noticed small bumps around your nipples, and wondered if they were pimples, you may have been noticing Montgomery glands. These oil glands, which appear as small raised dots on the areola (the dark circle around the nipple) usually look like goosebumps, according to Constance Chen, M.D., a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction […]
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Nipple-Sparing Surgery is Safe for Women with Gene Mutations

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Using Fat Grafting for Breast Reconstruction

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For women who want natural tissue breast reconstruction but cannot or do not want to undergo flap surgery, another option is fat grafting. One reason a woman might not be a candidate for flap surgery is due to a clotting disorder that will cut off the blood supply to the flap. Or she may be […]
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Breast Cancer: Researchers Say It’s OK to Pause Long-Term Treatment for Pregnancy

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“This research is encouraging for young women who have had hormone-positive breast cancer and are committed to starting a biological family,” said Dr. Constance M. Chen, a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. Click HERE for the full article.
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Nipple-Sparing Surgery is Safe for Women with Gene Mutations

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For women with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer, it is shocking to learn that you carry a gene mutation that dramatically increases the chance you will develop breast cancer at some point in your life. Perhaps just as shocking is learning that your best way to prevent breast cancer is to undergo a double […]
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Can Drinking Milk Increase My Breast Size?

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“Drinking milk does not make your breasts grow,” said Constance M. Chen, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. “Gaining weight makes your breasts grow, just as it makes the rest of your body grow.” Click HERE for the full article.
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Using Fat Grafting for Breast Reconstruction

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Fat grafting is an innovative form of breast reconstruction 3 that avoids both the artificiality of breast implants and the scarring and complexities of flap surgery. A form of natural tissue breast reconstruction, fat grafting is an option for women with the time and patience to accept its limitations. Click HERE for the full article.
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Heads Up, Here’s The Link Between Breast Cancer And Moles

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Constance Chen, M.D., a breast reconstruction specialist in New York City, explained that hormones, particularly estrogen, are theorized to play a significant role in the number of moles a person can develop. The higher your estrogen levels, the higher your risk of having moles and developing breast cancer. However, Chen clarified that more studies are […]
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What Side Effects Or Risks Are Common After Breast Reduction Surgery?

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According to Constance M. Chen, MD, a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York, you can generally expect scarring around the nipple-areola complex and a vertical scar at the bottom of your breast. Click HERE for the full article.
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The Best Bras And Post-op Products For Mastectomies

Dr. Constance M. Chen, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist based in New York City, said that when shopping for postoperative undergarments, which are often covered by insurance, it’s important to take breast swelling into consideration. A bra that might fit well in the operating room might become too tight as you heal. […]
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Why Patients Are Ditching Their Breast Implants

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Plastic Surgery Practice Co-Chief Editor Keri Stephens sits down with New York-based board-certified plastic surgeon and microsurgical breast reconstruction guru Constance Chen, MD, FACS, to discuss the breast implant explantation process. The podcast, which follows Chen’s article about the topic, delves into why patients are increasingly removing their breast implants and what factors affect the […]
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What Young Adults Need To Know About Breast Cancer

Constance Chen, MD, FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist, told Verywell that while the number of cases of breast cancer in younger adults is low compared to in other age groups, there is an increased incidence of breast cancer in premenopausal women. In part, Chen said that rising cases of breast cancer […]
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Psychosocial Aspects Of Breast Implant Removal

There are approximately 400,000 breast implant surgeries performed every year in the United States. 75% of breast implants are placed for cosmetic reasons, and 25% of breast implants are placed for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Despite this, over 70,000 explantation surgeries for breast implant removal were performed in 2021. There are a myriad of reasons […]
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The 411 On Preventive Mastectomy

While all women are at risk for breast cancer, particularly those over 50, there are particular factors that considerably raise the risk for women at any age. Understanding and becoming aware of these factors allow those at high risk to explore their options. The most common risk factor is an inherited genetic mutation that significantly […]
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Recovering From Surgery

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Getting patients moving and up and around as soon as possible after surgery is crucial to the healing process. The first goal is usually just walking, which offers terrific benefits including reducing the risk of blood clots and expanding the lungs. The most common cause of a fever after surgery is atelectasis. Here, shallow breaths […]
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Is It Ok To Wear A Bra To Sleep? Experts Weigh In

Likewise, if you prefer to sleep in a sports bra, wear that. Many people want to know if it’s bad to sleep in a sports bra, said Constance M. Chen, board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist. “It’s not,” she assured. “It won’t stunt breast growth the way some people believe.” Click HERE for the […]
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What To Expect After Breast Implant Removal

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Patients thinking about removing their breast implants will likely have a few questions. For many people, one of the primary concerns is what their breasts will look like after explantation. The answer depends on many factors, and it’s important to understand how these details can affect breast appearance once the implants are removed. The good […]
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Keeping Incisions Small For Implant Removal

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new communication this month alerting patients and healthcare professionals about reports of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas associated with breast implants. This is separate from what the World Health Organization (WHO) classified as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in 2016. While the […]
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Breast Reconstruction: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 51,400 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ will be diagnosed in 2022. Less than half of women who undergo mastectomy are offered breast reconstruction, however, and less than 20 percent of women who undergo mastectomy elect to […]
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5 Things To Expect After A Mastectomy

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Whether performed by itself or combined with immediate breast reconstruction using implants or natural tissue flaps, mastectomy surgery can surprise women in both its complexity and what its recovery involves. The length of your hospital stay, the amount and duration of your pain, and how long you require surgical tubes called drains to collect post-surgery […]
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Plastic Surgeon And Breast Reconstruction Specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen With Tips For Recovering From Surgery

Each individual’s experience and reactions to surgery is different and related to a number of variables, such as the reaction and aftereffects of anesthesia, the type and location of the surgery, and the patient’s general overall physical and mental health. With that said, Plastic Surgeon and Breast Reconstruction specialist Dr. Constance M. Chen offers that […]
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FDA Warns About New Cancer Ricks Linked to Breast Implants

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“The link between breast implants and cancer in general is very rare – fewer than 20 cases of the carcinoma and fewer than 30 cases of the unexpected lymphomas [have been reported] – and it involves the capsule or scar tissue around the breast implant,” says Dr. Constance M. Chen, a board-certified plastic surgeon and […]
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Getting Breast Reconstruction Better The Second Time Around

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — For many women, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is a process. Although some may expect a one-and-done procedure, their bodies may not cooperate. Some experience complications, particularly with breast implants, that require additional surgery. And others are just unhappy with the results of their breast reconstruction, the […]
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Am I Too Young Or Too Old To Change My Breast Size?

“Age is definitely a factor in breast surgery. Our breasts change throughout our lives, as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause, for example, so age should be taken into consideration in order to optimize the timing of surgery and maximize outcome.” Regardless of where you fall on the age spectrum, Dr. Chen breaks down […]
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Considerations For Having A Preventive Mastectomy

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While all women are at risk for breast cancer, particularly those over 50 years old, there are particular factors that considerably raise the risk for women at any age. Understanding and becoming aware of these factors allows those at high risk to explore their options for reducing their risk. The most common risk factor is […]
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Whether These Swollen, Pimple-like Bumps Show Up Out Of The Blue Or A Recurrent Problem For You, Here’s Expert Help For Finding Relief.

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“The best treatment is to keep the area as cool and dry as possible, and wash with a hexachlorophene-based antibacterial soap,” says Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon with special expertise in breast reconstruction in New York City. Meanwhile, take the pain down a notch: “Warm, moist compresses (made with warm water and […]
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Here’s What Happens When You Stop Wearing A Bra

It depends on your cup size, but if you have very large breasts, “not wearing a bra could affect back or neck pain,” says Constance M. Chen, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. In fact, a study published in The Journal of Orthopaedics found a correlation between a large […]
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Considerations For Having A Preventive Mastectomy

While all women are at risk for breast cancer, particularly those over 50 years old, there are particular factors that considerably raise the risk for women at any age. Understanding and becoming aware of these factors allows those at high risk to explore their options for reducing their risk. The most common risk factor is […]
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Trouble Breastfeeding? Insufficient Glandular Tissue May Be To Blame

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While diagnosing IGT before birth is uncommon, there are some ways to look for physical signs of insufficient tissue in the breasts, said Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. One indicator can be a large space that is more than 4 centimeters between breasts. Other […]
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5 Things To Expect After A Mastectomy

NY, NY, USA, July 13, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ — There is no way around it: Mastectomy surgery—the surgical removal of one or both breasts—is a big deal. This major procedure is performed on *more than 100,000 women in the United States each year. Despite its prevalence, however, many women do not know what to expect in […]
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As one of the leading breast reconstruction specialists in the United States, Dr. Constance Chen has been featured in over 100 news and media publications and journals over her years in practice.

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