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Marietta, GA 30068




    Capsular Contracture

    Capsular Contracture

    Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur with breast implants even when surgery has been performed flawlessly. It can occur at any time but most frequently in the first months following surgery. Capsular contracture is the name given when the tissue surrounding the implant, the capsule, hardens. During breast implant insertion a pocket is created, which during the healing process forms a capsule. Under normal conditions this pocket will remain open and allow the implant to look and feel natural, however in capsular contracture this capsule hardens and presses on the implant causing the implant to feel firm and look unnatural, even though the implant itself remains unchanged. There is a grading system for the severity capsular contracture:

    – Baker Grade I – Breast is soft and looks natural. (normal conditions of a breast implant)

    – Baker Grade II – Breast feels a little firm but maintains natural appearance

    – Baker Grade III –  Breast is firm, may appear slightly distorted

    – Baker Grade IV – Breast is firm, distorted in shape and may be causing some pain/ discomfort.

    There are a number of theories as to why this occurs for some individuals from inflammation caused by bacterial contamination, smoking slowing the healing process and even implant placement – subglandular placement (above the pectoralis muscle) has a lot higher rate of capsular contracture than submuscular placement (below the pectoralis muscle).

    I see capsular contracture in only about 5% of my patients.  With our minimal touch techniques and new and improved breast implant construction, rates of capsular contracture are at an all-time low.  Despite seeing very low capsular contracture rates in my own patients, I do see a fair number of patients with older implants (10-30 years) or implants placed in foreign countries who present with this complication.  I highly recommend that if a patient has had implants for more than 10 years or if the implants were placed in a foreign country, that patient should see a plastic surgeon about possible complications.  With both groups of patients I see high rates of implant rupture and capsular contracture and the patients often need further corrective surgery or implant exchange for new breast implants.

    Capsular contracture is a vexing problem for both the patient and the physician.  I explain to patients about the risk of capsular contracture before surgery but I know they don’t fully understand what it is or why it happens.  We as physicians don’t fully understand why it happens.  I tell patients that put simply, capsular contracture is hardening of the capsule of tissue around the breast.  As the capsule hardens the implant will become less mobile and it can be painful in later stages.

    Theories for the cause of capsular contracture fall into two basic categories:  inflammatory or infectious.  The truth is that it’s most likely a combination of these categories.  What we know is that if we perform 100 breast augmentations using precisely the same technique in all cases, 1-10 people will develop capsular contracture in at least one side.

    If we notice post-operatively that one breast is more firm than the other, we may opt to treat that patient with medicine (corticosteroids such as oral prednisone).  If this doesn’t resolve the capsular contracture then we proceed with capsulectomy surgery to remove the thickened, scarred capsule and replace the breast implant with a new implant.  Patients who have had capsular contracture in the past are at higher risk to develop it again, even after the capsulectomy surgery so we monitor them carefully for any changes in the implant.

    Any possible complications of surgery are discussed with each patient during their consult before surgery so that patients are fully aware and informed.

    For more information on procedures offered by Dr McCluskey visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

    Butt Augmentation Injections: The Truth Behind The Horror Stories

    Butt augmentation is hugely popular right now, and unfortunately there are some people looking to make a quick buck from the overwhelming demand. This just compounds why it is critical to research any doctor you consider visiting and make sure they are a certified physician. I don’t do “butt injections” or biogel or hydrogel injections.  I will work with patients who have had these injections and would like the injected material removed.  Unfortunately I frequently see patients who ask me if I can recommend someone that will do buttock injections.  I urge my patients not to undergo these injections.  I’ve sat with many women who come to me in tears with lumpy, deformed, and discolored buttocks who now want the material removed.  Many of them want to sue the person who injected the material but this person is typically someone who performed the injections at a home or hotel room under a veil of secrecy.  These injectors run a word of mouth business, sometimes through internet message boards because it is illegal to inject unknown substances into people.  No licensed provider can legally perform these injections.  We have no way to control or determine the identity of the injected substance.

    Let me rephrase this and address those who still aren’t convinced.  fixaflat
    When you seek out and undergo these hydrogel butt injections you have no idea what they’re injecting into your body, and guess what?  The person injecting the material has no idea what they’re injecting into you either.  That clear substance in the 60cc syringe could be rubber cement, or caulk or fix-a-flat, or it could be industrial grade silicone or industrial grade poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA).  The FDA does not control or regulate these injections because they are not legal – this is why those who are caught performing these injections for money (ie. providing a “medical service”) are prosecuted as criminals.  So just because a few of your friends loved the results of their “butt injections” and it doesn’t go away like fat doesn’t mean it’s safe or healthy.  The Fix-A-Flat website does not mention buttock injections as a possible use for the material, but it does say that Fix-a-flat is recommended for use on (non-Z rated, non motorcycle) tires only.  Also, consider this:  the patients who come to me for removal of the injected material or repair of the deformities caused by these injections are the lucky ones.  There are numerous recent stories (such as the woman pictured above) in the news of deaths resulting from these injections.  When I tell you, as my patient, that these injections are illegal and dangerous, I am doing so out of concern.  I am not trying to keep you from going elsewhere for injections or to prevent you from achieving the results you desire – I am trying to say in the nicest way that these injections kill people and it’s not worth the risk!

    Also consider that these injections are rarely performed under sterile conditions.  Recently I’ve treated a number of patients for mild to severe infections from buttock injections.  It is clear that the injections were either not performed in a sterile fashion, or the material itself is either contaminated (it is by definition a contaminant) or it causes a severe inflammatory reaction.  I have successfully treated a number of these patients with either systemic antibiotics or corticosteroids to resolve infection & inflammation.

    For patients seeking an alternative to dangerous butt injections please call my office for more information.  If nothing else we just want you to have the tools to make an informed decision.  If you’ve already had buttock injections and you’re having complications such as lumps, deformities, dimples, pain, infection, or discoloration I welcome your call as well.  I cannot promise that I will be able to remove the injected material but we can help you and there are a number of treatment options to alleviate some of these complications.

    For information on more procedures offered by Dr McCluskey visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

    Breast Implant Placement

    Did you know that you have a choice in breast implant placement?

    Breast implants can either be placed or above the pectoralis muscle and beneath the breast tissue, known as sub glandular placement shown on the left of the picture below, or beneath the pectoralis muscle, sub muscularly, as shown on the right.  The benefits and risks of implant placement above or below the muscle have been studied extensively by comparing hundreds of thousands of breast augmentation cases and the findings overwhelmingly support submuscular placement of breast implants.

    Implant PlacementPlacing breast implants beneath the muscle, in a pocket created between the chest wall and the pectoralis muscle carries many advantages and reduces risks of complications.  It’s difficult to rank these advantages in order of importance but submusclar placement has the following pro’s:  1. reduces the risk of capsular contracture, 2. allows for mammograms to be performed and read (ie doesn’t interfere with early detection of breast cancer or other problems), 3. theoretically patients can still breast feed if they choose to do so, and 4. submuscular implant placement has a more natural appearance and contour in the upper chest.

    Dr McCluskey will individually assess each patient to decide which implant placement is most suited to each patient’s needs and aesthetic.

    For more information on services offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

    Brazilian Butt Lifts


    It’s getting colder so we’re going to shift away from breast topics and talk about butts.  What do butts have to do with it getting colder?  Absolutely nothing but it’s always a great time of year to talk about butts.  The Brazilian butt lift procedure is wildly popular in Atlanta.  My plastic surgery office receives multiple calls every day requesting information about the Brazilian Butt Lift and it is now one of my most popular operations.  Because of the popularity of the Brazilian butt lift we’ve gained a great deal of experience in properly contouring & sculpting the buttocks based on the unique desires of our patients.  I love this procedure because it corrects and enhances multiple areas of the body with minimal risk and easy recovery.

    buttaug4

    Brazilian butt lift

    In a typical Brazilian butt lift case I remove fat from the abdomen and waist (and possibly other areas such as inner and outer thighs, back, or arms) via liposuction.  I then process the fat, removing excess fluid from the aspirate to yield purified fat for injection.  This fat is placed both subcutaneously and submuscularly in multiple layers to build and sculpt the buttocks to a desired shape and size.  Depending on the amount of fat I’m able to aspirate from the patient I’ll typically transfer 400-1000 cc per side (cheek) and I’ll transfer 200-300cc into each hip region to provide a rounder contour.

    Keep in mind that there are two parts to the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure:

    1) Liposuction and liposculpture of the waist and lower back, and 2) Transfer of fat to the gluteal and hip region to enhance and sculpt the buttocks.  My aim with this procedure is to suction as much fat as possible to achieve a beautiful even contour with a slim waist and mid-section.  I often perform liposuction of the outer thighs, or “saddle bags” as well to further enhance the appearance of the buttocks.  Patients have a variety of goals with the Brazilian Butt lift procedure.  Some patients have always had what they describe as a flat butt and by slimming the waist with liposuction and transferring the fat to the buttocks I can give them that natural gluteal contour that they’ve always wanted.  They’ll look better both in and out of clothes and there won’t be any residual or noticeable scars.

    Celebrity Butt Lift Pictures

    Other patients who seek the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure want a significantly larger gluteal contour.  These patients often bring pictures of celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez (JLo), Nikki Minaj, or Kim Kardashian.  These women, whether their appearances are natural or surgically enhanced, have become known for their humongous derrières.  Kim Kardashian even underwent an X-ray on her television show to prove that her posterior assets are God-given and Jennifer Lopez recently had a Twitter feud with a fan about whether or not she’s undergone plastic surgery.   Whether or not she’s been enhanced by a plastic surgeon, she looks fantastic and her fans & followers both admire & seek to emulate her curves.  Call me for more information on the Brazilian Butt Lift or schedule a consultation to come in & see some of our amazing before/after photos.

    Q&A With Dr McCluskey: Breast Lift Incisions

    Here at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta we are always excited to answer any questions you may have! A woman reached out to us through our Instagram page (@drpaulmccluskey) to ask which incision is better for a breast lift, a “donut” or a “lollipop”, so Dr McCluskey decided to put together this short video to explain the difference!

    If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know! You can comment below or reach us through our Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/paulmccluskeymd ) and we will be happy to help.

     

     

    For more information on services offered by the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

    Plastic Surgery Cost Factors

    plastic surgery cost atlantaPlastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta is a premier practice providing proven and effective aesthetic and reconstructive surgery procedures of the breast, body and face. Led by Dr. Paul McCluskey, an experienced plastic surgeon, the practice focuses on meeting patients’ expectations in a safe and satisfactory manner.

    Patients in and around Atlanta, GA can receive a wide range of treatment options from Dr. McCluskey. As a cosmetic surgeon, he understands each patient’s aesthetic goals are unique, and ensures that customized treatment options and approaches are followed to suit their needs in the best possible way.

    Range of Procedures

    The Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta provides the following main surgical treatment options:

    Body

    • Arm Lift
    • Thigh Lift
    • Brazilian Butt Lift
    • Body Lift
    • Tummy Tuck
    • Liposuction
    • Mommy Makeover

    Breast

    • Breast Augmentation
    • Breast Augmentation with lift
    • Breast Lift
    • Breast Reconstruction
    • Breast Reduction
    • Breast Revision
    • Male breast reduction for gynecomastia

    Face

    • Browlift
    • Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty)
    • Eyelid Surgery
    • Facelift
    • Mid-Facelift
    • Facial Implants
    • Necklift
    • Revision Rhinoplasty
    • Rhinoplasty

    Cost Difference in Procedures

    The cost of each of the aesthetic or reconstructive procedures performed by a plastic surgeon is likely to be different. The treatment approach, technology involved and skills, efforts and time required to complete a procedure successfully will usually vary from one procedure to another. All these inputs have a direct bearing on the overall cost of the procedure. For example, a full tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty is likely to cost more than a relatively smaller procedure such as neck lift.

    Similarly, a comprehensive mommy makeover, which includes tummy tuck, liposuction, breast augmentation or reduction and breast lift, can be a costly affair because of the extensive treatments involved. However, in terms of cost effectiveness, a mommy makeover may prove to be more cost effective compared to each procedure performed individually. Surgeries that involve functional correction, reconstruction, repair or revision over a previous surgery may be more expensive because they are usually more intricate and complex.

    The cosmetic surgeon will usually discuss the cost aspect in detail with the patient beforehand, and help the patient make the right choices. Sometimes a patient may just need a minor improvement in the chin, nose, lips, brows or eyelids, and a surgery such rhinoplasty, brow lift, eyelid lift or chin or lip augmentation may be sufficient to achieve the purpose. In such case, the surgeon may advise the patient to avoid a complete facelift surgery, which may be more costly as well as unnecessary from the patient’s point of view.

    Strategic Factors that could Impact the Price

    Procedures that do not involve general anesthesia may cost slightly lower because the costs of anesthesia are excluded. When it is safe and convenient for the patient, Dr. McCluskey performs procedures on an outpatient basis. This also brings down the overall cost of treatment because overnight stay and care expenses are avoided. Efficiency of a practice, support of the staff members and cost-reduction efforts of the plastic surgeon may sometimes help bring down the costs to an extent.

    Other Factors Influencing Cost

    Some common factors are likely to impact the cost of every procedure in a uniform manner. Some of the key common factors include the following:

    • The skills, experience, and reputation of the cosmetic surgeon are likely to have a bearing on the surgeon’s fee.
    • Geographical location of the practice will impact the cost because the general cost of living varies in each place. For instance, the cost in Mobile, AL may be different from the cost in Manhattan, NYC for the same procedure.
    • Quality of facilities and services provided at the surgical facility or hospital, including the expertise of support staff.

    Actual Cost of a Procedure

    The actual cost of a procedure will differ from one location to another and even from one practice to another within the same location due to so many cost influencing factors involved. However, to provide an indication to new patients about the expected costs of various plastic and reconstructive procedures, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) compiles cost data across the United States each year.

    According to the data released by ASPS for 2012, for instance, the average cost of abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery was $5,241. This is the basic national average figure, and does not include the costs of anesthesia, operating room facilities or additional costs. The cost of breast augmentation in 2012 on a national average basis was $3,543, but ASPS indicates that costs would vary depending on the type of implants used and several other factors. For breast lift surgery in 2012, the national average cost was $4,332, and the cost for liposuction surgery came to $2,852.

    For more information on treatments and procedures offered offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey visit:

    My Breast Augmentation Experience

    One of our patients kindly decided to describe her breast augmentation experience at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta.

    “I debated for years before I finally decided to undergo a breast augmentation with Dr. McCluskey.  Plastic surgery was not something I felt desperate for, nor did I think it would change my life. I was always unhappy with my breast size. As a kid I was made fun of by my childhood friends for not developing when they did. As a cheerleader I used to stuff my sports bra so that I wouldn’t look weird in my uniform. Thankfully, these insecurities never caused me to fear going out in public like other women I have seen undergo breast augmentation.  As I got older I was confident enough with my body yet I wanted breasts. Not huge breasts but larger ones that could give me an added curve to my body on top. Even pregnancy did not enlarge my breasts.   Pregnancy was the one thing I thought for sure would take me out of my training bra finally into a bra for the adult female. Go figure. During my consult with Dr. McCluskey I felt extremely comfortable and he was so kind to answer all of my questions. My experiences with other offices weren’t as easy. I felt a lot of the doctors seemed rushed. I was able to get all the information available about implants from the different kinds (saline and silicone gel) to what my post op experience would be. The day of my surgery could not have gone more smoothly. Dr. McCluskey’s entire staff was extremely helpful and attentive to my needs.  Any surgical procedure is scary and it was wonderful having the kind of patient care his staff gives.

     I went with an implant size (350cc Hi Profile Gel) that looked more natural. I did not want many people to know I even had the surgery done. The fake look was not my goal. I just wanted to finally wear that Victoria’s Secret 34C bra I eyed for so long. And four weeks after my surgery when I tried on that bra in the VS dressing room I was satisfied. I continue to be in love and happy with my breasts. My fiancé loves them too!! Thank you Dr. McCluskey and the entire staff at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta!”

    For more information on procedures offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

    Plastic Surgery & Divorce

    As a divorced dad maybe I can offer a little insight on this topic.  I see a lot of patients who are either post-divorce or in the midst of a divorce or some other life-changing event.  I’m going to speak on the premise that there’s no right or wrong answer here.  Divorce sucks.  I don’t care what anyone says and I applaud those who try to smile and act like it’s no big deal but divorce is really hard on everyone involved, except for the lawyers of course.  Divorce breeds bitterness and hurt and it really brings out the worst in people – believe me, I know!  What I’ve found as a plastic surgeon, especially with my female patients, is that as the dust settles on major events like d

    mommymakeover

    ivorce, and sometimes it takes months to years, and people resume normal life they’re ready for positive change.  This positive change could mean getting a new job, moving to a new city, meeting a new special someone, or buying a

    new house or car.  As those things change, patients also seek to lose weight, eat better, exercise more, and in many cases have cosmetic plastic surgery.  This is one of those instances in which I really take issue with those who say that cosmetic surgery is all about vanity.  If a woman has had 2-3 children and she’s doing the best she can to look and feel good, then she deserves to get rid of that baby belly (extra fat, “the pooch”, extra skin, stretch marks) through a procedure like liposuction or a tummy tuck so that she can have a beautiful, flat tummy and feel better about herself both in and out of clothes.  Likewise if that baby weight has been tough to shed or maybe she’s dealt with feelings of depression that have caused some weight gain, then she deserves the immediate gratification of a procedure like liposuction.  Yes, it’s a quick fix & healthy weight loss requires a lifestyle change – I hear it all the time – but sometimes people just need a little boost or kickstart.  It’s amazing to me how many of my p
    So that’s my little spiel on plastic surgery and major life events such as divorce.  Plastic surgery doesn’t fix the emotional pain of divorce, and I would never recommend it to a patient as a way to get past any form of psychological pain.  But for many patients it’s the first time in many years they’ve felt like doing something entirely for themselves and I completely applaud any effort to pick oneself up and make some positive changes, whatever they may be.ost surgical patients make drastic lifestyle improvements.  Finally they’re happy with their appearance and they’ll do everything they can to maintain it.

    I recently saw a Dr. Oz episode about plastic surgery and discounts for divorce. I would never try to attract people to my practice as a result of some personal tragedy (or victory depending on your perspective).  Here’s a clip from that show and on this topic I have to completely agree with Dr. Oz’s opinion.   I love to offer discounts to military service people, teachers, and medical personnel but I do not offer discounts for divorce and the idea of such discounts just doesn’t sound ethical.

    http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/post-divorce-discounts-plastic-surgery-pt-1

    What’s Your Excuse?

    Source: mariakang.com

    Source: mariakang.com

    Wow, did Maria Kang (@mariakangfitness on Instagram) polarize social media world with three short words!  I have an Instagram account that I’m still figuring out but I’ve had the chance to look through Maria Kang’s photos.  I’ve never met this person so I can only make conclusions based on social media but @mariakangfitness has built an incredible following of “fans” or “likes” by simply living a healthy life and documenting it for the world to see.  She has 3 boys, born in 2009, 2010, and 2011 as she states in her profile.  She exercises at night or early in the morning when the kids are tucked in their beds and she combines plyometric training, weights, and cardio.  She has great taste in music, a supportive husband, and she is determined to maintain her fit lifestyle.  She speaks briefly about a history of bulemia and discusses her personal insecurities with her body.  She points out that she doesn’t have the thinnest waist, she doesn’t have six-pack abs, and she occasionally splurges on junk food.  She even includes a photo of a hot dog that a friend included in a box of donuts as a gift for her.  I can appreciate this.  There are other fitness gurus online who seem to live a life devoid of fun or guilty pleasures.  While occasionally splurging on junk food isn’t everyone’s idea of fun, it at least demonstrates that Ms Kang gives in to cravings just like the rest of us.

    Maria Kang posted a photo on Instagram of herself in workout gear with her three baby boys with the caption, “what’s your excuse?” and people are offended?  Would people be happier if she was fat, eating a pizza, and posted a photo with the caption “I have no excuse!” I heard this now infamous Instagram post discussed on the radio and I couldn’t believe how quickly people jumped to the conclusion that it’s easy for her but “based on my life & circumstances I can’t look like that.”  First of all, yes you can.  If you really want to commit to a healthy, fit lifestyle then you can look like that.  No matter what your age or health status or circumstances, if you improve your diet and exercise habits then you can “look like that.”  But more importantly I don’t think she’s challenging anyone to look like her nor is she saying that she has it tougher than anyone else.  Her point is that we can all make changes – either subtle or drastic – to improve our fitness levels, our appearance, and how we feel about ourselves.  Rather than get upset or argue over this post, get out and walk or run a mile.  You’ll be done in 15-30 minutes and I’m sure that many of those who’ve weighed in on Maria Kang’s story have spent at least that long discussing it.

    Here’s my own little struggle with weight gain & changes in metabolism.  As a divorced dad when my son is with me I put everything else on the back burner.  So when I have him I don’t exercise and I typically don’t eat very healthy – if the boys are eating pizza I might eat a salad but I’ll still have a couple of pizza slices.  The rest of my time is spent operating, seeing patients, and managing my practice.  I don’t have much free time and I eat meals on the go – but I don’t have an excuse!  I gained some weight this past year and it’s a direct result of exercising less and making poor diet choices.  I changed those habits over the past few months and I’ve lost almost 20 pounds.  I still have work to do but in answer to @mariakangfitness I have no excuse!  We’re all busy and we all have family and work commitments that get in the way.  But eating healthy doesn’t require extra time.  I know I can do better but I’m not going to take it out on someone like Maria Kang who is doing her best to be a great working mom and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  If you’re overweight or out of shape or munching on french fries while you’re reading this then you shouldn’t be upset at Maria Kang.  Instead, take it as a personal challenge.  Get up now, go into your bedroom or bathroom and take a before pic of yourself, a “selfie”.  Commit yourself to 4-6 weeks of better diet and as much light exercise as your schedule permits (3-5 times per week) then take another photo after that time period.  Your appearance will improve – if nothing else, you’ll feel better and if you feel better you’ll look better.  And you’ll realize that like me you have no excuse.  Life gets in the way sometimes but the only person who can help you make more time for yourself is you.   Make the time, eat better, exercise more and you may change your mind about people like Maria Kang.

    @mariakangfitness on Instagram

    mariakang.com

     

    For more information on procedures offered by Dr Paul McCluskey, visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/

    Breast Pain

    Sometimes breasts hurt.  This is just a fact of life for women.  A search for “breast pain” on Google immediately pulls up 61,700,000 results.  A great deal of content on the major health sites is devoted to the subject of breast pain.  Breasts are glandular and glandular tissue responds to changes in hormone levels.  Changes in the body are often accompanied by aches and pains.  We’re not talking about fall on the ground in agony pain, but it’s enough to drive many women to the doctor to inquire as to the cause of this pain.  The most common cause of breast pain is probably associated with hormone changes from monthly periods.  This is called cyclic pain and it typically subsides as a period ends.  Cyclic breast pain affects both breasts and tends to occur in younger women.  Cyclic breast pain is considered a normal part of monthly hormonal changes and with menopause this type of breast pain will cease to occur.  Noncyclic pain is more common in women 30 to 50 years of age and it may occur in only one breast. It is often described as a sharp, burning pain that occurs in one area of a breast. Occasionally, noncyclic pain may be caused by a fibroadenoma (mass) or a cyst. If the cause of noncyclic pain can be found, treating the cause may relieve the pain.

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    Breast pain can get worse with changes in your hormone levels or changes in the medicines you are taking. Stress can also affect breast pain. You are more likely to have breast pain before menopause than after menopause.

    As a plastic surgeon I don’t typically treat cyclic/noncyclic breast pain unless it occurs in one of my breast augmentation patients.  If a patient arrives in my office with complaints of breast pain I recommend some over the counter treatments and refer her to either her primary care physician, an OB/GYN, or a breast doctor.  I still take the time to reassure these patients that it’s likely nothing serious but especially in patients with cyclic pain, there are other specialties who more commonly treat breast pain.

    Other ways to relieve breast pain include:

    1. NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Aspirin are the most common medications for treating breast pain.
    2. Danazol and Tamoxifen are treatments reserved for severe cyclic breast pain but these medications are rarely used for this condition.
    3. Birth Control Pills (oral contraceptives). OCPs can relieve cyclic breast pain and lessen breast swelling.  OCPs can also cause breast pain as a side effect .
    4. Magnesium supplements have been shown to relieve premenstrual symptoms and cyclic breast pain.
    5. High fat in the diet is a potential cause of breast pain so reducing dietary fat can help to relieve this type of pain.
    6. Reducing caffeine intake in the diet can reduce breast pain as well.

    When patients ask me about breast pain I know that underneath it all they’re concerned about the possibility of breast cancer.  Breast cancer is not often associated with pain and breast implants do not cause breast cancer.  A painful mass is not usually breast cancer but it can be.  This is one of those frustrating, ambiguous things that doctors often say to patients – so is it or isn’t it?  The only way to know with 100% certainty if a mass is benign or malignant is to perform a biopsy.  But if a young patient has cyclic pain for example, and she can feel painful cysts there is usually no indication to biopsy these as long as they change with the cycle.  The take home message is that breasts can hurt and most of the time it’s nothing to be concerned about.  Breast implants do not cause cancer and often times when a patient has pain months or years after breast augmentation, this pain is a result of cyclic/noncyclic breast pain, and not caused by the implants themselves.

     

    For more information on other services offered by Dr McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta visit http://sexualaesthetics.com/