January 7, 2014

Breast cancer reconstruction-- know your rights

January 7, 2014

This week I am doing several reconstructive surgery procedures for breast cancer, and my patients and I have discussed several important issues about breast cancer that I wanted to share with my web audience.

1. It can happen to anyone

Breast cancer is incredibly common, affecting more than 1 in 8 American women over the course of their lives. This means that you, a friend, or family member is likely to develop breast cancer at some point in life.

2. It doesn't have to ruin your looks

Breast cancer does not just mean chopping off your breasts and losing your femininity. Breast cancer reconstruction can restore a beautiful, curvy, feminine appearance to your body and breasts. Technology has improved tremendously in recent years, and the results are better than ever.

3. You are ENTITLED to reconstructive surgery

The US Government passed the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) to MANDATE that insurance companies cover the cost of reconstructing a woman's breasts after a cancer diagnosis. This is not considered a frivolous luxury-- it is an essential part of your health care and treatment.

4. You can have reconstructive surgery anytime you want

Breast reconstruction can be done right away after a mastectomy, or months, years, or decades later. It is still covered by insurance companies.

5. Even if you have already had reconstructive surgery, you can have your appearance improved

If you are not satisfied with the look, feel, symmetry, size, or contour of your breasts EVEN AFTER reconstructive surgery, your insurance company is required to cover the cost of subsequent procedures to improve your appearance.

6. You can have surgery on both breasts, even if only one has cancer

One important part of the WHCRA is the mandate for insurers to pay for surgery on both breasts, even if only one has cancer. This includes the possibility of a breast lift or breast implant on the non-cancer side. This is helpful because sometimes surgery on both sides is needed to get the most symmetrical results.

7. You deserve to look and feel great

Reconstructive breast surgery after cancer is not vain, self-centered, or unnecessary. Many women find that it is the best way to restore their body and peace of mind after surviving cancer.

8. I am committed to helping you achieve your goals

As a woman, wife, and mother-- and as a plastic surgeon who has seen a number of patients, friends, and family members through breast cancer surgery and reconstruction-- I am passionate about this cause. I pride myself on helping you achieve beautiful, natural looking results.

If you would like to make an appointment, please contact my office at 212.452.2400 or info@LaraDevganMD.com. If you would like to discuss your situation with me personally, please email me at my personal email address, Lara@LaraDevganMD.com.

Click to read more about breast cancer reconstruction on Susan G. Komen's website

Lara Devgan, MD

December 17, 2013

Record high number of visitors

Lara Devgan, MD

December 17, 2013

We are thrilled to announce that our year-end web traffic numbers are at an all-time high. Our web traffic map now features visitors from 6 continents and 39 countries-- with more than 25,000 unique page views, 16,000 visits, and 14,000 visitors!

Our latest web traffic numbers-- thank you to our amazing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patients for all of the support!

Lara Devgan, MD

December 17, 2013

Dr. Devgan addresses Grand Rounds for Lenox Hill Emergency Department

Lara Devgan, MD

December 17, 2013

Dr. Devgan is very honored to have been invited to speak to the Emergency Department at Lenox Hill Hospital on the topic of facial fractures.

Her forty-minute lecture, entitled "Facial Fractures in the Emergency Department," was delivered on December 17, 2013 and included many of complex facial reconstruction cases that she has repaired.

For more information on the immediate or delayed repair of a facial injury, please email info@LaraDevganMD.com or call 212.452.2400.

Lenox Hill Hospital. Image credit New York Daily News.

Lara Devgan, MD

December 11, 2013

Latisse really works-- my own before and after pics!

Lara Devgan, MD

December 11, 2013

Many of my younger patients don't want plastic surgery-- they just want to look their youthful, beautiful best. The staple for these patients is a great skin care routine, Botox and fillers if they need it, possibly a light peel, and the secret weapon of eyelashes-- Latisse.

Latisse is an FDA-approved serum that actually makes the eyelashes grow longer, darker, and thicker. There are tons of published images of before and after pictures (including many of my own patients), but for the first time, I am showing patients my own Latisse before and after pictures! After 15 years of education and training in the science of beauty, I only use products that I believe in.

If you'd like to try Latisse, please call 212-452-2400 to make an appointment.

Dr. Devgan's eyelashes, before and after Latisse. NO MAKEUP IN EITHER PHOTO

Lara Devgan, MD

December 4, 2013

Breasts age faster than the rest of the body

Lara Devgan, MD

December 4, 2013

A new study may explain why youthful breasts don't stay that way forever: they age about 2-3 years faster than the rest of the body in healthy women, and about 12 years faster in women who have had breast cancer.

According to Science Daily:

"While earlier clocks have been linked to saliva, hormones and telomeres, the new research is the first to identify an internal timepiece able to accurately gauge the age of diverse human organs, tissues and cell types. Unexpectedly, the clock also found that some parts of the anatomy, like a woman's breast tissue, age faster than the rest of the body.

..."Healthy breast tissue is about two to three years older than the rest of a woman's body," said Horvath. "If a woman has breast cancer, the healthy tissue next to the tumor is an average of 12 years older than the rest of her body."

The results may explain why breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Given that the clock ranked tumor tissue an average of 36 years older than healthy tissue, it could also explain why age is a major risk factor for many cancers in both genders."

Youthful breasts can be partially preserved via a well-fitting and supportive bra and regular moisturizing. However, if you have noted age-related drooping, sagging, and loss of breast fullness, breast implants or a breast lift can help.