According to new research presented at an American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference, women who have breast reduction surgery may be at a decreased risk for spine and other back disorders. Macromastia, overly large breasts, can cause a variety of medical problems: significant shoulder pain, back pain, and curvature of the spine. Many of my patients who are candidates for breast reduction have suffered with bad posture and deep shoulder grooves caused by bra straps. In this study, women who had mammoplasty, breast reduction, experienced decreased stress in their lower back while performing a physical activity. The women also reported dramatic improvements in their ability to move. My patients have reported similar experiences after breast reduction surgery.

Large breasts can cause more than just a body-image problem; they can literally restrict your lifestyle, impairing a person’s ability to lead an active life. Procedures such as a breast reduction can drastically boost confidence and improve well-being. And today these procedures require less downtime and smaller scars. I have developed a number of breast reduction procedures to reshape breasts and improve self-image. I perform breast reduction as an outpatient procedure in my fully accredited operating room where patients have sedation so there is no need for general anesthesia. Small incision surgery and scarless breast reduction mean quicker recovery and virtually no scarring. I use these techniques to surgically remove excess breast tissue while providing a pleasing breast contour and shape. Click here to see before and after photos of my patients who have had breast reduction procedures.

Q. I am very interested in butt augmentation. I *really* like the idea of the Brazilian butt lift, however, I am 5′9 and 120 lbs and I do not have the extra fat to have liposuctioned from thighs/abs/etc. What are my options for butt augmentation if I don’t want to use an actual implant? Can fat be used from a family member? How much fat is needed for the implant? Thanks for any help.

A. Unfortunately we can’t use fat donated by a family member. Sometimes we have to be creative using some of our own fat and Thermage to lift and tighten the skin. It is also possible to use temporary fillers like Sculptura and Sephyl to mold the buttocks to create a more pleasing contour. See before and after photos of buttocks augmentation here.

Have a question for Dr. Copeland? Please email us at customerservice@drcopelandskincare.com

This week marked the observance of Women’s Equality Day – commemorating the passage of the 19th Amendment and calling attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality – including economic security.

Today, women still earn, on average, only 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. We are fighting for the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act, the essential companion legislation to the Ledbetter Act. It’s passed the House, but remains stalled in the Senate.

Now is the time for Congress to take the steps necessary to effectively address wage discrimination and eliminate loopholes that have undermined the Equal Pay Act’s effectiveness through the passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act. You can help by urging your Senators to quickly pass the Paycheck Fairness Act – click on this link to make your voice heard.

Before and after using Advanced Acne Solution and Blemish Corrector

A study recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that post-adolescent acne in women is increasing. Among women 25-50, this type of acne is characterized by mild-to-moderate papules and pustules, mainly located on the lower third of the face, jawline and neck. Importantly, a link between smoking and severity of the acne was reported.

The recommended treatments include products with vitamin A and alpha and beta hydroxy acids to clear the skin along with exfoliating products. A daily routine using Advanced Acne Solution and AHA Face Cream (which contains Vitamin A) to gently exfoliate will get acne under control, also use Honey Almond Scrub and/or Microdermabrasion Formula for weekly exfoliation, and Blemish Corrector & Intensive Acne Spot Treatment to clear up any breakouts.

Many breast cancer patients are unaware of the benefits of reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Now a state law signed last week by Gov. David A. Paterson will require New York hospitals and doctors to discuss the options for breast reconstruction with their patients before performing cancer surgery, to give them information about insurance coverage and to refer them to another hospital, if necessary, for the reconstructive surgery. This is a great step forward for cancer patients who can often achieve excellent reconstructive results with the help of an experienced plastic surgeon.

Here is the New York State Department of Health guide to breast reconstruction options.

Research on the impact of breast movement and size on running recently determined that breast sway does  have a significant effect on the women’s running making it physiologically more demanding. This data, reported in the New York Times, confirms what many of my patients have told me for years – that when breasts are so large, exercise is a miserable, if not impossible, option. Many of my patients are able to exercise comfortably for the first time after breast reduction, and find that it has opened them up to a much healthier lifestyle.

The study also highlights the need for better sports bras for all women. Breasts will remain firmer, with less sagging skin,  if they are well-supported by a bra that is durable and fits well.

See photos of before and after breast reduction

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital are working on a viral vaccine that fights melanoma cells, and recently melanoma genes have been identified. Still, the Daily News reports that the best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid exposure to sun, and to minimize damage by using protective clothing and sun block. Also  recommended are  monthly self-examination from head to foot to look for changes on moles that have ABCDE characteristics: asymmetry, border, color, diameter and evolving. A yearly check up with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is critical.

Help is here for new moms

Pregnancy can wreak havoc on the skin. Hormonal changes and weight gain can cause hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and accelerated skin growth. There are steps you can take during pregnancy and immediately after to counter some of these side effects:

Stretch marks: I tell my patients  to moisturize their growing bellies so the skin’s collagen and elastin layers stay healthy and resist thinning. After pregnancy, AHA Body Smoothing Lotion can help exfoliate and restore skin. Thermage and laser treatments can also help tighten stretch marks, and of course, tummy tucks can be done for severe sagging and scarring. Wearing a supportive bra will help reduce sagging, and keep breasts moisturized to keep skin healthy.

Pregnancy “mask”:  Hormones during and after pregnancy can boost pigment production resulting in melasma – brown patches on the face. AHA and Pigment Formula can reduce the brown patches and even skin tone.

Skin tags: Hormones rev up cell production and can result in growth of tiny flaps of skin, which can be easily removed by a surgeon.

Hair: Although hair often gets a boost during pregnancy, immediately and for several months post-partum it is typical to experience hair loss. Rewind Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated with botanical anti-oxidants to restore thin, dull and brittle hair.