Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Detection Matters

Posted on by Lorraine Golosow
breast cancer awareness signs and early detection

Every October, communities across the country come together to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to honor survivors, support those currently facing a diagnosis, and remember the importance of early detection. At our practice in Fort Myers, Florida, we see the difference that early awareness can make in both treatment outcomes and overall peace of mind.

Understanding Why Early Detection Is So Important

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but it is also highly treatable when caught early. Detecting changes in the breast through self-exams, mammograms, and regular checkups allows medical teams to begin treatment sooner, often with less invasive procedures and improved recovery. For many women, early detection means having more options available, including the possibility of breast-conserving surgery.

Regular screenings also offer something equally valuable, reassurance. Even when no concerns are found, staying consistent with exams helps women feel confident that they are taking the right steps for their health.

How Early Detection Supports Recovery and Reconstruction

For women who undergo mastectomy as part of their treatment, early detection may open the door to a wider range of reconstructive options. Advances in breast reconstruction after mastectomy mean that patients can consider approaches that align with both their health and their personal goals.

When breast cancer is identified early, patients may face fewer complications and shorter recovery times, which often makes the reconstruction process smoother. Although each patient’s journey is unique, early awareness allows doctors and patients to plan together with more confidence and clarity.

Supporting the Whole Person

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but patients are never alone in their journey. Choosing a trusted surgeon who understands both the medical and emotional aspects of treatment makes a difference. Dr. Lorraine Golosow has supported women in Fort Myers for many years, providing compassionate care and helping patients understand their options at every stage.

Support also extends beyond surgery. Recovery is not just about physical healing but also about restoring confidence and well-being. Family, friends, and healthcare providers all play a role in creating a positive environment where women feel supported and empowered.

Here are a few small but meaningful ways to offer support to a loved one facing breast cancer:

  • Attend appointments with them for comfort and reassurance
  • Offer help with daily tasks such as meals or transportation
  • Encourage open conversations and active listening without judgment

These gestures may seem simple, but they often have a powerful impact during recovery.

Taking Action for Your Health

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to make time for your health and encourage others to do the same. Scheduling regular exams, paying attention to changes in your body, and talking with a trusted physician are all steps that make a difference.

If you or someone you love has questions about breast reconstruction or the options available after mastectomy, our team is here to help. We invite you to contact us through our online form to schedule a consultation. Taking that first step is a powerful way to move forward with knowledge, support, and confidence.

 

Springtime Renewal: Discover the Benefits of a Breast Lift in Bonita Springs

Posted on by Lorraine Golosow

Springtime Renewal: Discover the Benefits of a Breast Lift in Bonita Springs

Spring is the season of renewal, making it the perfect time to refresh your look and boost your confidence. If you’ve been considering a breast lift, spring provides an ideal opportunity to enhance your figure just in time for summer. Dr. Lorraine Golosow, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bonita Springs, specializes in breast lift procedures designed to restore a youthful, perky appearance.

What Is a Breast Lift?

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and reshapes sagging breasts. Over time, factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations can cause the breasts to lose firmness. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens surrounding tissue, and repositions the nipples for a more youthful contour.

The Benefits of a Breast Lift

A breast lift offers several advantages for women seeking a more youthful, confident look:

  • Restores a Youthful, Perky Appearance: As the skin loses elasticity, breasts naturally begin to sag. A breast lift raises and reshapes the breasts, giving them a firmer, more lifted look that enhances overall body proportions.
  • Improves Breast Shape & Symmetry: Many women experience some degree of breast asymmetry. A breast lift can correct unevenness by repositioning the breast tissue and nipples, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing contour.
  • Enhances Confidence & Self-Esteem: Many patients feel more comfortable and self-assured after a breast lift. Whether wearing swimsuits, fitted clothing, or lingerie, the renewed breast shape often leads to greater confidence in personal and social settings.
  • Better Fit in Clothing & Bras: With firmer, more youthful breasts, many women find that their clothing fits better. Bras provide improved support with less discomfort, reducing the need for push-up or heavily padded bras.
  • Long-Lasting Results: While natural aging continues, the results of a breast lift are significant and enduring. With proper care, including a healthy lifestyle and good skin maintenance, the benefits of the procedure can be enjoyed for many years.

Why Spring Is a Great Time for a Breast Lift

Spring is an ideal season for a breast lift due to several factors. The mild temperatures and comfortable clothing options make healing easier. By scheduling surgery in the spring, patients can be fully recovered in time for summer activities, including vacations and beach outings.

Additionally, spring often provides a more flexible schedule for many people, making it easier to plan time off for recovery. By the time summer arrives, patients can enjoy the benefits of their procedure without worrying about downtime.

Can a Breast Lift Be Combined with Other Procedures?

A breast lift can be performed alone or combined with other procedures for a more comprehensive transformation. Depending on a patient’s goals, there are several popular combinations:

  • Breast Lift with Augmentation: Some women want not only to lift but also to enhance their breast size. Combining a breast lift with breast implants can achieve a fuller, rounder shape while maintaining a natural look.
  • Breast Lift with Reduction: For women experiencing discomfort due to overly large breasts, combining a breast lift with a breast reduction can provide relief while also achieving a firmer, more proportionate breast shape.
  • Breast Lift with Liposuction: Many patients choose to enhance their breast lift results by incorporating liposuction to sculpt and refine their overall silhouette. Liposuction can target areas such as the upper abdomen, flanks, or bra line to create a smoother transition between the breasts and torso, leading to a more contoured, balanced figure.

What to Expect from the Procedure & Recovery

The breast lift procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours. After surgery, patients may experience mild swelling and bruising, which gradually subside over the following weeks.

During recovery, patients will need to wear a surgical bra for support. Most can return to normal activities within one to two weeks, while exercise and more strenuous activities should be resumed after four to six weeks. The full results will become visible over the next few months as the body heals.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial for achieving safe and natural-looking results. Dr. Lorraine Golosow has extensive experience in breast enhancement procedures and is known for her precision and patient-centered approach.

When choosing a surgeon, consider their board certification, before-and-after photos of real patients, and the level of personalized care they provide during consultations.

Renew Your Confidence This Spring – Schedule a Consultation Today!

Spring is the season of transformation, making it the perfect time to invest in yourself. If you’re considering a breast lift in Bonita Springs, Dr. Lorraine Golosow is here to help you achieve natural-looking, beautiful results.

Book your consultation online today and take the first step toward a more confident you!

Why Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Posted on by Lorraine Golosow

Whether you need reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, it’s crucial that you have the procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Since you’re putting your appearance in the hands of a medical professional, you should make sure they have the skills and credentials to get the results you want. Board certification is one of the best ways to ensure your plastic surgeon knows what they’re doing, so here’s what to know about this title and what it means.

What is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

A board-certified plastic surgeon is a physician who has been accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is the most acclaimed and respected organization for plastic surgeons who complete their education. In order to maintain its high standards of safety, ethics, and quality, the ABPS requires a lengthy testing process as well as certifications that must be upheld with requirements for continuing education. As a result, any plastic surgeon who is board certified by the ABPS has met some of the highest standards of medical practice in their field.

How Does a Plastic Surgeon Become Board Certified?

In order to be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a plastic surgeon needs to complete all the requirements to become a medical doctor (MD). They also need to go through extensive training in the departments of reconstructive or cosmetic surgery through a residency program. Many plastic surgeons go through the required training for both fields in order to provide a wider scope of practice for their patients. In addition to these requirements, plastic surgeons also need to go through written and oral examinations to become board certified. Through these tests, they demonstrate to the board that they understand the safety, ethics, and knowledge standards set by the board. It’s only after passing this extensive testing that they become board-certified plastic surgeons– and they must maintain this title by passing certain requirements set by the board.

Why Is It Important for Plastic Surgeons to Be Board Certified?

With the rising popularity and normalization of plastic surgery, it’s not uncommon to find self-proclaimed plastic surgeons who are not actually board certified with the ABPS (and sometimes offer cheaper prices). This means you’re taking a risk if you go to them for services or treatments. The risks include both medical and safety risks as well as monetary. Without the experience and skills you need in a plastic surgeon, there’s a real risk that your results could be less than great, meaning you’ll pay more later for revisional surgeries. When it comes to changing your appearance, it’s extremely important not to look for bargains but to get the best return on your investment. When it comes to board certification, the extra cost is worth it!

How Can I Check If My Plastic Surgeon is Board Certified?

This process is extremely simple and you should do this with every plastic surgeon you consult with. You can verify that your plastic surgeon is board certified by searching for them on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website, which is a prestigious group that plastic surgeons board-certified by the ABPS can join. Here, you can verify your plastic surgeon and find more board-certified ones in your area. Additionally, always look for the ABPS logo on your plastic surgeon’s website.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. Lorraine Golosow is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. To meet with our expert team and learn more about your options with plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery, we invite you to contact our Ft. Myers practice by calling or filling out our online form.