Are Inverted Nipples a Sign of Breast Cancer?

By Elizabeth Millard, Nov 16, 2023

When it comes to breasts, no two pairs are alike—and that’s true for nipples, too. One somewhat common variation: Inverted nipples. This is when a nipple is retracted inwards or is flat rather than pointing outwards, according to Constance Chen, M.D., a plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in private practice in New York City.

Most of the time, inverted nipples aren’t something to worry about. Although an inverted nipple could be related to breast cancer, that’s not typical. Here’s a look at what else may cause this issue—as well as indications that it could be related to cancer (and that you should check in with your doctor, stat).

Click HERE for the full article.

‘The majority of looksmaxxers are in their late teens’: Inside the bizarre trend that’s exploding in popularity among young men

By Abderrahemane Nejam, Nov 8, 2023

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 the skeletal structure of the face is less common but also popular, including cheek implants and chin implants.”

Click HERE for the full article.

10 Proven Tips to Look and Feel Better After 50

By Michael Martin, Nov 3, 2023

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.

What Are Breast Lesions—and Do You Need to Worry?

By Elizabeth Millard, Oct 31, 2023

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 menstrual period and are more likely in premenopausal women and those taking menopausal hormone therapy.

• Fat necrosis of the breast: This is a condition that causes round, firm, and usually painless lumps. These lesions may develop after an injury to the breast, including surgery or radiation therapy.

• Fibroadenoma: These are benign breast tumors that often feel like hard, round lumps that move easily and are common in women under age 30. These lesions may get larger when estrogen levels increase, such as during pregnancy or hormone replacement therapy.

• Fibrocystic breast changes: This is a condition that comes with multiple symptoms including cysts or lumps, says Dr. Bremner. You may also experience breast swelling, sensitive nipples, itching, breast discomfort, and nipple discharge.

• Granular cell tumor: Also called Abrikossoff tumor, this is a rare type of soft tumor that causes a firm lump and can occur anywhere in the body, in addition to the breasts.

• Hematoma: Usually caused by a broken blood vessel as a result of an injury, this is a pool of clotted blood under the skin of the breast that may cause a lesion and swelling, similar to a bruise.

• Lipoma: This is a benign tumor made of fat cells and usually results in a painless, single, soft lesion.

Click HERE for the full article.

Mini Tummy Tuck Before and Afters: The Results of This Procedure on Extra Ab Flab Can Be Dramatic

By Jené Luciani Sena  Oct 31, 2023

“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 York City. “This is why a tummy tuck can help the patient appear thinner because the abdominal skin is stretched out with the excess skin and fat removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened.”

Click HERE for the full article.

Will Your Breast Cancer Come Back?

By Elizabeth Millard,  Oct 30, 2023

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.

Ditching Bras – The Braless Trend Takes Center Stage

By Elisa Mueller, Oct 02, 2023

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.

Ask a doc: ‘What should I know before getting a breast lift?’

By Melissa Rudy, Sep 28, 2023

"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."

Click HERE for the full article.

How Can You Naturally Make Your Big Boobs Smaller?

By Gabi Conti, Sep 25, 2023

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 for the full article.

Dispelling Misconceptions Around Diep Flap Breast Reconstruction and the Thin Patient

Sep 7, 2023

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 to thin patients—a topic Chen wrote about earlier this year.

Click HERE to listen.

Big Boobs: What Should You Know About Supporting Your Girls?

By María Cristina Lalonde, Sep 01, 2023

"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 to exercise, shortness of breath, migraines, difficulty finding clothes that fit and self-consciousness."

Click HERE for the full article.

Is it Safe to Have a Titanium Marker in My Breast?

By Diana Kelly Levey, Aug 28, 2023

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.

The Ellen Hermanson Foundation’s SUMMER GALA

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 & Surf Club, located at 231 Midocean Dr, Bridgehampton, NY. The Foundation is delighted to honor Edna Kapenhas, MD, Medical Director of the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and Victoria Schneps, President of Schneps Media and Publisher of Dan’s Papers, for their extraordinary commitment to the East End. The event will feature entertainment by DJ Carlos Lama and Julie Feldman, Designer Tarot, as well as oceanside cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the deck. Cuisine will be prepared by Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs. After dinner, dancing and auctions, the evening will culiminate with a beach bonfire. Jean Shafiroff, noted philanthropist, is the Gala Chair, along with the Host Committee which includes The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Board of Directors, The Executive Director and friends of the Foundation.

Advanced registration is required. Individual tickets are available starting at $700, Under 40 Ticket is available for $425.

For more information, to purchase tickets, to donate, or to sponsor this event, visit https://www.ellenhermanson.org/events/2023/8/26/summer-gala, or contact info@ellensrun.org.

Funds raised support direct breast health services and programs in our community in partnership with Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Ellen’s Well, The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, OLA (Organización Latino-Americana of the East End), The Retreat—All Against Abuse, and The Shinnecock Indian Health Center.

Special thanks goes to the sponsors of Summer Gala 2023: Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Cathy Tweedy / Saunders, The Melissa Cohn Group / William Raveis Mortgage, Kimberly & Eric J. Waldman, Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs, Montaukila, Laurie’s Pantry Gourmet Foods, The Enchanted World of Amy Zerner & Monte Farber, Hampton Water, Dan’s Papers, MM Design, Julie Ratner, Ed.D, Patricia Martone & Barbara Rosen, Jodi & Jack Wasserman, Autumn Chirlin & Lynne Chirlin, Dede Gotthelf & Terry Moan, Roberta Kaplan & Rachel Lavine, Jane Krieger & Neil Bersin, Erica Bersin, Melissa Cohn & Bill Harts, Southampton Inn, Hampton Sound, Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. (Sponsorship list as of 8/1/2023.)

Special thanks goes to the Host Committees of Summer Gala 2023: Young Professionals Host Committee led by co-chairs Sarah Alvarez, Elena Gibbs, with members Shola Farber, Trisha Guillen, Scott Kaufman, Katie McEntee, Sara Shala. Event Host Committee led by Gala Chair Jean Shaifiroff includes Ingrid Arneberg, Stanley Baumblatt and Chaz Austin, Constance Chen, MD* and Stephen Warren, MD, Autumn Chirlin, Lynne Chirlin, Ann Ciardullo* and Keith Green, Melissa Cohn* and Bill Harts, Yubal Márquez Fleites, Amanda Star Frazer, JD.* and Brian McDermott, Anne Tschida Gomberg** and Michael Gomberg, Dede Gotthelf and Terry Moan, John Graham, Monica Graham, Roberta Kaplan and Rachel Levine, Patti Kenner, Jane Krieger and Neil Bersin, Hope Klein Langer* and Lawrence Langer, Bridget LeRoy and Eric Johnson, Jackie Lowey and David Kuperschmid, James Levin*, Hugo Moreno*, Thuyen Nguyen*, Gianpiero D. Palermo, Rolise Rachel, Eileen Rappaport*, Julie Ratner, Ed.D* and Sam Eskenazi, Dee Rivera*, Cathy Tweedy*, Jodi and Jack Wasserman, Cathy and Norman Yohay. Please note * denotes The Ellen Hermanson Foundation Board of Directors; and ** denotes Executive Director.

The Best Neck Creams That’ll Fight Sagging Skin

By Eileen Bailey, Aug 08, 2023

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 brightening complex.

After four weeks of continuous use, users found their neck and décolletage were less crepey, appeared more youthful and healthier and looked firmer and more toned. Although expensive, Dr. Constance M. Chen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, recommends this skincare brand and says it works well.

Click HERE for the full article.

Abdominoplasty: What a “Tummy Tuck” Can Accomplish

July 12, 2023

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 is among the top cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). And its appeal has only been growing: More than 100,000 abdominoplasties took place in 2020, a 56% increase from the 62,000 done in 2000, according to the ASPS.

Click HERE for the full article.

Understanding the Potential Benefits of a “Mommy Makeover”

June 15, 2023

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, the breasts may sag or appear smaller and deflated. The abdominal muscles may separate after childbirth in a way that can cause pain and pressure on the back muscles as well as a permanent bulge that cannot be fixed by weight loss.

Click HERE for the full article.

Sore Nipples as You Approach Menopause? You’re Not Alone

By Elizabeth Millard, June 20, 2023

“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 when they’re postmenopausal. But until then, you may need to deal with more tenderness in the nipples.”

Click HERE for the full article.

What You Should Know About Large Areolas

By Elizabeth Millard,  June 14, 2023

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 happen to have a large areola instead of a small one, both are considered normal.

Click HERE for the full article.

How Your Breasts Change As You Age — 30s, 40s, 50s & Beyond

By Brianne Hogan, June 1, 2023

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 ends,”  Dr. Constance M. Chen, board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist, tells SheKnows. “Throughout this process, the breast skin stretches, and breast skin usually does not snap back completely. For this reason, older women will usually have more fatty breasts, and the breasts may also be more droopy, especially if they have had pregnancies and breastfed children.”  You might also notice the darkening of your areolas during pregnancy, and afterwards don’t be surprised to see some stretch marks. 

Click HERE for the full article.

Breast Reconstruction Specialist Dr. Constance M Chen Provides Explains the Benefits of Short-Scar Breast Reduction

May 23, 2023

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. The constant rubbing of the overhanging breast skin on the upper abdomen can lead to skin rashes. Large breasts can also be a barrier to many athletic activities. As a result, women with large breasts may not only feel physically uncomfortable but they may also feel self-conscious about their bodies.

Click HERE for the full article.