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Stephem McCulley Article Library

General Interest Articles

The following are general interest articles relating to my work in the plastic surgery industry. For my scientific papers, please visit www.pubmed.com and type my name into the search box.

Important Notice - The information on my website is intended as an introduction or guide to Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. It should not be used to replace a formal consultation with a qualified surgeon and no liability is accepted for the misuse of this information.

Nipple Reconstruction & Mastectomy

When you have a risk-reducing mastectomy, the whole of the breast is removed, often including the nipple. If you elect for a complete reconstruction and it has not been possible to keep your nipples, then there are a few techniques available for nipple reconstruction...Continue Reading

Otoplasty - Frequently Asked Questions

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that seeks to improve the appearance of ears and make them more in proportion to the size and shape of the head. In particular, this is common amongst children where ears can protrude abnormally and can cause notable problems with bullying and self esteem...Continue Reading

The Rise Of Plastic Surgery In Morocco

In the mainly Islamic populated North African country of Morocco a change is occurring. Despite some religious scholars frowning upon the issue, more women than ever are electing to undergo plastic surgery in the country...Continue Reading

Liposuction - Frequently Asked Questions

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes localised deposits of fat from the body. Any area of excessive fat bulge can be treated including the hips, buttocks, thighs, upper arms, breasts and neck. It is becoming a more topical procedure though and, as such, here are some frequently asked questions regarding the treatment...Continue Reading

The Rise Of Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery is no longer a minority undertaking but a very real choice to a lot of people in the western world. Since 2005, people having plastic surgery has increased year on year and in some areas at an extremely high rate. New mothers are electing to take to the knife following pregnancy with much more regularity than they were doing a few years ago, but one of the more surprising increases is coming from the baby boomers generation after the war...Continue Reading

Breast Reductions

Discussing cosmetic surgery can be a sensitive issue for people especially when it concerns intimate surgery such as breast operations. It may appear that the majority of women who have breast surgery do so to enhance their breasts and make them larger but there are many who decide to have breast reduction surgery to make their breasts smaller...Continue Reading

Get The Body Shape You Want

There are large numbers of people who are not happy with the shape of their body or feel embarrassed about their size and weight and how they look to others. For some people the usual methods of diet and exercise unfortunately do not completely rid them of excess weight and help to give them the look and body image that they want...Continue Reading

High Lateral Tension Tummy Tuck

The phrase tummy tuck is more of an umbrella term as there are a number of different operations which can be performed and are known as a tummy tuck; one option available is a high lateral tension tummy tuck which differs from some other options...Continue Reading

Boost your Confidence

There are a number people who sadly lack in self-confidence for a variety of different reasons. Many of these people feel that their lack of self-confidence is as a result of their personal appearance and one main area which can cause unhappiness is the nose and face...Continue Reading

Advances in Eye and Nose Surgery

Two areas which people commonly want to have cosmetic surgery on are the nose and eyes. The reason for nose and eye operations being so popular is probably because they are central features of the face and this makes them very noticeable and more obvious than other parts of the face and body. You are more likely to feel self-conscious about your nose and eyes than your arms or toes as they are more likely to be looked at and noticed by others...Continue Reading

New Skin Cancer Genes

Skin cancer cases have been steadily growing over the past few years, none more so than in Australia and New Zealand who have the highest incidence of the melanoma disease in the world. Two recent studies though, have just announced that they have discovered four genes that could well increase the risk of contracting skin cancer... Continue Reading

Vladimir Putin Likely To Have Had Plastic Surgery

The current Prime Minster of Russia, Vladimir Putin may have plastic surgery to thank for his new somewhat youthful appearance. A number of surgeons and journalists have commented on his fresh faced look as he prepares to stand for what would be an historic third non-consecutive term in the 2012 presidential elections... Continue Reading

The Middleton Effect

This April, nobody was to know that the lasting impact of the Royal Wedding was to come not from Kate, but from her sister Pippa. Specifically, the bridesmaid dress that she wore and the shapes and curves of her bottom within it... Continue Reading

Breast Cancer In Males And What Causes It

Cancer charity Macmillan describes breast cancer in men as rare, claiming 300 men in the UK are diagnosed with the disease every year. The cause of male breast cancer is not yet fully understood but the following factors may increase the risk of developing the disease... Continue Reading

How Many Women Have Breast Implants?

How many women have breast implants? The answer being an estimated 8,000 women a year in the United Kingdom, as reported by the NHS in 2010, making it the most common cosmetic procedure performed on women... Continue Reading

Cosmetic Surgery - Is It A Good Idea?

The definition of cosmetic surgery, in the medical world, is "surgery that modifies or improves the appearance of a physical feature, irregularity, or defect". It has proven to be very beneficial to thousands of men and women worldwide, for both medical and personal reasons, and has improved some people's quality of life dramatically. However, whilst there are many benefits, there are also many risks involved with surgery; as well as moral reasons why cosmetic surgery is not necessarily the best course of action. Continue Reading

Types of Breast Cancer

There are many different types of breast cancer that women, and men can develop in their lifetime. While some lifestyle choice can affect the probability of a person developing breast cancer (for example smoking, diet etc.) there are many more women who live perfectly healthy lives and still find out that they had developed the cancer. Continue Reading

Breast Enhancement Pills and the Benefits and Risks

In recent years, the idea of using herbal pills to increase women's breast cup sizes has grown dramatically. It is fast becoming a cheaper, and allegedly safer alternative to breast enlargement surgery. There are many shops and websites that promote these types of products, even big retail stores on the high street; however while some claim that the pills have been successful, there are many critics of this method and are not entirely reliable. Continue Reading

Glossary of Terms Relating To Cosmetic And Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has a lot of different terms that may confuse, this article covers some of the more common phrases and names of procedures and explains what they actually mean. Continue Reading

Plastic Surgery vs. Cosmetic Surgery

Many people often make the mistake of confusing the two distinct terms of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery as being synonymous when in fact in reality there is a clear and rigidly defined difference in definition. Continue Reading

Risks Associated with Breast Reduction Operations

A breast reduction operation is a major procedure and therefore, as with all operations under general anaesthetic, there are risks involved. This article covers some of the risks involved...Continue Reading

New Survey Shows 13% Women Fear Breast Cancer Most

Cancer Research UK has revealed the results of a recent survey which states that "people fear cancer more than any other serious illness". In this survey of more than 2000 people, cancer came out on top as the most feared disease. Continue Reading

A Short History of Breast Implants and Augmentation

While breast implants have become a common surgical procedure in an age where plastic surgery is more easily affordable and safer than ever, they are not a recent phenomenon. Surgical breast enlargement can trace its history as far back as the late 1800s.

The Pioneers of Breast Enlargement Procedures

Frank Gerow and Thomas Cronin, two surgeons from Texas, are largely responsible for the direction in which breast enlargement and augmentation has progressed in this day and age, pioneering the idea of the silicone implant. Silicone itself is a chemical compound, a mixture of silicon, oxygen and carbon and was invented in Nottingham by university Professor F.S. Kipping in the late 1800s, but it wasn't until 1961 that Gerow and Cronin came upon the idea of using it as a material for breast implants.

What is a Breast Reduction Mammoplasty, and is it for You?

While it is the commonly perceived view that breast surgery and breast augmentation is simply centred on the principle of enlarging what is already there, this is not always the case.

Your Guide to Breast Augmentation Procedures

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery to enhance the natural shape of your breasts there are two main procedures to consider.

Breast Reconstruction After Cancer

Breast reconstruction surgery can be used to create a new breast for a woman and replace breast tissue removed through treatment. There two paths to breast reconstruction in the form of two different kinds of surgery.

Your Guide to a Breast Enlargement Procedure

So under the guidance of a surgeon, you’ve decided to undergo a breast enlargement procedure, what comes next?

Your Guide to Breast Asymmetry Surgery

It’s quite normal for women to have slightly uneven breasts – there are very few women who have identical sized breasts and this difference goes unnoticed in many cases and is generally of little concern...

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

According to the NHS, Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 46,000 women get breast cancer in the UK each year...

Breast Enlargement Information - How to Prepare Yourself for Surgery

If you’ve made the decision to opt for breast enlargement surgery then you should have received a lot of information from your chosen clinic but there are a few general tips to help prepare for you for your surgery...

The Basics of a Mastectomy and Reconstructive Surgery

A mastectomy is a common surgical procedure which involves the removal of one or both breasts usually as a result of cancer...

Breast Enlargements – Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re looking for breast enlargement information then check out some of the most commonly asked questions which many people want to know the answers to before they have a procedure.

Breast Reduction - Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering breast reduction surgery but require more information, check out the breast reduction FAQs below for some answers to common questions...

Your Guide to Breast Enlargement Surgery

If you’re considering breast enlargement surgery for the first time then check out this quick guide for an overview.

What Are The Potential Problems Of Breast Augementation?

Breast augmentation can be the solution required for you to feel happy with your body and regain your confidence.

Pros and Cons of Having a Breast Uplift Abroad

Breast uplifts are a popular surgery choice for women who have noticed that their breasts are not as firm as they once were. There are many things which can have an impact on the firmness of the breasts including losing weight, breast feeding or loss of skin elasticity due to age.....

How to Choose the Best Breast Enlargement Clinic

Once you have chosen to have plastic surgery, one of the major decisions you will need to make is which clinic to undergo the procedure in...

What You Need to Know About Breast Enlargement Scars

One of the biggest worries many women have about undergoing a breast enlargement procedure is how visible the surgery scars will be...

What is Post Mastectomy Breast Reconstruction?

Post mastectomy breast reconstruction is an operation which women may have after having had one or both breasts removed as a treatment for breast cancer...

Cosmetic Surgery – How You Can Stay Safe

In early February 2011 the BBC reported on the safety issues of cosmetic surgery after 20 year old Briton Claudia Adusei tragically died after a buttock enhancement operation went wrong...

Top 3 Things to Consider When Planning Cosmetic Surgery

In a survey published last year by Mintel it was revealed that around 48% of adults in the UK would consider having some kind of cosmetic surgery...

Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery – What is the Difference?

The terms cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are often used interchangeably but there are actually important differences between the two...

The Different Types of Breast Implants

Breast surgery enables women to have their breasts enlarged, reduced or repositioned. Breast enlargement is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery and if you’re thinking of having a procedure done then read the quick guide below to different types of breast implants...

Your Guide To A Breast Reduction Operation

The aim of a breast reduction operation is to reduce the size and weight of the breasts to alleviate issues such as backache and skin irritation...

Potential Risks of Breast Implants

There are risks associated with any operation so unfortunately breast enlargement procedures are no different. The main way to minimise risks is to choose a good breast enlargement clinic...

Your Guide to Breast Enlargement Recovery

It’s important following breast enlargement surgery to allow yourself plenty of recovery time and rest – by giving your body what it needs in the first few days and weeks after the operation, you will experience a much quicker recovery time. Check out this quick guide to breast augmentation recovery...