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For Dr. Schuyler Metlis, it’s a chance to make a difference.
For the women he treats, it’s an about restoring an essential part of femininity.
Metlis, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, has been given the green light by the hospital to continue his participation in a national breast implant study.
He’s one of only 120 doctors in the nation participating in the review of the Allergan Corporation’s 410 highly-cohesive silicone breast implant.
“I think it’s really exciting to be able to provide a service and be a pioneer in what I expect will become a very popular implant,” Metlis said. “The loss of a breast is a terrible tragedy for a woman. This gives us an opportunity to make them close to whole.”
Metlis was asked to participate in the study after being part of a previous analysis of a different implant that eventually was taken off the market.
The Allergan research involves a shaped implant for women who are undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy or those who are getting existing implants replaced.
Unlike saline implants, the silicone gel inside the Allergan product is responsible for creating a tear-drop shape that more closely resembles a natural breast.
Unlike the primitive products of the 1970s, the silicone in the state-of-the-art implant doesn’t flow from the shell.
“I’ve been pleased with the results I’ve had with patients,” Metlis said. “I’m aware of no complications that are specific to this implant.”
Natalee Dent, a licensed practical nurse at Hannibal Regional, has worked with Metlis and is impressed.
Patients “always seem very happy,” Dent said. “That’s the fun part of the job. You get to see them after post-op and see how happy they are.”
The implant has been available since 1993 in Europe. The federal Food and Drug Administration has not endorsed its widespread use in America yet, but has approved the research.
The study is enrolling 175 new patients each week. Since Metlis is the only participating doctor between St. Louis and Chicago, he’s welcoming patients.
Women must be at least 18, agree to be in the study for 10 years, not be pregnant or nursing, not have cardiac problems and meet other qualifications. Some health insurance policies may cover the surgery.
Metlis, who has done breast reconstruction and other plastic surgery for three decades, cautions that the implant is not for everyone.
“There are patients who I don’t think are good candidates for surgery, and I’ll explain that to them,” he said. “I turn people down if I don’t think it will help.”
Metlis also emphasizes that, unlike doctors from big cities who travel to rural areas, he’s based right here.
“I’m not visiting,” he said. “If you need me tomorrow morning, I’m right here.”
Metlis has his own Website. It can be found at www.drmetlis.com.
For Dr. Schuyler Metlis, it’s a chance to make a difference.
For the women he treats, it’s an about restoring an essential part of femininity.
Metlis, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with Hannibal Regional Medical Group, has been given the green light by the hospital to continue his participation in a national breast implant study.
He’s one of only 120 doctors in the nation participating in the review of the Allergan Corporation’s 410 highly-cohesive silicone breast implant.
“I think it’s really exciting to be able to provide a service and be a pioneer in what I expect will become a very popular implant,” Metlis said. “The loss of a breast is a terrible tragedy for a woman. This gives us an opportunity to make them close to whole.”
Metlis was asked to participate in the study after being part of a previous analysis of a different implant that eventually was taken off the market.
The Allergan research involves a shaped implant for women who are undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy or those who are getting existing implants replaced.
Unlike saline implants, the silicone gel inside the Allergan product is responsible for creating a tear-drop shape that more closely resembles a natural breast.
Unlike the primitive products of the 1970s, the silicone in the state-of-the-art implant doesn’t flow from the shell.
“I’ve been pleased with the results I’ve had with patients,” Metlis said. “I’m aware of no complications that are specific to this implant.”
Natalee Dent, a licensed practical nurse at Hannibal Regional, has worked with Metlis and is impressed.
Patients “always seem very happy,” Dent said. “That’s the fun part of the job. You get to see them after post-op and see how happy they are.”
The implant has been available since 1993 in Europe. The federal Food and Drug Administration has not endorsed its widespread use in America yet, but has approved the research.
The study is enrolling 175 new patients each week. Since Metlis is the only participating doctor between St. Louis and Chicago, he’s welcoming patients.
Women must be at least 18, agree to be in the study for 10 years, not be pregnant or nursing, not have cardiac problems and meet other qualifications. Some health insurance policies may cover the surgery.
Metlis, who has done breast reconstruction and other plastic surgery for three decades, cautions that the implant is not for everyone.
“There are patients who I don’t think are good candidates for surgery, and I’ll explain that to them,” he said. “I turn people down if I don’t think it will help.”
Metlis also emphasizes that, unlike doctors from big cities who travel to rural areas, he’s based right here.
“I’m not visiting,” he said. “If you need me tomorrow morning, I’m right here.”
Metlis has his own Website. It can be found at www.drmetlis.com.
