Augmentation Breast Surgery

Teens and Plastic Surgery

2011-02-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

Adults are not the only ones choosing to have plastic surgery today. Young people are catching onto the trend and are coming to see the benefits to them. Here we take a brief look at teens and plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is not just for adults. It is fast becoming an area that is catching the attention of teenagers. What is interesting to note according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is that teenagers offer different reasons for wanting to have plastic surgery as compared to adults. Young people want to have it to fit in with the crowd and to be more like those in their clique. On the other hand most adults wish to have it in order to not just look better but also to stand out from others and look more uniquely like themselves.

More and more teenagers are choosing to go under the knife to make changes to their appearances. As reported by the ASPS in 2005 an estimated 333,000 individuals 18 years and younger had a surgical procedure of the cosmetic variety in 2005. This was up from the 306,000 junior high school and high school students that had cosmetic operations in 2000.

Plastic surgery can provide a means of correcting a defect on your face or body that is a source of embarrassment for you. Even if you do not have a defect you may simply want to change your look, such as having a nose job to give your nose a more attractive shape. It is very common for adolescents to not be happy with the way they look. This can also affect their self-esteem and how others view them. The most common procedures that young people opt for include acne scar treatment, nose reshaping, breast reduction (for males, known as gynecomastia), breast implants and ear surgery.

If I'm Overweight, Can I have Liposuction?

2010-11-19T09:36:00.000-08:00

There's not an easy, straightforward answer to this question. In short – it depends.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that will remove fat on a permanent basis. The fat is removed through small incisions via a device known as a canula. It is generally only used in areas that have external fat and you need to review these exact areas with your plastic surgeon.
Liposuction is generally only recommended as a fat removal for localized problem areas that have be resistant to diet and exercise. These limited problem areas like the hips, thighs or abdomen can be helped. While liposuction can also be performed on other areas of the body, such as the back and arms, most people find that diet and exercise can help these areas.
For some people being big does not necessarily mean that they are overweight. There are individuals who are large framed, or are committed to lifting weights and have increased their body size without adding an excessive amount of fat.
The best indicator that physicians use to calculate your body fat is a BMI calculation. BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher is considered an indication of being overweight. But some individuals with a larger skeletal frame or extra muscle may have a higher BMI and not necessarily be overweight. These people may still be good candidates for liposuction.
So, the answer is that if you have stubborn, isolated problem areas of fat, liposuction is a good choice for you. If, however you are overweight with internal fat in your abdominal cavity (visceral fat - the type doctors warn you about), a plastic surgery may ask you to lose weight before undergoing liposuction.
Young people (especially those under 21), will be encouraged to diet and exercise before considering liposuction. Young adults generally have better success dieting and losing their excess body weight safely due to youthful metabolism.
Consult a plastic surgeon if you're considering liposuction. They can examine your problem areas and let you know if liposuction is the answer.

Surgery Prices are Too Good to be True … for a Reason

2010-11-09T12:34:00.000-08:00

Have you seen those commercials offering expensive plastic surgery operations at reduced rates much lower than other competitors? Did that flashy banner advertising breast augmentation or rhinoplasty catch your eye because the price seemed too good to be true?

If so, it is worth your time to read a recent article by Scottsdale plastic surgeon, Dr. Patti Flint, on how not all plastic surgeons are created equal and how not all doctors are qualified to do plastic surgery.

What?! But I thought a doctor was a doctor, you might say. How can one doctor be different than another? And how can a doctor perform plastic surgery if they are not qualified?

According to Dr. Flint’s explanation, Arizona state medical license boards do not limit a physician to practicing medicine in the field they trained. Many doctors may be qualified to deliver babies, but opt to supplement their practice with facelift operations as well. As such, you can’t be sure what type of training or experience you are getting if you choose a physician that is licensed in an area other than plastic surgery.
Scottsdale plastic surgeon, Dr. Flint suggests to maximize the results of your surgery and ensure you are happy for years to come, it is better to do a little research before entering the operating room. Check out the accreditation, licensure, and affiliations of your surgeon. Is he or she a licensed plastic surgeon? Does he or she have at least five years of experience in the particular operation you are interested in? Answering those simple questions will go a long way to improving the recovery period and results of your plastic surgery.

Should you consider Plastic Surgery?

2010-11-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Plastic Surgery figures continue to increase even in the face of today's challenging economy. Technological and surgical techniques have reduced the cost and downtime involved in cosmetic surgery. Both of these factors have made plastic surgery more available and commonplace in the general public.

In 2009, there were about ten million cosmetic procedures done in the United States. Everyone has something about themselves that they'd like to change and today it's easier than ever to remedy that situation.

Plastic Surgery is a very personal decision and can have a very positive effect on someone's life. Not everyone is super self-confident enough to accept every imperfection of their physical features. Really, if it's possible to fix something that bothers you, why wouldn't you?

So if you have an aspect of your appearance that you don't like be it your nose, your breasts, or an aging face that makes you look tired or angry, fixing it can be a new lease on life. Many patients say that after their surgery they feel 100 times better. Surgery allows them to go on with their lives without ever having to think about their past physical issues every again.

No one thinks that braces on your teeth are vain. No one believes that correction of birth defects or removal of scarring is done for vanities sake. Why can't other cosmetic procedures be viewed in the same way? Correcting an issue, any issue that has always bothered you is your very personal decision.

You may have been shy and withdrawn because of a physical trait. Now since you no longer have that to hold you back, you can blossom socially or in your career. Gone are the days of meeting new people and feeling that they are judging you based your appearance.

If you're one of those people who's always been bothered by an aspect of your appearance, plastic surgery may be for you. A skilled plastic surgeon can help you achieve a natural looking enhancement that will help you feel better about every aspect of your life.

Breast Augmentation Today

2010-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, it seems that virtually every woman has had a breast augmentation, and implants are so realistic that it's difficult to speculate who's had the procedure done and who hasn't. While a La Jolla breast enlargement surgery isn't right for everyone it does offer a variety of benefits.

In today's image conscious society in La Jolla, breast augmentation has become such an integral part of our culture, it's rare that anyone even gives it a second thought. Everyone from Hollywood actresses to real estate moguls to stay-at-home moms seem to be opting for the boost of self-confidence that many women experience as a result of the procedure, unsurprising when considering over 65% of American women claim to be dissatisfied with their breast size. In fact, breast augmentation is so common that 4 out of 10 women in the United States have implants. While there's no doubt that in a culture highly focused on sexuality and physical attractiveness, larger breasts create a greater sense of self-confidence and sexual self-image for many women, is the focus on bra size going just a bit too far?

The truth is that for most women in La Jolla, breast augmentation is a helpful procedure, especially for those who may experience a loss of self-esteem or interest in physical intimacy following the loss of a breast. Other women, small-chested by nature, are amazingly impacted by the change in appearance alone. Implants often help enhance the figure, ensuring that clothes fit better, and the body is better proportioned. Whatever the reason for choosing implants, as long as a patient is properly advised about the risks and benefits of the procedure prior to surgery, the result is most often a positive one. While breast augmentation isn't going to change a woman's life, heal the scars left by a difficult past or lack of self-esteem, or allow her to suddenly find happiness with herself, it can certainly make a difference in how she looks and feels on a daily basis.

The surgery is a relatively safe and simple one and done on an outpatient basis. Before determining whether or not a patient is a good candidate for breast enlargement, a La Jolla plastic surgeon must perform a medical evaluation to ensure she is in good health and able to withstand both undergoing general anesthesia, and the discomfort of the recovery process. Most patients take a week or two off from work and any physically demanding obligations in order to recover uneventfully. Within two weeks, the sutures will have been removed and the patient able to return to her normal lifestyle.

Implants are offered in a variety of sizes and materials, so it's important for a patient to discuss all the options with her cosmetic surgeon. La Jolla women with a more active lifestyle may do best with smaller implants for instance. "Sizing" can help provide an idea of what to expect once the implants are done, and what size and shape is most suited to a particular body type. Also, look for pictures of breast sizes that you would like for yourself and show those to your surgeon and see if that size and shape makes sense on your body type and torso.

Breast Augmentation Now for Summer Fun Later!

2010-04-21T03:01:00.000-07:00

In a recent press release, Dr. Joseph G. Bauer, plastic surgeon of Atlanta-based Swan Center for Plastic Surgery, lets women know that there is still time to get breast implants for summer.
He says in the release that "in no time, our patients can be enjoying the confidence that goes along with feeling good about their body." He is a specialist in this area and can have you filling out your bathing suit top in no time.
Once the decision to have Atlanta breast augmentation has been made, the majority of the healing takes place in the first month or two. So, there is plenty of time for the swelling to go down and the incisions to heal enough so they are less visible. Of course, as noted in the release, the incisions will be hidden under the top, the arm or the breast anyway.
Dr Bauer notes that this should not be a rushed decision just because summer is coming. You should be thoughtful and research all the aspects like implant type, size, texture, profile and a number of other issues.
If you want to take advantage of the time left before summer, call (800) 816-1057 or (770) 667-0904 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bauer. You can also get a lot of information on The Swan Center’s Website at www.swancenteratlanta.com.

Breastfeeding-- Does it Really Cause Breast Droop?

2009-06-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Though it's commonly believed that breastfeeding adversely affects breast shape, a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal says differently. According to the study, other factors, such as body mass index, smoking habits, number of pregnancies, age, and pre-pregnancy cup size are the true factors in post-pregnancy breast droop.

Before this study, very little evidence existed as to whether breastfeeding actually had an affect on the aesthetics of the breast. But according to the study's lead author, plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Rinker, breast appearance is still one of the major reasons cited for women choosing not to breastfeed.

Though the decision to breastfeed is a very personal matter, the benefits are many. It not only provides essential nourishment for the baby, but protects the infant against illness, and offers the economic advantage of saving money on formula as well as health care costs.

Though breastfeeding may not be the cause of post-pregnancy breast droop, pregnancy still take it's toll on the appearance of the body. For mothers considering post-pregnancy cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, a breast lift or a tummy tuck, Orange County plastic surgeon at Dr. Ambe offers great information on their website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

How Our Atlanta Plastic Surgeons Help Remove the ‘Guess Work’ of Breast Augmentation with Intimate Sizing Sessions

2009-06-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

For body conscious women in Atlanta, breast augmentation can be frightening without an accurate way to gauge surgical results.

Fortunately, our intimate sizing sessions offer patients an immediate “glimpse” of their results-- thus allowing them to make better informed decisions before agreeing to elective surgery.

In the past, women seeking breast augmentation would simply bring in pictures of celebrities that were in the “ballpark” of their desired shape and size. However, there was no way to accurately gauge how a particular size or shape would truly look following an elective surgical procedure.

Fortunately, such “guess work” is no longer the case thanks to advances in interactive patient education. Our practice actually gives patients an opportunity to “try on” a variety of implants using a special sizing bra to see exactly how their new breasts would look and feel under clothing.

We’ve also noticed that our intimate sizing sessions really help to reduce anxiety and allow patients to feel more comfortable with their decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

That is because a patient doesn’t have to worry that she is inaccurately describing to us the way she wants her breasts to look. Once she’s tried on a few sizes and expressed her likes and dislikes, it’s much easier to be certain that we are all on the same page.

And almost immediately a patient can tell whether she wants to go larger or smaller or choose a different shape just by the way the breasts actually look and feel against her own body.

As reputable Atlanta plastic surgeons we want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible when undergoing elective breast augmentation surgery. We are no more interested in recovery room “surprises” than are any of the women that frequent our practice. And because client satisfaction is our ultimate goal, we are willing to invest in the necessary technology to make that happen.

For further information on Atlanta breast augmentation or the intimate sizing session used at the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery, please call (770) 667-0904 or toll-free (800) 816-1057.

New Saline Breast Implants-- Will they Look as Good as Silicone Gel?

2009-06-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

A clinical trial for a new type of saline breast implant is currently being conducted by select plastic surgeons across the country. This new implant was designed to offer the safety of saline with the more natural-looking results of silicone gel. Though Silicone gel implants have been FDA approved since 2006, and are commonly seen as the offering a better aesthetic result, a recent study shows that the majority of breast augmentations are still being performed using saline implants instead. This implies that concerns over the safety of silicone gel implants still exist in the minds of many, impacting implant choice for many surgeons and patients.

This new implant, however, called the IDEAL IMPLANT®, attempts to offer the best of both worlds. It is filled entirely with saline-- a substance natural to the human body, yet is designed to prevent the "sloshing" issues which often occur with saline implants by using several silicone shells nested within one another. The design is also intended to conform better to the chest wall, reducing the wrinkling issues also common with traditional saline implants.

These new implants are being tested in 500 women by plastic surgeons in Texas, Florida and California.

For now, traditional saline and silicone gel breast implants are still the options to choose from. If you are considering breast augmentation, Columbus, OH plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffery Donaldson offers great information on his website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Breast Reduction for African Americans

2009-05-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

According to recent statistics, cosmetic surgery for African Americans increased 10% in 2008. In a year when plastic surgery as a whole experienced a significant drop, the increase in African American and other ethnic patients has drawn quite a bit of attention. And though breast augmentation was the top surgical procedure performed in 2008 as a whole, statistics show breast reduction is more commonly sought by African American women than augmentation.

Breast reduction surgery can not only offer cosmetic benefits to patients, but medical benefits as well, relieving back and neck pain caused by the extra weight of larger breasts. Though breast reduction is a popular procedure among African American women, many still shy away from the procedure due to anxieties over scarring. Though scarring is often more noticeable in those with darker skin, steps can be taken to lower this risk. Precautions such as limiting sutures near the skin's surface, as well as advanced wound management techniques can help minimize the risk of noticeable scarring in African Americans. Breast reduction using liposuction only is another option to consider. This procedure offers minimal scarring and can alleviate back and neck pain caused by excess breast weight. Though this option is effective in some instances, it is not recommended for women who seek a lifting of the breasts as well as reduction.

As more and more African Americans seek out cosmetic procedures, plastic surgery techniques and sensibilities are evolving to meet the demand. If you are considering cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty, breast reduction or breast augmentation, Atlanta plastic surgeons at The Swan Center offer great information on their website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Breast Augmentation and Tummy Tuck are Not Covered by Health Insurance

2009-04-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

According to a recent Fox News story, four US women were arrested for an insurance scam where they billed the Culinary Union’s health insurance program for cosmetic procedures performed in Mexico. Two of the women were from Las Vegas and the other two from California. The four have been charged with numerous offenses including mail and health care fraud.

One of the accused, Rebeca Acosta, allegedly arranged meetings with potential cosmetic surgery patients, telling them the insurance program would cover the expenses of such procedures as breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgery if the patients agreed to pay an upfront fee. The procedures were performed in Mexico and claims were submitted to the health insurance program. According to the article, $4.9 was billed to the company for "out of country emergency procedures."

Except in cases of reconstructive surgery, such as breast reconstruction after mastectomy, breast augmentation is considered elective, and therefore, not covered. Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an elective surgery as well. Though insurance will not cover these procedures, most plastic surgeons offer financing options. For more information on actual financing options for breast augmentation and abdominoplasty, Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Moss offers information on his website.

Pre-Consultation Sizing: Stop Fretting About Getting Breast Implants

2009-04-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

If you’re considering going under the knife to get bigger breasts, you’ve probably been obsessing over it night and day. Besides the all-important concerns with size, you probably have a lot of questions, like -
• “How big should I go?”
• “How big is too big?“
• “Will they look natural?”
• “Will I look too fat?”
• “How will my clothes fit after surgery?”
• “How will other folks react to my fuller bust?”
• “Will people even notice I’ve had a boob job?”
• “How do I tell my friends and family?”
There are ways to find out the answers to these questions even before you step into the surgeon’s office for your consultation. Many women try out home tests using pantyhose filled with rice and other methods, but these are arbitrary and inaccurate ways to get the answers you need, especially when there are more scientific ways available to you.
One option you can use right now is the Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit – a complete pre-consultation sizing system that comes with implants, a sizing bra and educational products that give more information of what to expect from breast augmentation.
The Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit was created to guide women interested in breast augmentation test-drive their dreams of having a fuller figure a using scientifically-designed sizing system.
With the Natrelle® kit, you can try on different sizes of implants in the comfort of your bedroom and see how they look and feel without even stepping into a doctor’s office. Imagine going about your daily tasks as usual, and seeing the look on other people’s faces when they notice your bigger bust - before ever getting a cut with a scalpel.
Yes, we’ve all tried stuffing our bras with tissue or other “fillers” at some point. But when you’re considering life-changing surgery, you really want to be sure if augmentation is the right option for you, before you shell out hundreds of dollars on consultations.
For less than the cost of a meal, the Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit can help you find out all the answers to the questions above. Go to www.natrelle.com/kit to order yours now.

Screaming Baby Cellphone Ring-- Will it Increase You Breast Size?

2009-03-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Japanese researcher Hideto Tomabechi, an expert in subliminals, proposes the idea that a woman's physiological response to the sound of babies crying could be the next new thing in non-surgical breast enhancement. By distilling the "most active parts" of a baby's cry and incorporating them into a cellphone ring, Tomabechi believes women's breast size may increase due to their bodies' physiological response. Combined with the number of time young Japanese women hear their cellphones ring each day (up to 40 some studies show), Tomabechi believes he may just be onto something.

Breast augmentation is not the only issue Hideto Tomabechi has focused on so far in his famed career. He was once called upon to help deprogram members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult in Japan, known for the 1995 subway sarin gas attacks in Tokyo. Along with the breast enhancement ringtones, he's also developed ringtones to subliminally improve memory, improve one's attractiveness to the opposite sex, stop smoking and cure baldness.

To hear what the breast enhancement ringtone sounds like, click here. If you'd like more information on more traditional forms of breast augmentation, Atlanta plastic surgeons at The Swan Center offer great information on their website. Or, visit plasticsurgery.org to locate a surgeon in your area.

Breast Augmentation Most Sought Plastic Surgery in 2008

2009-03-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation was the most popular plastic surgical procedure in 2008, with 356,000 procedures performed. Though this is an 11 percent drop from the previous year, breast augmentation still managed to creep ahead of liposuction, which was at the top of the list in 2007. As cosmetic surgery takes a hit due to the county's economic crisis, many men and women who would normally undergo liposuction are finding exercise a less expensive option, causing liposuction dropped 22 percent since last year. Breast augmentation, on the other hand, cannot easily be replaced by diet, exercise or other non-surgical options.

Though, over all, the economy has hurt the plastic surgery industry, some women are seeking breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures to remain competitive in the job market according to Dr. Alan Gold, the society president, saying "A number of women are now looking at breast augmentation after childbearing years..(p)eople are more focused on the aging-related changes that allow them to keep competitive in the job market.”

According to the study, women still seek cosmetic procedures at a far greater number than men, accounting for over 90% of all procedures performed. Women most commonly seek breast augmentation, followed by liposuction, eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast reduction respectively.

The most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure, according to the study, was Botox injections.

For more information on surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, liposuction or breast augmentation, Murrieta plastic surgeon Dr. Eichenberg offers procedure information as well as before and after photos on his website.

Is TUBA Breast Augmentation Right for You?

2009-03-04T15:02:00.000-08:00

For many women considering breast augmentation, scarring on the breast can be a major drawback. Most breast augmentation procedures require incisions along either the breast crease or the edge of the areola. And though these incisions are carefully placed to be as hidden from view as possible, they are still a deterrent to many who consider undergoing breast augmentation. TUBA (transumbilical breast augmentation)is an endoscopic procedure requiring only a small navel incision rather than a breast incision. The breast implants (silicone only) are inserted through a small belly button incision and tunneled to proper position using an endoscope. Many report the tiny navel incision as nearly imperceptible. And along with reduced scarring, this minimally invasive procedure requires a shorter, less painful recovery than other breast augmentation procedures making it a tempting option. But is TUBA breast augmentation really the best option for you? To help answer that question, here is a list of pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

*no breast scar and minimal scarring at all. This procedures is often referred to as "scarless" because the incision is hidden in the natural folds of the navel.

*only one scar needed rather than one for each breast.

*shorter, easier recovery in many cases.

*decreased risk of damage to breast nerves and milk ducts.

*implants can be placed either above or below pectoral muscle, though some surgeons will only place them above the muscle.

Cons:

*not all surgeons are properly trained to perform this type of procedure.

*cannot be used with silicone implants.

*cannot be performed with breast lift.

*complications such as "bottoming-out", capsular contracture, and improper placement of implants cannot be corrected using same incision.

If you are currently exploring your options for breast augmentation, Hampton Roads experts at Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads can answer your questions.

Avoid "Bargain" Breast Augmentation

2009-02-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform you breast augmentation based solely on price can end up being physically, emotionally and financially costly in the end. Though breast augmentation is a very popular procedure, it takes skill and care to perform correctly, and mistakes can be difficult to correct. For those considering breast augmentation, New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Parker recommends researching your surgeon well so your augmentation can be performed correctly the first time.

Speaking of the difficulty breast augmentation revision surgery poses, Dr. Parker says, "Once the pocket for the breast augmentation is made, it is...difficult to re-make. A revision can only correct so much - it can only be so good. I would much rather be the first surgeon who creates the pocket for the implants than to be the surgeon making a correction."

To ensure the best breast augmentation results the first time around, it is important to explore your reasons for choosing a particular plastic surgeon. Though it may be tempting to opt for a "bargain" deal, price should not be the main selling point; quality should.

Why Were Silicone Implants Banned?

2009-01-14T14:42:00.000-08:00

If you've been following the news, you probably know that silicone breast implants were once banned in the US. A few years ago, however, they were re-approved by the FDA for the market. Are silicone implants really that dangerous?

The reason they were banned in the 90's was that they were believed to cause health problems. Some doctors felt that breast implants were linked to cancer, immune system problems and degenerative diseases such as lupus. The fear became so serious that silicone implants were taken off the market until more research could be done.

Bureaucracy works slowly, and even after studies were done, it took years before silicone implants were back on the market. It also didn't help that Washington is full of anti-implant lobbyists. Implants were cleared of any wrong-doing; no link was found. For some folks, fears about silicone implants' safety still linger.

If there is a risk, why do so many women choose silicone? Silicone implants are more popular than saline implants because they simply look and feel more natural. Saline implants are harder and make you look more top-heavy instead of natural.

Saline implants have been proven to be safe, but if you are still concerned about it, talk to your plastic surgeon. If you're thinking about getting implants, check out silicone and saline, and decide which feels the most natural for you.

For more information about the safety of saline or silicone gel breast implants, Houston breast augmentation specialist, Dr. Basu can answer your questions.

Boob Jab?

2008-12-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

Is injectable breast augmentation on the horizon? It sure seems to be. Macrolane is a stabilized non-animal hyaluronic acid gel used in Europe and Asia to add volume and contour to the breasts as well as the buttocks and calves. Treatments with this injectable filler reportedly take between 30 to 90 minutes with results that last between 12 to 18 months.

According to the Macrolane website, advantages of Macrolane over traditional breast augmentation include:

*Use of Local Anestheisa
*Less invasive treatment
*Non-surgical
*No hospital stay
*Short recovery
*Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of human body

Though the Macrolane site doesn't address the amount of volume that can be added to each breast, 100 ml seems to be standard, a cup-size at most, which some women complain does not provide enough enhancement. Others comment the "painless" "lunch hour" aspects of the procedure are faulty as the needles used for the injections are actually thin cannulas inserted through small incisions in the skin.

Though the procedure offers only temporary enhancement, may involve some pain and may not provide the amount of enhancement every woman seeks, it is a non-surgical option which many women seek. The use of hyaluronic acid rather than silicone implants will also be appealing to some. Macrolane breast enhancement may be a treatment worth considering when it becomes available in the US. For now, however, those of us in the States will have to wait for this non-surgical breast enhancement option.

For those seeking safe, permanent breast enlargement here at home, Arlington breast enlargement experts at CPS can answer your questions

Breast Cancer Detection for Women With Implants

2008-10-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

October is breast cancer awareness month. And there are a few extra precautions women with implants should take when screening for breast cancer. Though mammograms are one of the best ways to screen for breast cancer, breast implants can decrease a mammogram's ability to detect breast cancer. Because of this, extra steps should be taken in the breast cancer screening of women with implants.

1) Use a mammography facility experienced in cancer screening for women with breast implants.

2) Request alternate views, such as displacement views where the implant is pushed out of the image for a clearer screening view.

3) Make sure to inform your mammography facility you have breast implants in advance to allow for additional views and a more thorough screening.

For more information on early detection of breast cancer, contact The American Cancer Society. For more information on breast implants, St Louis plastic surgeon Dr. Rottler can answer your questions.

Are Micro Implants the Answer to Breast Implant Sizing Issues?

2008-10-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

The number one reason women give for breast augmentation dissatisfaction is sizing. It's just really, really difficult to know how various implant sizes are going to look on a woman after surgery. Sure there are methods we all try, putting rice in stockings and trying them out inside our bras. There are breast implant sizing kits we can use for practice runs. But all these methods are still a long, long way from letting us know whether we are choosing an implant size that will make us happy.

Luckily, Vanderbilt neuro-surgeon Dr. William Brennan is set to begin testing on a revolutionary new type of breast implant that may take all the guesswork out of breast implant sizing. He has invented a micro breast implant to be used in breast augmentation. Micro implants are tiny, pea-size silicone implants that compress together inside the breast for a natural looking enhancement. So, instead of one grapefruit size implant, hundreds of tiny implants would be used, allowing for much smaller incisions (5mm vs. 2 or more inches), less pain, a natural look, and yes THE ABILITY TO CHANGE OUR MINDS ABOUT OUR BREAST ENHANCEMENT SIZE! After surgery, if the patient desires, micro implants can be added or removed in a simple office visit, allowing for great versatility in post-op breast sizing.

Of course, these revolutionary micro implants are not yet available, so until they are, we still have the stockings and the rice to fall back on. For more information on breast implant sizing or New Orleans breast enhancement, contact augmentation specialist Dr.Elizabeth Kinsley.

Teen Breast Augmentation Risks

2008-09-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

More and more teens are requesting breast implants for birthday or graduation gifts. Before you give it your go-ahead, there are quite a few factors to consider.

For instance:

Many women don't fully develop their breast size until into their early twenties. A teen who undergoes breast augmentation at 18 may naturally grow another cup-size after surgery.

Teens may not understand the lifetime financial responsibilities breast implants entail. Breast augmentation often requires subsequent surgeries every five to ten years. Because of their cosmetic nature, these operations will not be covered under health insurance.

Body dissatisfaction is often at its peak during our teenage years. This dissatisfaction generally lessens or disappears with maturity.

Teens are often not psychologically mature enough to fully understand the physical risks of breast augmentation nor the results to expect.

Often young women who decide to have their implants removed are dissatisfied with the stretched, saggy appearance of their breasts without further surgery.

The FDA considers cosmetic breast augmentation on women younger than 18 an off label use.

Breast augmentation offers positive change for many women mature enough to fully weigh the risks with the benefits. For more information about breast enlargement, Lancaster, Pennsylvania professionals at Berks Plastic Surgery will answer your questions.

Reality Star Shares Her Breast Augmentation Revision Story with Viewers

2008-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

Recently, reality television star Tamra Barney shared her breast augmentation revision story with her "The Real Housewives of Orange County" viewers on Bravotv.

Now 40, Barney had long decided the implants she’d gotten in her 20’s were way too large for her body’s small frame. According to her Bravotv blog her implants, which were wider than her rib cage, made it difficult to find clothing that fit, no longer looked how she wanted, and caused severe neck and back pain.

"After three pregnancies, nursing, and the weight of the implant, the internal pocket was too stretched out to support the implants. Imaging wearing a heavy backpack all day long that was too loose. I constantly used my shoulders and back to compensate, which lead to neck and back pain."

Tamra chose prominent Orange County plastic surgeon Dr. Milind Ambe to perform her surgery. She initially wanted the implants removed all together, but in consultation with Dr. Ambe decided a lift combined with smaller implants was a better option. Often the shift from very large implants to no implants creates an undesirable change.

“I’m so thrilled with my outcome, I just wish I would have had it done sooner.” says Tamra.

The Real Orange County Housewife is also thrilled to have shared her experience with others on an episode of the show. According to her blog, "I got so many e-mails from girls all over the world that had the same problem." Her breasts are now smaller, perkier and better proportioned with her body.

Breast Lift vs. Breast Augmentation-- Which is Best for You?

2008-07-17T11:45:00.000-07:00

Many of us seek perkier fuller-looking breasts, but are implants necessarily the answer? Well, that depends on who you are. Before making that decision between saline and silicone, it’s worth exploring what a lift can or can’t do toward giving you the results you seek. Good candidates for a breast lift wish to change the contour of their breasts due to sagging, often from pregnancy, genetics, age or change in weight. A woman may have ample breast volume with less than perfect shape. A breast lift procedure removes the loose excess skin on the breast and tightens the remaining skin. The areola is also repositioned for a perkier look. The procedure can be performed alone or with implants, depending on the woman’s breast volume and the result she desires from her surgery.

Candidates for breast augmentation, on the other hand, seek greater breast volume. She may seek implants because her breasts have always been smaller than she likes, or because they have lost volume over time. The main difference to keep in mind when deciding between augmentation, a lift, or a combination of both procedures, is that a lift removes excess skin to correct sagging while augmentation adds volume. Breast augmentation can improve a woman’s profile, but cannot fix excessive sagging or drooping unless it is combined with a lift.

A good way to asses whether a breast lift should be considered is to look at the areola in relation to the inframammary fold, the crease beneath the breast. Often women with areolas even with, or below the inframammary fold are good candidates for a breast lift.

Of course, other considerations to explore before deciding which breast surgery to choose are price, scaring issues and recovery time. All of these things can vary quite a bit depending on the surgical techniques used and the degree of surgery needed. For example the price of a breast lift can be less expensive than augmentation, or considerably more, depending on the degree of lift needed and the type of augmentation chosen, so it is best to explore these issues more thoroughly in a consultation with a surgeon, and ultimately choose your procedure based on desired results rather issues such as price. For more information on breast lifts or breast enlargement Georgia, Savannah plastic surgeons at Costal Empire Plastic Surgery can help you.

Your Plastic Surgeon Consultation

2007-11-21T20:23:00.001-08:00

Considering breast augmentation? First, you need to ask yourself why you want to do this. If you answer to keep your partner happy or increase your chance for a promotion, obviously, you aren't doing it for the right reasons and should stop now.

However, if you are doing this to improve your self-esteem and your image, it's time to book a consultation with your plastic surgeon. So what should you expect at that appointment?

Don't just make one appointment. After doing your research, you should have narrowed your plastic surgeon list to at least two, and you need to book a consult with both. You should make a checklist with your questions and have it with you the day of your appointment.

At the office do a visual, and note how clean the office is.

Check to see how friendly and helpful the staff is - after all, they are what is between you and the doctor.

Is the office professional? Are appointments on time? Pay attention! Just the few minutes in the office can tell you an awful lot.

Once you are in the plastic surgeon's office note how well his/her communication skills are. Do you feel comfortable? Relaxed? Was the procedure explained? Were your questions answered? Did the surgeon explain complications that can occur?

You should find out how long the plastic surgeon has been doing breast augmentation. Ask questions about failure rates, and rates of infection. Find out where incisions will be made and what type of implants your surgeon recommends.

This is the time to decide whether you are happy with the surgeon, think you will be comfortable having him/her do the procedure and whether you can afford the procedure.

If you are not sure about the surgeon's credentials, you can check with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Of course, you always want your surgeon to be accredited.

Think of your consultation with your plastic surgeon as the interview for someone you about to hire to take good care of your body and great care of your breasts.

Read more on Plastic Surgery Internet Marketing.

Choosing A Plastic Surgeon For Breast Enhancement

2007-11-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

Whether you are in need of breast reconstructive surgery, or you've decided that the time has come for a new and bigger pair of breasts, it's important that you find a surgeon that has excellent credentials.

You wouldn't go to just any gynecologist would you? You and your plastic surgeon are going to be seeing a lot of each other over the years so choose well.

Since your relationship is going to continue for the rest of your life, not only do you want a plastic surgeon that is skilled and competent, you want one that you feel comfortable around - one that you feel at ease bearing your body to and discussing your surgery with. And it's not all you - you want a surgeon that actually has some communication skills. Believe me, some don't!

You should also feel comfortable in the office. You'll be talking and interacting with office staff. You want to feel respected, and you want staff to be courteous. They say the office staff can make or break a plastic surgeon's practice.

There are different ways that you can find a surgeon where you live. You can search online. There are many directories that list board certified plastic surgeons by area. You can also ask your family doctor for a recommendation or friends that have undergone breast augmentation.

Start by making a consultation appointment. That way you can determine if you and your potential surgeon make a good match. There are some questions you should ask. Here are just a few to get you started.

1. How many breast implant procedures has he/she done?
2. Is the surgeon board certified.
3. How many years has he/she been practicing?
4. What type of complications should you be aware of?
5. What size and shape does the surgeon recommend for your body?
6. What percentage of surgeries does the surgeon have to go back in?
7. What brand of implants does he/she use and what is their failure rate?
8. What are your implant options?

There are many other questions that you can ask. In fact, some sites online will even provide you with a printable list. Many of these sites also provide plenty of useful information. Remember the more you know, the better the questions you ask will be.

The recent history of breast implants has proven the quality and safety of the new designs. Success depends a great deal on a qualified surgeon and a quality implant. You really do get what you pay for.

What Can a Breast Lift Do For You?

2007-11-20T23:00:00.001-08:00

We hear the term breast lift flying around but what exactly is it and what is done? Perhaps it’s just what you need to perk things up again. Another word for a breast lift is “mastopexy” and the procedure takes anywhere from 1 ½ hours to 3 hours.

There are a variety of techniques that are used to lift the breast. Your surgeon will choose what’s right for you. If you have smaller breasts you will have minimal sagging which makes you a candidate for the modified surgery. The doughnut is one of those surgeries and it results in minimal scar tissue.

If you have implants and need a breast lift it will need to go deeper into the chest wall muscle to get the lift. If you lack the necessary breast tissue for a breast lift your surgeon may suggest breast implants.

After your surgery your surgeon will see you usually on day 5. The sutures dissolve so you don’t have to worry about having them removed, except for just a couple of top stitches. You will then be seen again at 3 week, 2 months, 6 months, and then yearly from your anniversary date.

If you are healthy, realistic, and emotionally stable you are a good candidate for a breast lift. The best results are seen in women that have small breasts that are sagging, but any size breast can be lifted. Of course the larger and heavier the breast the less lasting the procedure. It’s a good idea to wait until you are not going to be having any more children.

The cost may vary but they do include the surgeon’s fee, hospital and anesthesia fee. You will be given an estimate by your surgeon. Most require a portion of the charge paid up front which reserves your surgery time.

A breast lift can do a lot for you and generally the procedure is much cheaper than a full breast augmentation. Be sure to consider all your options.

Weight Loss Got You Sagging - Do You Need A Breast Lift?

2007-11-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

If you’ve lost a lot of weight due to pregnancy, breast feeding, or your hard work at dieting, you may find yourself with sagging breasts that have lost their firmness and their shape. Perhaps you need a breast lift?

If you are overall happy with the size of your breast, but just don’t like the idea that they are sagging, then a breast lift might be just what you need. A breast lift does just what it says it lifts the breast proving a perkier more youthful breast.

If you aren’t happy with the volume of your breasts, as well as their sagginess, then you will likely need breast implants. This is something to discuss with your plastic surgeon. Implants will improve the volume, size, and shape of the breast.

Are you a good candidate for a breast lift? If you have breasts that are the right size but are pendulous; if you have breasts that lack firmness or substance; if you have breasts where the nipples and areolas point downwards – all three of these make you good candidate for a breast lift.

A breast lift can be done whether you are 15 or 90 but generally, your surgeon will want to wait until the breast development is complete. Pregnancy and nursing have unpredictable effects to the breast, but it may be worth waiting for your breast lift until you are finished having children. That said breast lifts don’t interfere with nipples or milk ducts so you will have no problem breast feeding after should you have another baby.

Serious complications from breast lifts are infrequent with thousands of women each year undergoing breast lifts with no major problems. Of course, like all surgery, there is risk and you should discuss those risks with your surgeon.

If weight loss has left you with a great looking body but sagging breasts, a breast lift might be just what you need to perk things up.

A Little Breast Implant History ...

2007-10-25T01:28:00.001-07:00

It first started in 1890, yes; I couldn't believe it either when I first read it. That was the time when the first surgical breast implant procedure was carried out by using paraffin injections.

Paraffin injections were directly injected into the breast. This was widely used by women all over, but with time, the complications came to light. Paraffin injections did achieve breast augmentation, but it also led to many complications such as infections and lump formations in the breast.

Complications with this earliest attempt in the history of breast implants soon led to the use of fat transplants in the 1920's. Extra fat from the belly or buttock areas were surgically cut, and the fat tissues were then transferred into the breast. This too was not successful as the body soon absorbed the fat and left the breasts saggy, lopsided and lumpy. This transplantation procedure took birth in the 1920's and was given up in the 1940's.

Subsequently, during World War II, Japanese prostitutes tried breast implants to attract American servicemen; they did this by simply injecting silicone injections into the breast, much like the paraffin injections 50 years earlier.

Silicone is both extremely tempting aesthetically and among the most debated materials in the history of breast implants. But this too did not last for long as the complications of chronic inflammation, infections, and lumps made these WWII era silicone breast implants fall out of favor also.

The modern history of breast implants begins in 1962 when a silicone packet filled with silicone gel was used for breast implants for the first time in history.

The checkered history of breast implants is full of progress and obstacles, but the new silicone implants altered the history of breast implants forever. They are now favored and embraced by women and cosmetic surgeons everywhere.

Breast Implants, Pregnancy, and Breastfeeding

2007-10-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

Breast implants will not be a problem during your pregnancy; however, breastfeeding will create some challenges. Breastfeeding with breast implants can be very painful and the ability for your baby to nurse can be impaired. Some women work around it, while others opt for formula to avoid breastfeeding.

If you would like to breastfeed and you have implants, you will need to closely monitor your milk output. You may have to supplement with formula.

When your breast implants are done there are two methods. The one cuts around your areola, which is the dark part around your nipple. This results in cut milk ducts and cuts to major nerves.

The other method makes the incision under the breast. If you have not yet had your procedure and you are thinking you may have children in the future, you should consider option number two.

Your breasts may produce adequate milk but because of the implant, the milk can't pass through the ducts that have been damaged and reach the nipple. You milk production can also be affected when the areola or nipple nerves are damaged. The signal that is sent to the brain to release milk can be damaged when the nerves are cut so the message is never received and therefore the milk never flows.

If you have silicone breast implants or you are considering them, you need to know that there are concerns about the silicone leaking into the milk supply. You need to discuss this with your doctor.

You can always supplement your baby with a formula mix to ensure he or she is getting enough nourishment while still enjoying the bonding experience from nursing.

There are always ways to find a solution.

Are You Ready For A Breast Lift?

2007-10-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

Are the "girls" a little droopy this day? Why not consider a breast lift? A breast lift can have the breasts perked up in no time. It will improve the overall look of your breasts in many different ways.

A breast lift will raise the breast tissue and reposition both the areola, which is the pigmentation around the nipple, and reposition the nipple. If your areola has stretched over the years, this can be reduced.

If you decide that you'd like to increase the size of your breasts, it's no problem. Your surgeon will position a breast implant for the most aesthetically pleasing result. A breast lift can improve the overall look of your breast, but it can't add volume, so you may want both procedures if your budget can take it. Both procedures can be done at the same time.

There are different breast lift techniques that can be used, and your surgeon will decide what is right for you.

The limited scar technique is commonly used. With this technique the incision will be made around the areola and another incision will run vertically from the bottom of the areola to the crease that is under your breast.

Finally, the last incision will be horizontal under the breast. Sometimes the horizontal incision isn't needed.

Your breast lift can give your body a refreshing, youthful appearance, and with today's advances, just about anyone can afford to have the procedure done.

Botox For Breast Augmentation

2007-10-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

If you would like to have bigger breasts but aren’t really comfortable with breast augmentation surgery, you might be surprised to discover that Botox might be just what you need.

For some time Botox has been used to treat involuntary muscle spasms in diseases such as cerebral palsy and it’s also used to remove fine lines and wrinkles from the face. Now plastic surgeons have started to use Botox for effects that resemble breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon will inject the Botox into your chest muscle right between your breasts and your shoulders.

Botox works by weakening the frontal chest muscles, thus enhancing the effect of the stronger back muscles. This gives sagging breast a lift. Patients report that it improves their posture, and makes it more difficult to slouch. Women who have had the treatment say it pulls you straight, giving a lift of more than 1.5 cms.

Okay, now that I’ve got your interest, there’s a few catches to a Botox breast augmentation. First, it works only on women with small breasts; second, the effects are short term lasting around 3 months.

Most plastic surgeons scorn the use of Botox for breast enhancements, but some adventurous doctors are experimenting with patients approval for a quality database for further study.

We agree that Botox for breast enhancement is an innovative idea,and it should be considered after much study and qualified analysis.

Choosing A Plastic Surgeon For Your Breast Augmentation

2007-08-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to have breast implants, there are things you need to do to help you choose a plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation.

Start by asking others that have had Boston breast augmentation. Maybe you have a friend or a family member that's had it done, talk to them about their experiences. Your family doctor may be able to also supply you with a reference.

Next, give your local hospital a call, and get a list of board certified plastic surgeons that have operating privileges. To have operating privileges means the hospital approves of the surgeon.

Once you have a list of plastic surgeons that you think might be up for the job, you need to get some questions answered.

1. Confirm with your state medical board that the surgeon is licensed. Also, inquire as to any past, present, or pending complaints against the surgeon.
2. Verify the training and the credentials. Board certified doesn't always mean the medical board.
3. Make sure the surgeon has hospital privileges.
4. Check for malpractice suits.
5. Read the details of the patient consent form very carefully. If you have questions, ask the plastic surgeon to clarify.

It's time to make a short list. Then it's time to make an appointment for a consultation. Your instincts are worth following, so if you feel uneasy or something doesn't sit right, he/she isn't the surgeon for you.

Then again if things click, and you feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon, choose him/her.

Choosing a plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation is the most important step of all. Once you've got that out of the way, you can relax a little.

Breast Lifts Can Perk You Up

2007-08-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

The effects of gravity over the years, weight loss, motherhood, and the loss of elasticity in the skin can affect how your breasts look. Pregnancy and nursing can get rid of those youthful perky breasts faster than anything else. Not to worry – a breast lift can perk you up in no time.

A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is a surgery done by a plastic surgeon that lifts and shapes your breasts. It can also reduce the size of the dark skin around the nipple. And if you want firmness or size, then have breast implants done at the same time.

The breast lift procedure varies slightly depending on your surgeon. One recommendation is that if you plan to have more children wait until you are finished having babies. The most common method will involve an incision that is anchor shaped and follows the breasts natural shape. The incision is where the skin will be removed and marks where the new location of your nipple will be.

You may choose to have breast implants done at the same time depending on what your goal is. Sometimes breast lifts are just what you need while other times they simply don’t provide enough "substance," and you’ll want to opt for Boston breast augmentation.

Remember this. It’s your body and only you know what’s right for your body. Breast lifts just might be the way to perk you up.

Need a Lift? Breast Lifts with Augmentation Can Restore Breasts

2007-04-16T02:57:00.000-07:00

“Over time, a woman’s skin can lose its original elasticity,” says Board certified Denver Colorado Plastic Surgeon Dr. John Squires. “This, combined with the effects of gravity or pregnancy, can have a drastically change the shape of a woman’s breasts as she ages.”

The combination of a breast lift and breast augmentation eliminates the problems sagging or drooping breasts cause. A breast lift and breast augmentation procedure allows women to feel better about their appearance because they no longer have to think about how their breasts no longer look as good as they once did.

A breast lift reshapes and repositions a woman’s breast tissue so that the breasts are more firm, and do not droop. Breast augmentation places a breast implant behind the breast tissue to restore or enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.

When combined, these procedures can transform a woman’s breasts so that she no longer has to suffer from the sagging or drooping that causes self-consciousness or embarrassment. A breast lift and Boston breast augmentation can correct sagging or drooping, as well as increase size and firmness of a woman’s breasts.

There are many benefits of having a breast lift or breast augmentation surgery, but many women find that the boost in self-confidence is the greatest benefit of all. While a breast lift and breast augmentation procedure can improve a woman’s body contour, it can also make a woman more confident with her appearance.

After the breast lift and breast augmentation procedure, a woman’s breasts appear more youthful and vibrant. With their restored or enhanced breasts, women can wear the clothes they want to, and feel more confident about the way they look.

The confidence a breast lift and breast augmentation surgery provides women is often used as a stepping stone to other parts of life. Once a woman feels confident about her appearance, she can do many of the activities that she may have avoided due to her sagging breasts.

Augmentation Breast Surgery

2007-03-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

In order to go in for a Boston breast augmentation surgery the most important thing to consider is that the patient should be in good health. If you are suffering from any kind of health problems or infections you have to inform your plastic surgeon well in advance. Unless you do that it may lead to complications in future.

There are also several cases when things can go wrong after the breast augmentation surgery. Many women have developed infection and leakage. There was this case reported where the patient's left breast got deflated and the doctor was not willing to replace that breast free of cost. He asked her to have another operation done and that too for a hefty amount. So always remember to go in for a good quality breast implant and an experienced plastic surgeon. After all you are putting your life at stake here.

There are reports of breast implant infections and leakages resulting in Cancer and other life threatening ailments as well. So take proper preventive measures and medication. Think and counsel properly before going in for a breast augmentation surgery.

Augmentation Breast Surgery

2007-03-07T15:41:00.000-08:00

Breast augmentation surgery has always been controversial but silicone breast implants have been especially controversial. In a world where organizations like "NOW" advocate abortion for women and people can choose to smoke and drink, it is puzzling that so much effort has gone into taking away the rights of women to choose silicone breast implants on claims that they will harm us and that we can't decide what's best for us.

Starting in the late 1980's and culminating with the early 90's ban on silicone implants, women have claimed to get all types of illnesses from silicone gel breast implants. Claims initially included a connection between silicone gel breast implants and autoimmune diseases, connective tissue diseases and even cancer. Class action suits were filed wherein thousands of women claimed that their symptoms of scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, hair loss, breast and other cancers, were caused by leaking silicone implants. As a result of the claims, and without any conclusive scientific evidence, the FDA imposed a ban on the sale of silicone gel breast implants in 1992, meaning that silicone implants would no longer be available for the general public. In the wake of the claims, companies paid millions of dollars in lawsuit settlements and some filed for bankruptcy, despite a lack of any studies to back up the claims.

The FDA allowed silicone gel implants to remain in use after 1992, but only if a patient met certain criteria and was also enrolled in a study. In April of 2005, after hearing testimony from women and reviewing the available studies and data, the FDA's scientific panel, voted 7-2 that FDA should approve Mentor's gel implants but voted 5-4 that FDA should not approve the Inamed gel implants. On July 28, 2005, Mentor received an "approvable" letter from FDA, indicating that Mentor's silicone gel implants could be approved if Mentor met certain conditions. Inamed (now Allergan) ultimately received a similar "approvable" letter.

On November 17, 2006, after a year and a half of follow ups and further negotiation with the manufacturers regarding what conditions would be imposed, the FDA approved certain silicone gel breast implants for Boston breast augmentation in women aged 22 and over. Not all silicone implants are included in the approval and you should ask your doctor which implants are available.

Today's silicone gel breast implants are made differently than they were in the 1970s and 1980s. Initially, silicone gel breast implants had thick shells and thick silicone gel fills. In the 1970's, manufacturers began to use thinner shells, which were more likely to rupture. Today, both Mentor and Inamed make silicone implants with multiple layers of silicone elastomer surrounding the implant. This reduces the amount of gel bleed but can make the implants feel and look firmer. They are, however, much softer than saline.

Unlike saline breast implants, silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled. Surgeons order them in the requested size and they cannot be changed. Plastic surgeons have to make longer incisions in most cases to place a silicone gel filled breast implant than a saline filled breast implant, all other things being equal. Silicone implants cannot be placed endoscopically through a navel incision.

Augmentation Breast Surgery

2007-02-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

In today's times we come across many women who have got envious busts by undergoing breast augmentation operations. So much so, that these women get very famous for their newly acquired assets and do not mind flaunting them. This leads to almost every woman think twice about breast augmentation. There are several doubts that are not answered properly by the newspaper articles and television programs that appear about the issue. This article attempts to answer the several questions that women may have regarding Boston breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation is the scientific term for breast implant surgery. This surgical method involves the insertion of implants into the breasts in order to increase their sizes. Hence, the name breast augmentation surgery. Along with an increase in the size of the breasts, there could also be noticeable enhancement of the firmness and the rotundity of the breasts. However, it is needless to say that the surgeon conducting the operation must be a very qualified and skilful surgeon. Any problem with the operation could cause permanent and irreversible problems with the shape of the breasts.

In order to implant the material within the breasts, the surgeon must make an incision on the breasts. The incision is generally made below the breasts from where it would not be apparent later on. Skillful surgery could make the incision almost imperceptible after the operation. Very carefully, the implants are then inserted by the surgeon in a pocket-like cavity between the pectoral muscles (muscles of the chest) and the overlying tissues of the breasts. Special forceps are used to lift the cavity and insert the implants in them. Once this is done, the incision is closed by sutures. Cosmetic surgeons may be involved in order to reduce the possibility of scars.

Since the initial stages of the development of breast augmentation, even the material that is used for the implants has undergone a radical change. In earlier times, silicone was the prime implanting material that was being used. In order to implant silicone, a gel of silicone was filled within a capsule of the same material. But the medical fraternity was very quick to find out a serious issue with silicone gel implants - and that is, silicone gel implants can cause cancers in women. The Food and Drug Administration of the US hence never certified silicone gel as a transplanting material. By the early nineties the use of silicone as the implanting material was banned in most countries.

This led to the quest of another suitable implanting material - one which would have the flexibility of silicone and yet not prove harmful to the body in any way. Doctors got their answer in the form of saline gel implants. These contain gels of saline materials filled within a silicone capsule. The use of silicone capsule is made because it is necessary to maintain the rigidity of the implants. However, the silicone capsule used in the saline gel implants is almost harmless to the human body. Also, the silicone capsule used can adhere better with the tissues and the muscles that make up the cavity inside the breasts, which makes the implants more firmly implanted into the breasts.

In this way it was a long time before the proper implanting material was discovered. In fact, the surgical method of inserting implants into the breasts was developed much prior to the discovery of a suitable implanting material.

Women who are contemplating to go in for breast augmentation are faced with a difficult choice - whether to go in for round implants or tear-shaped implants. Here we try to objectively discuss the merits and the demerits of the two common implants in vogue today.

The round implants are round in shape, as the name suggests. That means they are circularly symmetrical. These implants are easy to insert, because they can be placed in any which way within the incision. For this reason, these implants and cheaper and also the augmentation surgery with round implants does not cost much. However, there are some shortcomings of round implants. The female breasts are not naturally round in shape. They are a bit flatter on the top while they are more curvaceous on the bottom. Due to this, the round implants could give an unnatural look to the breasts. Round implants will tend to make the breasts look round from top to bottom. This will not work for women who are not buxom. The breasts could look vastly out of proportion.

The second type of implants commonly used today is the teardrop shaped implants. These implants are designed to complement the natural shapes of the breasts. They are tapering at the top while they are round at the bottom. Due to this the surgeon needs to put them in very carefully. Any fault of the surgeon in making the implants will cause the woman to have ungainly asymmetrical breasts. Though these breasts look very natural, they do not come cheap. They cost almost twice as much as round implants, and even the surgery costs are higher.

The breast augmentation surgery does not take more than a couple of hours. Even the woman can be back to work in a week. This is goading more and more women to go in for augmentation.

But every woman thinking about breast surgery would need to know for how much time the effects of the augmentation would last. This would seriously depend on the biological and hormonal setup of the woman. It would also depend on whether the woman plans to become a mother again. Becoming pregnant could trigger hormonal changes that could interfere with the sizes and shapes of the breasts. Age also could make the implants lose their content. But such issues could be fixed with corrective surgeries. A healthy woman would need to have three to four corrective surgeries in her lifetime. So, any woman planning to go in for augmentation must also bear in mind that she would need to go in for the corrective surgeries also.

Augmentation Breast Surgery

2006-12-26T05:12:00.000-08:00

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and many women may consider having them augmented. Breast size can play a big role in a woman's self image and there are various reasons for having it done.

Those with smaller breasts, not only have difficulty finding clothes to fit them, they may also feel self conscious about the way in which their clothes fit. The same is true of women who have one breast larger than the other. It is impossible to find a bra that will fit, since both cups are the same size. This problem is even more noticeable in bathing suits, increasing self consciousness and lowering self esteem.

Women, who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer, will often opt for this procedure. It's difficult enough to endure breast cancer treatment. Losing your breasts adds insult to injury and breast augmentation can go a long way to making a woman feel better about herself.

While this form of surgery can boost a woman's self esteem, it's also important to consider the potential drawbacks.

Some women who receive this surgery experience a loss of sensation, especially in the nipple area. Conversely, other women may experience an increased sensation that could be uncomfortable. The sensation in this area could return to normal a few months after surgery, but for some women it is permanent.

There is also scarring to consider. Women have this surgery to improve the look of their breasts, but sometimes the scars can become hard and raised which defeats the purpose of the surgery.

The type of implant that you get is another important consideration. Implants can rupture and if they are made of silicone, they can cause very serious health problems.

With any surgery, infection is always a possibility. This could cause the implants to have to be removed until the infection clears up. After a few months, you will have to go through the procedure all over again.

Another common risk factor with any surgery is adverse effects caused by anesthesia. It's important to inform your doctor of any other medical conditions that you have, especially those related to breathing, such as asthma. Even if you don't suffer from this type of health problem, you could still have an allergic reaction that could be life threatening

Recovery time and pain involvement are other things to ask your doctor about. Everyone is different and some women recover faster and/or can tolerate pain better than others.

These considerations may seem like a lot, but there are many others to think about. Make sure you do your research before deciding to have this form of procedure. This way, you have a better chance of getting the results that you want.

2006-12-25T23:17:00.000-08:00