Plastic Surgery Articles

Common Breast Augmentation Myths Debunked

October 30, 2006 -

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular procedures performed in the United States. Since the introduction of improved, less invasive surgical tools and techniques in the 1960s, breast enhancement has not only become a trend, it has also become wildly accepted in society. However, with this cosmetic surgery breakthrough, there are a number of misconceptions about the procedure. Here we debunk some common breast augmentation myths.

Myth: Breast implants cause cancer

While researchers continue to study the impact that breast implants may have on health, they have yet to find any direct evidence that links implants to breast cancer. However, undergoing a breast augmentation procedure is not an excuse to skip out on monthly self-breast exams or annual mammograms if you’re over 40.

Myth: I can’t nurse my baby if I have implants

If you are considering breast augmentation and are concerned you may not be able to breastfeed, the most important thing you can do is find a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can ensure no nerves around the areola are damaged or cut during the procedure. While, incisions around the areola are the most risky, those made through the armpit or under the fold of the breast should not prevent you from nursing. Furthermore, there is no evidence that suggests silicone or saline implants leaks into breast milk, endangering your baby’s health.

Myth: Breast augmentation results in a lot of scarring

Today, board certified plastic surgeons only utilize the most advanced medical techniques when performing breast augmentation procedures, thus minimizing scarring. While some small scarring is inevitable, most incisions are small and unnoticeable-particularly if they are made around the areola, under the breast, or through the armpit.

Myth: Recovery time for breast augmentation is long and painful

Again, with the latest medical techniques, plastic surgeons have been able to make the recovery process for breast augmentation surgeries much easier than before. However, patients are advised to avoid exercise or lifting heavy object for several weeks after the procedure. Furthermore, the stitches dissolve on their own and a patient can shower the day after surgery.

Please click here to learn more about your cosmetic surgery options or to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Study Finds Breast Augmentation Surgery Boosts Mood

October 25, 2006 -

While undergoing cosmetic surgery doesn’t magically enhance a person’s life, it could improve their psychological well-being, as suggested by new research presented at the 2006 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference.

One study, which evaluated the results of women who underwent breast augmentation to correct uneven breasts, found that the patients experienced significantly improved self-esteem and quality of life six months after the procedure.

“The breast asymmetry often appears during the breast development in teenage years,” says the study author Dr. Elvio Bueno Garci’a, MD, Ph.D., who claims that by comparing themselves to other proportioned women, teenagers and young women develop low self esteem, depression, and suffer interruptions in their social lives.

In his study, Garci’a evaluated 35 women with significantly asymmetrical breasts who underwent breast augmentation, breast lift, reduction, or a combination of the procedures to create more balance.

Through patient interviews before and after surgeries, Garci’a discovered that the women experienced quality of life improvements on many different levels including social and physical function, general health status, degree of pain, and more.

Many doctors agree with Garci’a’s and other plastic surgeons research on this subject and have seen changes in their patients first hand.

Balancing asymmetrical breasts can make life a lot easier for teenagers and young women who suffer unevenness, says Walter Erhardt, M.D., plastic surgeon and chairman of the ASPS public education committee. “These young ladies, as they are developing, are reluctant to talk about it or mention it and think there is something wrong with them. It becomes a really emotional issue.

Another plastic surgeon, who conducted a similar study that looked at antidepressant use in patients who’ve had cosmetic surgery, found that such procedures did provide patients a huge self esteem boost. “The effect of cosmetic surgery could be strong enough to help people get off antidepressant medications,” says study author Bruce Freedman, MD.

Considering cosmetic surgery? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Silicone Breast Implants Gain Approval in Canada

October 23, 2006 -

Health Canada has just approved the return of silicone gel breast implants, giving two companies permission to make and market the products in Canada. This is one of the first steps of the reintroduction of silicone implants around the globe, including the United States market.

Until this recent approval, the only available implants licensed to be sold in Canada were saline-filled. With the government’s decision to lift the restrictions on silicone implants, women now have more options when undergoing breast augmentation or reconstructive surgery.

The decision comes after a comprehensive review of nearly 65,000 pages of data provided by silicone implant makers, as well as evidence from 2,500 independent studies, an expert advisory panel, and publics reports.

“By virtue of the fact that we are issuing a license, we’re saying they do meet safety effectiveness and quality standards in the medical device regulations,” said Health Canada’s Dr. Supriya Sharma.

Previous Concerns Over Silicone Implants

In the early 90s, manufacturers of silicon implants were ordered to pull their product off the market after class action lawsuits claimed the rupture or leakage of the devices could lead to serious heart conditions and auto-immune diseases.

However, over the last decade researchers have continued to intensely analyze and study silicone implants in an effort to reach safety effectiveness.

“There have been a number of changes that have happened since the early 90s in terms of manufacturing,” said Dr. Sharma. “The gel that’s actually inside the breast implants is much thicker, more cohesive; the layers outside the breast implant are thicker. So we believe that it’s actually a safer product than it was back in the 1990s.”

Restrictions

Health Canada has okayed the use of silicone implants, but has outlined a number of conditions and restrictions for the sale and marketing of the devices. “What the conditions allow us to do is they allow us to be very specific about how we want these products to be followed once they are licensed,” said Dr. Sharma. “Should any new information come to light, we would obviously analyze that information and then take appropriate action.”

Some restrictions include:

Continue to conduct studies and report results on a minimum of two patient groups to monitor the safety and effectiveness of product labeling.

Provide frequent updates on long-term clinical trial results for up to 10 years.

Within one year, carry out a long-term study involving a large sample size of women.

Gather and evaluate the options of Canadian plastic surgeons.

Considering breast augmentation surgery? Please click here to set up a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Three Step Process for the Perfect Implants

October 18, 2006 -

Many women who choose to enlarge or enhance their breasts with implants are often surprised to learn how common revision surgery is among implant patients. Nearly one out of four of the 291,000 women who underwent breast augmentation in 2005 will have a revision surgery within five years, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

A re-operation is sometimes necessitated by implant complications such as ruptures, capsular contraction, or leakage. But in many cases, revision surgeries are often performed because the patient is not satisfied with the size or shape of her implants.

Plastic surgeons who have a high success rate of breast augmentation procedures with a low rate of revision surgery often utilize a three-step process that ensures each and every patient achieves the optimal aesthetic result.

Step One - Details, Details, Details

During the initial breast augmentation consultation, a comprehensive series of the patient’s breast and chest measurements are taken. These measurements will help define the best type and size of implant for the patient’s build. Any implant that would produce less-than-perfect results would be terminated as an option.

Step Two - Just Say No to Models

Many patients cut out pictures of magazine models and ask their plastic surgeon to mimic the photographed breasts. However, these pictures are unrealistic and many patients who idealize the models may feel unsatisfied with their own results. A competent plastic surgeon should have patients thoroughly review before and after photographs of real women who have undergone breast augmentation to select the type and size of breast implants they feel would closely match the results they desire.

Step Three - Test Run

During the breast augmentation procedure, a plastic surgeon may opt to test out the size and shape of the chosen implant to confirm it will perfectly fit the patient’s physique and help her achieve her cosmetic goals. Once the exact size, shape, and type has been determined, the test implant will be replaced with a permanent one.

The Bottom Line

Every breast augmentation patient should keep in mind that they will most likely need to undergo some type of revision surgery at some point in the future as a result of pregnancy, age, or other factors that may change the appearance of the implants. This occurs regardless of the surgeon or the type of implant used in the surgery.

Considering breast augmentation? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Study Finds Breast Reconstruction For Obese Patients Not As Safe

October 16, 2006 -

Significantly obese women may face an increased risk of complications during breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, according to the results of a new retrospective study, indicating that patients should consider delaying surgery until they achieve a lower body weight through diet and exercise.

The study findings, presented at a conference held by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, also suggested that obese patients may experience a lower rate of satisfaction after their breast reconstruction surgery than those at a healthy weight.

“We investigated whether plastic surgeons can safely perform breast reconstruction for these patients or if we would be depriving them reconstruction simply because of empiric concerns for their weight,” said ASPS member surgeon and study author Dr. Elisabeth Beahm, MD.

Researchers found that women with a mass body index (BMI) over 35 experienced a heightened risk of complications and side effects for all types of breast reconstruction procedures-from flaps to implants. The rate of complication was near 100 percent for morbidly obese patients who had a BMI greater than 40.

The most commonly observed complications for significantly overweight patients involved infection and fluid collections at the flap donor site and reconstructive site. Furthermore, if the flap was taken from the abdomen, obese patients experienced weakness and/or deformity in the area more frequently than normal weight patients.

“Just because someone is overweight doesn’t mean they should not be entitled to undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomy,” said Dr. Beahm. “Feeling whole’ can be an integral part of recovery from cancer.”

Dr. Beahm adds that while it’s hard to tell patients they need to delay breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, safety is the primary concern. “Each case must be individualized. Morbidly obese patients need to work with their plastic surgeons and carefully assess risk factors,” she adds.

Considering breast augmentation? Please click here to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Are Sugar Implants the New Trend

October 11, 2006 -

As silicone-filled breast implants are preparing to reenter the U.S. cosmetic surgery market, researchers continue to explore other implant fillers to find the safest, most natural looking and feeling breasts. A new type of implant called Hydrogel-made up of a cohesive gel that contains natural sugars and distilled water-could be the new answer.

How Hydrogel is Different

Hydorgel manufacturer, Heritage, claims their breast implants are viscous and look and feel more natural than saline. Furthermore, because the filling is made from natural sugar and water, there is no health risk in the event of a leakage or ruptured implant.

Bottom Line

Plastic surgeons say sugar implants are relatively similar to the next generation of cohesive silicone gel implants often referred to as “gummy bear” implants because of their soft, natural texture. However, keep in mind that neither silicone implants nor sugar implants have gained Food and Drug Administration yet.

Considering Breast Augmentation?

Please contact us today to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Beauty for Breast Cancer Patients

October 6, 2006 -

It is estimated that one in every seven women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. During breast cancer awareness month, we not only recognize the immense efforts being made to find a cure, but we also realize that the needs of breast cancer patients extend beyond just medical treatment. Every effort-from medical to reconstruction surgery to beauty treatments-deserve recognition. Below are a few that have caught our attention.

Natural Filler

Fat injections may be the new filler for women who would like to undergo breast reconstruction surgery after a lumpectomy. A New York plastic surgeon has revealed that fat injection may be a safe and effective alternative to correct lumpectomy defects and enhance the size and shape of breasts. What proves more promising, adds Dr. Sydney Coleman, MD, “The stem cells within fat can also rejuvenate skin weakened by radiation so that the breast tissue can support an implant if desired.” However, fat injections after a lumpectomy is still a fairly new process and is in the investigational phases.

Prosthetics Made Pretty

Every woman likes to wear pretty bras. Unfortunately, most lacy, racy lingerie is limiting to women who wear prosthetics after mastectomy-until now. Nordstrom is now able to outfit any bra with a special pocket to fit a prosthesis, making their undergarment collection available to all woman. Furthermore, the department store provides private fitting rooms, specially-trained prosthetic coordinators, a varied selection of post-mastectomy camisoles and bras, in addition to Amoena breast forms. Also, for those who would like to enhance their breast shape and symmetry, Nordstrom carries a large selection of equalizers and enhancers.

Beauty Treatments

Just because you have cancer, doesn’t mean you can’t look beautiful. New image renewal centers located around the country offer numerous beauty treatments to make every woman look and feel their best. Full salon services, massages, cancer-sensitive manicures and pedicures, and cancer-safe spa products are just a few of the things you can find. Holistic treatments like meditation and music therapy are also available.

Considering breast reconstruction surgery? Please click here to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Breast Augmentation: Not Just For Women

October 2, 2006 -

Breast augmentation procedures are not just cosmetic surgeries nor are they only reserved for women. Breast implants, breast reduction, breast lifts, and breast reconstruction are various augmentation procedures that can help both women and men correct aesthetic issues resulting from insecurities, cancer, or gynecomastia.

Breast Reduction for Men

While breast augmentation is not significantly popular among men, some who have gynecomastia-a condition in which they develop excess breast tissue-opt to undergo a breast reduction to reduce the amount of tissue.

Gynecomastia results from hormone level fluctuations that can occur in infancy, adolescence, and even in old age and may lead to a loss of self-confidence and emotional distress. A breast reduction can correct gynecomastia and produce immense psychological benefits for men.

Breast Augmentation for Women

The most common breast augmentation procedures for women include implants to make small breasts larger, a reduction to make large breasts smaller, or a breast lift to correct a droopy chest, which most often affects older women who have had children.

While these breast afflictions do not pose any health dangers, women may experience unhappiness and self-consciousness, which can be corrected with breast augmentation. Furthermore, women with excessively large breasts may suffer from back, neck, and shoulder pains, which could be diminished with a breast reduction procedure.

“For a lot of women, their breasts are very important to their sense of femininity, how they see themselves as women,” said Dr. Jose Rios, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “I have personally seen changes in women after the procedure. They’re just more confident.”

Considering breast augmentation? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.