Plastic Surgery Articles

Plastic Surgeons Wish Patients Informed Themselves More

December 29 , 2006 -

Although the surgeons staff explains everything and provides patients with numerous brochures and pamphlets, it is important that every woman does a few hours of research on her own before she walks in to request a surgery.

We want the patient to be happy, healthy, and well. We like educated patients because an educated patient is the key to a happy patient, says Dr. Marek Dobke, the University of California San Diego Medical Center head of plastic surgery.

Its important that the patient understand our limitations and why certain things, despite our best efforts, may not go well, and what is the likelihood of revision. If I feel a patient doesnt understand or want to understand these things, I chose not to have that person as a patient, he added.

Here are a few bits of information the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Food and Drug Administration say you should know before you go in for your breast augmentation:

Not every surgeon is as good as every other surgeon Do research on your surgeon. Make sure the surgeon is board-certified, and that the certification is in plastic surgery. Find out how many times the surgeon has performed the procedure.

There are risks associated with breast augmentation Implants can rupture. Silicone implant manufacturers report a rupture rate of about one to two percent in the first three years, and 12-15 percent after 15 years, which is a rate similar to that of saline implants.

Implants can affect breast and nipple sensitivity Sensitivity can be increased or decreased.

Implants can affect your ability to breast-feed Women who have implants put in through the nipple are less likely to be able to breast feed afterward.

You may need more than one operation The FDA says that about 20 to 25 percent of women who have their breasts augmented have additional surgeries to correct hardening, shifting, sagging, or ruptures.

Mammograms will be made more difficult with breast implants Be sure to have your x-rays performed by a facility with technicians experienced with implants.

Implants keep getting better They are becoming more realistic and more durable.

For more information about breast augmentation, or to set up an appointment with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon near you, please contact us today for a free consultation.

Interested in breast augmentation surgery? Please contact us to find a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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