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You And Your Cosmetic Surgeon Will Talk About All The Various Options For Your Procedure

Today breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures plastic surgeons perform in their office surgery suites. Typically they perform 2 or 3 augmentations every week, which not only keeps their skills sharp, but gives them the opportunity to truly develop their own style and preference. This procedure generally yields very predictable results, which helps ensure patient satisfaction.

To increase the size of a woman’s breasts, plastic surgeons place breast “implants” into the chest tissues. Therefore they first need an incision in which to work through and a pocket in which to place the breast implant. The saline filled implants today are generally inflatable like a balloon, so they can use small incisions to place a large implant and “inflate” it after it is in the position that you desire. However, the pocket must be created so that the inflated implant will fit.

One decision plastic surgeon’s and you have to make in each case is where the incision site is placed. A fine line scar is produced and the choices are as follows. Through the areola (although, some feel that this damages the ducts for breast feeding); in the crease under the armpit (most breast tissue can be avoided with this incision site); very close to the nipple; through the naval (a newer technique); under the breast itself (one of the older techniques).

When you come in for your consultation you and your surgeon can discuss further aspects of each approach. The photos that you will be shown show some of your plastic surgeon’s real-life patients, and you may want to peruse these to see how discreet they can make your scars.

Another decision that also needs to be made is whether to place the implant above the muscle or under the muscle. The “muscle” being talked about is the pectoralis major muscle under the breast and on the chest wall. (The other term used is sub-muscular for under the muscle and sub-glandular for over the muscle.)

Here again each position has its advantage and disadvantage. Many plastic surgeons believe for example that the above the muscle position sags more quickly, yet is not as painful the night after surgery. These details will have to be discussed at length during your consultation. There are many other details about above the muscle and below the muscle techniques that your plastic surgeon can explain during your consultation.

Finally, you and your cosmetic surgeon must work together to determine an appropriate size — how much to enlarge your breast. This can get tricky and many plastic surgeons have developed a sizing technique in their office in which they have found 96% complete satisfaction rate for size considerations. There may be limitations on size depending on your individual anatomy.

Tags: breast augmentation, breast implants, hawaii, honolulu, Plastic surgery
Posted in Beauty · February 10th, 2010 · Comments (0)

Breast Implants Are Available In Many Various Profiles And Shapes

Anatomic or “teardrop” shaped breast implants were created with a more natural shape in mind and designed to be fuller at the lower half similar to a natural breast. However, this distinct vertical orientation can result in distortion or breast asymmetry if the implant should rotate. A textured surface allowing tissue in-growth helps reduce the chance of rotation however may result in more visible or palpable rippling. For these reasons, anatomic implants are not commonly used.

Most cosmetic surgeons routinely use the most common, round implant. Since the breast implant is round, it is free to rotate without any adverse consequences. With gravity alone the saline or cohesive silicone gel will gravitate or fill the bottom portion of the implant when sitting or standing erect or fill the breast more uniformly when lying down supine, more closely imitating a natural breast.

Three distinct profiles also exist ranging from moderate profile to moderate plus/mid range to high profile. The moderate profile implant has a wider diameter with the least forward projection whereas the high profile implant has a narrower base diameter and the most forward projection. The moderate plus/mid range profile has, for most, the best in diameter and projection. Your plastic surgeon, in his or her comprehensive physical examination will help you choose the most appropriate size, shape and profile implant best suited for you.

The surface texture of the breast implant may also vary from smooth to one of a variety of textured or rough surfaces. Textured implants were originally designed to reduce capsular contracture (firmness and hardening of the tissue which heals around the implant). The textured surface allows tissue in-growth which fixes or adheres the implant to the surrounding tissues in a steady position. Since the tissues adhere to the implant, it is more likely to feel the ripples or waves which are natural in any implant. The smooth implant however does not adhere to any tissues and is free to move inside the implant “pocket.” With a proper size implant and the proper creation of the breast implant “pocket,” there is less chance of feeling and seeing the implants and a more natural feel and movement of the breast. Each type of surface seems to have certain possible advantages and disadvantages. Unless otherwise indicated, many plastic surgeons will use smooth round implants.

The breast implant may be placed above the chest muscle (pectoralis muscle) or under the chest muscle. Plastic surgeons generally place the implant under the chest muscle. Reasons for sub-muscular placement include a lower rate of capsular contracture (firmness and hardening of the healing tissues around the implant) and a more natural result due to more soft tissue coverage over the implant. Placement of the implant beneath the muscle may produce some movement and/or distortion of the breast and implant with active movement or exercise of the chest muscle, arms and shoulders.

Tags: breast augmentation, breast implants, breast surgery, miami, Plastic surgery
Posted in Beauty · February 7th, 2010 · Comments (0)