Deciding to have breast augmentation is a big decision both financially and emotionally, and you'll feel much more confident if you ask your surgeon the right questions and know what to expect. So here's a list of questions to get you started ...
1. What are the risks and complications of the surgery? It's important to know what the risks are so you can make the right decision for you.
2. Over the lifetime of your breast implants, how many surgeries will you need to have? The original surgery is just the beginning - implants don't last a lifetime.
3. What is the right size, shape, and texturing for you? Each woman's body is different.
4. What do you recommend for the placement and incision site? There are options.
5. Will my ability to breastfeed be affected? This is especially important if you haven't had children yet.
6. How will my implants look over time? How will pregnancy affect them? You will want to know if they will stay looking as perky as they are now, what type of movement you can expect.
7. How will my implants look after breastfeeding?
8. Are there alternative procedures available to breast implants?
9. Do you take before and after pictures I can look at to see what I can expect?
10. What if cancer occurs or recurs in my breast?
11. Will breast reconstruction interfere with cancer treatments?
12. What are my breast reconstruction options?
13. How much pain is there after the implant procedure?
14. How long is the hospital stay?
15. When can I resume normal activities?
If you get the answers to these questions from your surgeon, you will be more relaxed and comfortable about the procedure you are about to undertake. Why not print the list and take it with you?
Friday, October 12, 2007
How To Choose Your Breast Implant Size
Choosing your breast implant size is an aesthetic matter, and it's an extremely personal decision. However, that said, you should ask your surgeon for his/her advice. There are many things to consider when choosing your breast implant size.
Breast implants allow you to choose the breast size that you feel will enhance your overall body image and even boost your self-confidence. Many women don't want to admit that their breast size does affect their self-confidence. It's not the breast size itself but your overall image that boosts your self-confidence.
Most of us have an image of what the ideal breast size is. And for some of us that have spent our lives cursing that we can't even generate a little cleavage, the idea of breast implants is very appealing. Many women that have had breast implants find themselves back in the surgeon's office looking for another increase.
Besides the surgery costs, each surgery has increased risks. Your surgeon is a skilled professional who can help you choose the ideal size the first time.
There are different implant shapes. The anatomic implant, which was introduced to better replicate a natural contour to the breast, is especially popular with breast reconstruction.
The round and teardrop are used mainly with breast augmentation. Most of the surgeons prefer the smooth round breast implants when doing augmentations. Your surgeon will evaluate your situation and make the right recommendation for you, which means you don't need to worry about it.
Much of the choice in implants is surgeon-preference. You can trust that your surgeon will recommend the implant with which she or he can get the best aesthetic result. It just may be helpful to be aware these options exist.
When you meet with your surgeon for your consultation be sure you are clear about what it is you are looking for, and if you aren't sure, tell your surgeon just that.
Don't define your breast size based on bra size because there can be quite a variation. Plastic surgeons have implants that you can try to determine which size is right for you.
Lastly, be realistic and do not assume that bigger is better. Implants that are too large can not only make you look disproportioned, they can also be uncomfortable to pack around, putting pressure on your back and muscles. Consider everything before making your decision, that way you'll be happy with your choice.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Average Bust Size - Do You Need Breast Implants?
You might be surprised to discover that these days there’s an awful lot of talk about what is the best breast size. In fact, it has become the subject of many debates. There is no question that the average bust size is on the increase. So does that mean you need breast implants?
The average bust size has been on the rise over the last decade. Young teens have breast sizes that are two and three times that of what girls the same age were just a decade ago. This carries through into adulthood. As the average bust size grows, many women begin to feel self-conscious over their small size, so they begin to seriously consider breast implants as an option.
Young girls running around with natural large breasts are actually making women quite self-conscious, who often decide to head off to see their plastic surgeon with the idea of increasing their breast size.
Here’s an interesting survey done by MSNBC – 71% of men are happy with the size of their partner’s breasts while 3% wished they were smaller, and 36% would like their partner to have larger breasts. Now, even though 71% of the men surveyed were happy, 70% of the women weren’t and wanted larger breasts.
Here’s another interesting stat – 30% of women are unhappy with their droopy breasts, while only 18% of men are bothered by it. It seems this is a women’s issue and is not at all driven by what their “man” wants.
And although there are still men that prefer small-breasted women, it seems the consensus among North American men is that they certainly have no objections to a partner with bigger breasts. Perhaps another incentive for women to consider breast augmentation.
As women, we are bombarded by large breasts both in fashion and on the screen with celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, and Kate Hudson packing “big girls.”
Whatever the reason women are deciding they want breast implants and a larger bosom, one thing is certain - it isn’t because of the men in their lives pressuring them. It seems women have made that decision for their own benefit.
The average bust size has been on the rise over the last decade. Young teens have breast sizes that are two and three times that of what girls the same age were just a decade ago. This carries through into adulthood. As the average bust size grows, many women begin to feel self-conscious over their small size, so they begin to seriously consider breast implants as an option.
Young girls running around with natural large breasts are actually making women quite self-conscious, who often decide to head off to see their plastic surgeon with the idea of increasing their breast size.
Here’s an interesting survey done by MSNBC – 71% of men are happy with the size of their partner’s breasts while 3% wished they were smaller, and 36% would like their partner to have larger breasts. Now, even though 71% of the men surveyed were happy, 70% of the women weren’t and wanted larger breasts.
Here’s another interesting stat – 30% of women are unhappy with their droopy breasts, while only 18% of men are bothered by it. It seems this is a women’s issue and is not at all driven by what their “man” wants.
And although there are still men that prefer small-breasted women, it seems the consensus among North American men is that they certainly have no objections to a partner with bigger breasts. Perhaps another incentive for women to consider breast augmentation.
As women, we are bombarded by large breasts both in fashion and on the screen with celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Dolly Parton, Marilyn Monroe, and Kate Hudson packing “big girls.”
Whatever the reason women are deciding they want breast implants and a larger bosom, one thing is certain - it isn’t because of the men in their lives pressuring them. It seems women have made that decision for their own benefit.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
How To Find A Breast Augmentation Surgeon
One of the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedures is breast augmentation. When you are deciding whether breast implants are right for you, it is critical that you are getting reliable information relating to your Boston breast augmentation, so it’s important to know how to find the best surgeon.
Up until recently there has been no real data collected regarding the breast augmentation procedure, but the ASAPS, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, has not put together information on more than 5000 women, which will assist the FDA in determining if women are getting the proper care and which surgeons are providing the proper care to their patients and which are perhaps not getting the proper care.
It is important that you do your research and ensure that you are dealing with a surgeon that is board certified and has an impeccable record. After all your breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, which demands your attention. You would be devastated with a breast augmentation that was a flop, worse yet your life could be at risk from infection.
There are plenty of plastic surgeons practicing out there. The majority are top-notch surgeons, but there’s always a few that should be avoided. By contacting the certification board you can find out surgeons that are certified and where they are located as well as any complaints on a surgeons record.
It’s important that you choose a breast augmentation surgeon that is qualified and that you find easy to communicate with.
Up until recently there has been no real data collected regarding the breast augmentation procedure, but the ASAPS, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, has not put together information on more than 5000 women, which will assist the FDA in determining if women are getting the proper care and which surgeons are providing the proper care to their patients and which are perhaps not getting the proper care.
It is important that you do your research and ensure that you are dealing with a surgeon that is board certified and has an impeccable record. After all your breast augmentation is a surgical procedure, which demands your attention. You would be devastated with a breast augmentation that was a flop, worse yet your life could be at risk from infection.
There are plenty of plastic surgeons practicing out there. The majority are top-notch surgeons, but there’s always a few that should be avoided. By contacting the certification board you can find out surgeons that are certified and where they are located as well as any complaints on a surgeons record.
It’s important that you choose a breast augmentation surgeon that is qualified and that you find easy to communicate with.
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Benefits Of Breast Augmentation
Modern breast augmentation has been around since the early 1960's and it has not been without its fair share of controversy. Interestingly enough, the nay sayers are often individuals that would not be having breast surgery done.
For the women who has undergone a mastectomy, has had her breast shape distorted from child bearing, or who simply want's a self esteem boost by having the bosom she's always dreamed of - breast augmentation becomes a bit of a life line. So why so much controversy? There are other procedures that are done that have a higher risk and don't undergo the scrutiny of breast implants.
There are many benefits to having breast augmentation including looking great and feeling great about your body. Research has shown a real psychological boost and you'll miss no more than a couple of weeks at work, often retuning in as little as a week. There is no scientific evidence to substantiate an increased risk of autoimmune disease or breast cancer, and they don't have to impede your ability to breast feed.
Life isn't without risks, but if we worried about every little risk we'd go nowhere and do nothing. As a woman you work hard to make sure your family is taken care and that you do your part to put food on the table. So don't you deserve a little pampering too? If your breast size or shape bothers you, why not have a Boston breast augmentation done? Wouldn't it be great to have that figure back that you had when you were young and crazy? Or if you've always had small breasts, perhaps you're ready for a little fuller figure so that shopping for a wardrobe isn't so difficult.
So with all the benefits of breast augmentation, why wait any longer?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Breast Implant Post Operation deformity can now be prevented
Recent studies carried out in Australia show that titanium coated breast implants can be used in order to prevent post cosmetic surgery deformities in women. What really happens is that when women go in for the regular silicone gel breast implants their implants are bound to react with the breast tissue. This will make the growth very stiff and painful. Such a procedure is known as capsular contracture. Studies have revealed that a microscopic coating of titanium will help to curb such a type of reaction and help to reduce all those post operation malformation that women face.
So all those women who are contemplating breast implants will now be offered those that are titanium coated. Because the main problem post operation is that the breast tissue reacts to the silicone implants making the enlargement become very hard and painful o bear. A coating of titanium is often used to join false hip joints can prove beneficial to prevent this from happening. About 3000 women all across Australia have been recruited to test this kind of implants. Initially they carried out these tests on more than 80 patients and the results are looking very positive.
The doctors feel that the body will not react so severely if the breast implants are coated wit titanium. About 7% of the patients had suffered from the problem of capsular contracture post operation and that is why this new innovation was found. The now newly available option of breast implants coated with titanium is creating new venues for women who are about to have a breast surgery for the first time in their lives. It is also for all those women who have already previously had breast implant surgeries but are looking out for breast implant replacement or revision. Patients who are not considered suitable for saline implants can also undergo breast implants coated with titanium.
So all those women who are contemplating breast implants will now be offered those that are titanium coated. Because the main problem post operation is that the breast tissue reacts to the silicone implants making the enlargement become very hard and painful o bear. A coating of titanium is often used to join false hip joints can prove beneficial to prevent this from happening. About 3000 women all across Australia have been recruited to test this kind of implants. Initially they carried out these tests on more than 80 patients and the results are looking very positive.
The doctors feel that the body will not react so severely if the breast implants are coated wit titanium. About 7% of the patients had suffered from the problem of capsular contracture post operation and that is why this new innovation was found. The now newly available option of breast implants coated with titanium is creating new venues for women who are about to have a breast surgery for the first time in their lives. It is also for all those women who have already previously had breast implant surgeries but are looking out for breast implant replacement or revision. Patients who are not considered suitable for saline implants can also undergo breast implants coated with titanium.
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Surgery - breast implant surgery
Deciding About Breast Implants for Reconstruction
When thinking about surgery for breast cancer you will have many important decisions to make. One decision is whether to have surgery for breast reconstruction at all. As expected, women have different opinions and views about reconstruction.
A few reasons why some women decide FOR reconstruction with breast implants:
* to restore body image following mastectomy surgery for breast cancer
* to replace an external breast form (prosthesis)
* to avoid being constantly reminded of their breast cancer diagnosis
* to avoid embarrassment in public dressing areas
* to help create a look that makes them feel more comfortable with or without clothes
A few reasons why some women decide AGAINST reconstruction with breast implants:
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* they understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices, that they may have to undergo multiple surgeries and they want to avoid more surgery
* they feel the risks of surgery and anesthesia are greater than the benefits
* they are concerned about potential known and unknown risks from breast implants for themselves and their children should they become pregnant
* they feel they are able to adjust to a new body image without reconstruction with breast implants
* they prefer to wear an external breast form (prosthesis)
If you decide on breast reconstruction, there are currently two surgical techniques:
* The "flap" technique. This surgery rebuilds the contour of the breast by taking tissue from other areas of the body. The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous) flap technique may be used to reconstruct one or both breasts at the same time. The flap technique involves moving skin, muscle and fat to the breast area from the abdomen, back, or buttock to rebuild the breast. There will be a scar in the area where the flap was lifted. The flap technique is considered a major operation and, for medical reasons, is not suitable for everyone. This, like all operations, should be discussed carefully with your doctor. In some cases, breast implants may be used in addition to the flap procedure.
It is important to note that the TRAM flap operation can be done only once. The TRAM flap can be used to reconstruct one or both breasts, but only in one operation. If the TRAM flap is used to reconstruct one breast, and a mastectomy is later required on the other breast, reconstruction of the second breast must be done through other means (i.e., insertion of a breast implant).
* Insertion of breast implants. The surgeon inserts the implant into a pocket created under the skin. The pocket may be located either behind (submuscular) or in front (submammary) of the chest muscle.
Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each implant technique. If you decide to have reconstruction for one breast, you may need to think about surgery on the other breast to achieve a similar appearance.
Special Concerns for Women with Breast Cancer
Here are some of the known risks or problems with breast implant surgery for women with breast cancer:
* The physical and cosmetic results with breast implants may be affected by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other factor which significantly alters the healing process.
* Skin necrosis (dying skin) may occur because circulation to the remaining tissue has been changed by a mastectomy or other trauma to the breast area. Also, skin necrosis may be increased as a result of radiation treatment.
* It usually takes more than one operation to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome, especially if this procedure includes rebuilding the nipple.
Timing for Reconstruction with Breast Implants
Reconstruction can be done either at the time of breast cancer surgery or at a later date. If breast surgery and implant surgery are done at the same time, the surgeon usually uses the same incision to insert the implant. Another option is to insert a temporary tissue expander. In this case, in a second operation after the skin has stretched sufficiently, the surgeon will remove the expander and replace it with an implant. Another option is to insert the implants at some time after the mastectomy. With delayed insertion, the surgeon may still be able to use the mastectomy or lumpectomy scar to insert the implant. The surgeon should discuss with you which approach is the most desirable for you, and the associated risks.
Recreation of the Nipple and Areola following Reconstructive Surgery
After your breast has healed from the original implant surgery, you may want your nipple and areola (darker skin around the nipple) rebuilt. This procedure can usually be performed on an out-patient basis. Ask your surgeon to explain the various ways this can be done.
Your Expectations -- Reconstruction or Augmentation
Your consideration of breast implants, for reconstruction or for augmentation should be based on realistic expectations of the outcome. To help you get an idea of what results may be possible, look at before and after pictures of patients who have had this surgery. Your doctor may have some to show you. You may also want to talk with other women who have had this surgery at least a year before with the same surgeon. Keep in mind, however, that there is no guarantee that your results will match those of other women.
More Links on Breast Implants:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/
http://www.breastimplants411.com/
http://www.breastimplants.com/
When thinking about surgery for breast cancer you will have many important decisions to make. One decision is whether to have surgery for breast reconstruction at all. As expected, women have different opinions and views about reconstruction.
A few reasons why some women decide FOR reconstruction with breast implants:
* to restore body image following mastectomy surgery for breast cancer
* to replace an external breast form (prosthesis)
* to avoid being constantly reminded of their breast cancer diagnosis
* to avoid embarrassment in public dressing areas
* to help create a look that makes them feel more comfortable with or without clothes
A few reasons why some women decide AGAINST reconstruction with breast implants:
Advertisement
* they understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices, that they may have to undergo multiple surgeries and they want to avoid more surgery
* they feel the risks of surgery and anesthesia are greater than the benefits
* they are concerned about potential known and unknown risks from breast implants for themselves and their children should they become pregnant
* they feel they are able to adjust to a new body image without reconstruction with breast implants
* they prefer to wear an external breast form (prosthesis)
If you decide on breast reconstruction, there are currently two surgical techniques:
* The "flap" technique. This surgery rebuilds the contour of the breast by taking tissue from other areas of the body. The TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous) flap technique may be used to reconstruct one or both breasts at the same time. The flap technique involves moving skin, muscle and fat to the breast area from the abdomen, back, or buttock to rebuild the breast. There will be a scar in the area where the flap was lifted. The flap technique is considered a major operation and, for medical reasons, is not suitable for everyone. This, like all operations, should be discussed carefully with your doctor. In some cases, breast implants may be used in addition to the flap procedure.
It is important to note that the TRAM flap operation can be done only once. The TRAM flap can be used to reconstruct one or both breasts, but only in one operation. If the TRAM flap is used to reconstruct one breast, and a mastectomy is later required on the other breast, reconstruction of the second breast must be done through other means (i.e., insertion of a breast implant).
* Insertion of breast implants. The surgeon inserts the implant into a pocket created under the skin. The pocket may be located either behind (submuscular) or in front (submammary) of the chest muscle.
Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of each implant technique. If you decide to have reconstruction for one breast, you may need to think about surgery on the other breast to achieve a similar appearance.
Special Concerns for Women with Breast Cancer
Here are some of the known risks or problems with breast implant surgery for women with breast cancer:
* The physical and cosmetic results with breast implants may be affected by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other factor which significantly alters the healing process.
* Skin necrosis (dying skin) may occur because circulation to the remaining tissue has been changed by a mastectomy or other trauma to the breast area. Also, skin necrosis may be increased as a result of radiation treatment.
* It usually takes more than one operation to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome, especially if this procedure includes rebuilding the nipple.
Timing for Reconstruction with Breast Implants
Reconstruction can be done either at the time of breast cancer surgery or at a later date. If breast surgery and implant surgery are done at the same time, the surgeon usually uses the same incision to insert the implant. Another option is to insert a temporary tissue expander. In this case, in a second operation after the skin has stretched sufficiently, the surgeon will remove the expander and replace it with an implant. Another option is to insert the implants at some time after the mastectomy. With delayed insertion, the surgeon may still be able to use the mastectomy or lumpectomy scar to insert the implant. The surgeon should discuss with you which approach is the most desirable for you, and the associated risks.
Recreation of the Nipple and Areola following Reconstructive Surgery
After your breast has healed from the original implant surgery, you may want your nipple and areola (darker skin around the nipple) rebuilt. This procedure can usually be performed on an out-patient basis. Ask your surgeon to explain the various ways this can be done.
Your Expectations -- Reconstruction or Augmentation
Your consideration of breast implants, for reconstruction or for augmentation should be based on realistic expectations of the outcome. To help you get an idea of what results may be possible, look at before and after pictures of patients who have had this surgery. Your doctor may have some to show you. You may also want to talk with other women who have had this surgery at least a year before with the same surgeon. Keep in mind, however, that there is no guarantee that your results will match those of other women.
More Links on Breast Implants:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/
http://www.breastimplants411.com/
http://www.breastimplants.com/
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