Breast Reconstruction– Comparing Autologous Tissue and Implant Restoration

June 15, 2009 at 6:06 pm · Filed under Breast Implants, Silicone Implants ·Tagged , , ,

When undergoing breast reconstruction, women have two basic options. One involves the use of  breast implants and the other, called autologous tissue reconstruction,  restores the breast using tissue from the patient’s own body. As with any surgical procedure, each has it’s own set of advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Implant Breast Reconstruction

Implant breast reconstruction is the method which has been around the longest.  It is the less complex of the two options and can be performed by more plastic and reconstructive surgeons than the autologous options.  The reconstruction can be performed using either saline or silicone implants, though silicone tends to offer a more natural look and feel and will match the natural breast better in women who are having only one breast restored.

When compared with autologous tissue breast restoration, implant restoration offers the advantage of a shorter hospital stay and a shorter, easier recovery. On the other hand, unlike techniques using the patient’s own tissue, breast implants are not natural to the human body, an issue many women aren’t comfortable with. Breast implants also require maintainence. Though many believe breast implants are permanent, they tend to need replaced every 10 years or so.  And though silicone breast implants look and feel more natural than saline, they can’t compare with the  natural look and feel of   a woman’s own body tissue.

Autologous Tissue Reconstruction

Autologous tissue breast restoration offers several advantages women like. For instance, rather than using an implant, it uses tissue from the woman’s own body to create a breast that looks, feels and moves like a natural breast.  And many women like the idea of using tissue from their own bodies rather than implants which are alien to the body.  Autologous tissue breast reconstruction also offers the advantage of permanence.  Breast implants, though long lasting, do tend to need replacement every ten years or so.

On the other hand, autologous tissue reconstruction is much more complex than procedures using breast implants.  Much fewer surgeons are trained to perform them well. And autologous tissue procedures do require longer hospital stays and a more difficult recovery than implant reconstruction.  In some instances, weakness in the donor site, such as the abdomen, is experienced– a trade-off which needs to be thoroughly explored and considered before undergoing the procedure.  Scarring in the donor site is also an issue to consider with autologous procedures.

There are numerous autologous tissue breast reconstruction techniques currently being used by skilled breast reconstructive surgeons. They include the DIEP flap, SIEA flap, TRAM flap and other procedures.  Your breast reconstructive surgeon can discuss these options in detail with you.

With both  implant and autologous tissue reconstruction, nipple reconstruction is the final step, allowing the breast to look and feel more complete.

According to Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu, breast reconstruction using either an implant or autologous tissue,  is not only a chance to restore the breast after mastectomy, but a chance for enhancement as well. He encourages patients to take this opportunity to create  a look they’ll love in both breasts, possibly incorporating elements of a breast lift or breast augmentation. Houston patients seek Dr. Basu’s help for immediate reconstruction during the mastectomy process, or later, after a period of healing.  For more information about breast reconstruction, using your bodies own tissue or breast implants, Houston reconstructive surgeon Dr. Basu offers great information  on his website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to schedule a personal consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

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Teen Breast Augmentation– Reasons You May Want to Wait

June 14, 2009 at 11:03 pm · Filed under Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Culture ·Tagged ,

Though teens make up a very small percentage of all breast augmentation patients, teen breast augmentation is far from unheard of.  The media reports teenage girls receiving breast enhancement as birthday and high school graduation gifts, and sometimes undergoing “mother-daughter” procedures with their moms.

Though teens mature physically and emotionally at different rates, making some teens okay candidates for augmentation, there are numerous considerations to think about when pursuing the procedure.

Physical Development

Breast development for some women continues into their early 20s.  Breast augmentation preformed before breast development is complete may be unnecessary and result in breasts larger than desired. It is due to continuing breast development in teens that only saline implants are FDA approved in women younger than 22.  Silicone implants pose safety concerns in those with developing breast tissue.

Emotional Maturity

Any teen undergoing the procedure must understand the permanence of breast augmentation.  She must realize it is real surgery  and understand the risks and responsibilities  involved.  With plastic surgery and breast augmentation as such a hot topics in the media, it’s easy for teens to see breast augmentation as a cool fashion trend or the “it” thing to do at the moment.

A teen’s self-esteem is also a factor when considering the procedure.  According to a study conducted by Dove, 70% of girls age 8-17 suffer from low self-esteem, believing they are “not good enough” in some way. Though it’s tempting to try to fix these issues  through cosmetic surgery, many of these feelings go away on their own as teens grow into adulthood.  And though plastic surgery can boost  self-esteem to an extent in some instances, it cannot fix major self-esteem issues.  People with truly low self-esteem tend to make poor plastic surgery candidates and are often disappointed with their results.

Lifetime Commitment

Though a teen’s parents may be the one’s paying for the initial breast augmentation, breast implants tend to need replacement every 10 years or so. A teen considering the procedure must understand the physical and financial commitment she is making.  The need for the first implant replacement may coincide with some of life’s toughest financial times, such as when women are finishing college, are early into their careers, or are starting families of their own.

Despite all of these concerns, some teens seeking breast augmentation may be both physically and emotionally mature enough to undergo the procedure.  But many plastic surgeons advise patients to wait until they are at least 18.

Breast augmentation at any age should not be done on a whim. Researching the risks, potential complications, and financial responsibilities, along with the potential benefits is essential.

For women of any age considering breast augmentation, Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Moss offers great information to explore on his website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

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Cellulite Causes and Treatments

May 20, 2009 at 2:22 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged ,

A recent article in Scientific American addresses one of lifes most frustrating cosmetic issues– cellulite. The article discusses the causes and various remedies available including dietary changes, creams, lasers, injections and surgery.

Cellulite affects 90 percent of all women in industrialized societies, appearing on the thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen and upper arms. These stubborn, cottage cheese bumps are caused by plumped-up fat cells  protruding through the decreased collagen in these problem areas. As women approach menopause, a decrease in estrogen affects vessel receptors, weakening circulaton and causeing a decrease in collagen.

Though cellulite currently affects a large percentage of women, especially in industrial societies, osteopathic physician Lionel Bissoon points out that it seems to be a fairly new problem. According to Dr. Bissoon, cellulite begins to appear in scientific literature in the late 1970s. Dr. Bissoon also notes how it appears to be a problem only in industrial societies where lifestyles are less active. Though cellulite causes range from estrogen levels, collagen structure, physical activity, and diet, one suprising culprit seems to be underwear style.

Change your underwear: Cellulite tends to develop along the panty lines where circulation is poor. In societies where women’s undergarments are looser, cellulite is not an issue.  Though there are a variety of cellulite treatments available, one of the easiest and least expensive steps to take is to switch from constrictive underwear to less constrictive thongs.

Other Treatment Options:

  • Healthy diet and exercise go a long way in preventing cellulite. In nations where women live more active lifestyles, burning off their caloric intake throughout the day, cellulite is not an issue.  Nations where people eat organic rather than processed foods also show much lower cellulite occurrences. Of course, cellulite can occur in those who follow healthy diet and exercise regimens.
  • Cellulite machines, such as endermologie, which either vacuum or roll the skin are designed to heat and break down the fat cells, smoothing the appearance of the skin. These treatments are most effective on milder cases and must be repeated monthly for several years.
  • Laser treatments combine with rolling or massage treatments. The lasers “melt” the fat while the massage pushes it from the skin surface for a smoother look.
  • Surgery called subcision separates the skin from the connective tissue which causes the dimpling.
  • Injections of fat or silicone are sometimes used to fill in the dimpling for a smoother look. According to the article, however, these treatments are unreliable.
  • Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite.  In fact, some women report their cellulite worsened by the treatment.

Currently, according to the Scientific American, diet, exercise and loose undergarments are the most effective treatments for cellulite. Lasers and massage can also offer temporary relief as well, though multiple treatments are needed to maintain the results.

For those seeking cosmetic treatments, such as laser resurfacing, laser hair removal, tummy tuck or liposuction, Murrieta professionals at Renuance cosmetic surgery center offer great information on their website.

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Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon Discusses Industry Trends at 2009 ASAPS Conference

May 5, 2009 at 8:11 pm · Filed under Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgery ·Tagged ,

The 2009 annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or ASAPS is well under way in Las Vegas. ASAPS is the leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in plastic surgery, and the meeting is an opportunity to discuss developments in the industry and best practices among peers. Here we see Northern Virginia plastic surgeon, Dr. Price, discussing industry trends and plastic surgery marketing with Stan Zaussmer, Aimee Ellingsen and Will Scott at the ASAPS Conference.

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Cosmetic Surgery Up Among Hispanics

April 29, 2009 at 10:20 pm · Filed under Botox, Culture, Plastic Surgery ·Tagged

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic procedures among Hispanics have risen over the past year. In fact, they have risen in all ethnic groups other than Caucasians.  In 2008, cosmetic procedures among Hispanics increased 18%, the largest increase of any group.  Ethnic cosmetic surgery as a whole increased 11%. This increase is attributed to a decreasing cosmetic surgery stigma among various ethnic groups, as well as an increase of effective treatments available to ethnic patients, allowing them to enhance their look while preserving their distinctive features.

Advancements in laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels now allow for safe, effective treatment on all skin tones. In the past, scarring and pigment discoloration made these treatments inadvisable for many. And more and more plastic surgeons are adapting their techniques to accommodate a larger variety of  aesthetic taste.

According to The Washington Times, the most popular surgical procedure currently sought by Hispanics is liposuction, with breast augmentation and rhinoplasty close behind. Popular non-surgical treatments among all ethnic groups include Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels.

For those considering cosmetic procedures such as Botox, liposuction or abdominoplasty, Murrieta plastic surgeon Dr Eichenberg offers great information on his website. Or, consult the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to find a board certified surgeon in your area.

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Are Bigger Breasts Right for Me: How to Find Out Without a Consultation

April 21, 2009 at 5:34 pm · Filed under Breast Implants, Implant size

When it comes to ‘boob jobs’ many believe that bigger is better, which is one of the controversial subjects women love to debate. But why should you consider getting bigger boobs, especially when it could be an unpractical thing to do? You ought to think seriously about all the different ways they could affect your life.

Usually women prefer to go for breast implant sizes that increase their breast size to at least a C cup. Many even opt for  D cups or larger. While breast implants come in much larger sizes such as 700cc, 850cc, 1000cc, implants greater than 550cc result in breast sizes larger than a D cup.

Why do we have this craze for bigger breasts? Attention, publicity, controversy? But is it really worth it? Your motivation for bigger boobies would certainly be different from a model or an actress who obviously needs it for her career. Maybe you fantasized about having huge, voluptuous breasts and Pamela Anderson was always your role model. But what is perfect for them may not be desirable for you.

Is the bigger size right for you? How would you decide that? The Natrelle® Pre-Consultation Kit is now available to help you go in for your consultation with a better idea of how you want to look, and your ideal implant size.

This breast implant sizing system comes complete with implants, a sizing bra and educational DVDs about breast augmentation that will help you to decide what you want. You can try them at home and see for yourself how comfortable or uncomfortable a bigger size is? You can carry on your daily activities after wearing the kit implants and sizing bra and decide whether they are practical enough for you.

Created by plastic surgeon, Elizabeth Kinsley, M.D., and Allergan, the manufacturer of quality medical products, the Natrelle kit is a complete, elegant package for every woman starting the process of achieving a new profile with breast augmentation.

So if you’re curious and excited about breast augmentation, you might want to give this kit a try. It’s available at  www.natrelle.com/kit.

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Teen Plastic Surgery On the Rise

March 17, 2009 at 1:56 am · Filed under Uncategorized ·Tagged

According to the New York Times, teen plastic surgery has tripled in the US since 1997. As cosmetic surgerical procedures performed on those 18 and younger increases in number, the type of procedures sought are changing as well, with breast augmentation increasing six-fold, and liposuction rising from 2,504 in 1997 to 9,295 in 2007.  The article features New Jersey teen, Kristin, who underwent breast augmentation in a quest to look “normal”. “I didn’t feel like a woman,” the teenager said.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Dove Self-Esteem fund, 7 out of 10 girls believed they didn’t “measure up” when it came to their physical appearance. Unlike adults who tend to seek plastic surgery to stand out, teens often seek it to fit in, the article points out, and often, the image they are measuring themselves against is not realistic.

Jean Kilbourne, co-author of  the book So Sexy, So Soon says, “Our children are barraged with images of ideal women and men that aren’t even real, but computer composites.”

Though there is a lot of concern out there about the unrealistic reasons behind teens seeking cosmetic procedures, some patients interviewed said they are glad they underwent their procedure, saying they greatly improved their lives. Michael Laudisio said of the ear pinning procedure he underwent when he was 10, “I had really big ears like no one else and was teased about it all the time,” he said. “That surgery made me free.”

The article warns of the fine line between corrective and cosmetic surgery, with many members of the same family often disagreeing on where that line lies.

“I’ve had mothers dragging their daughters in to have something done, and of course, if the teen is not on board, I’ll suggest another appropriate course of action,” said New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Richard D’Amico, adding, “You don’t get self-esteem from a scalpel.”

In an article on Modernmedicine.com, Anisha Abraham, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics, Georgetown University Hospital suggests waiting until at least 21 before undergoing surgeries such as breast augmentation or liposuction.

The United States is not the only country with concerns over teen breast augmentation. Recently,  Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi called to ban breast augmentation surgery in patients younger than 18.  And in 2007, Venezuelan President President Hugo Chavez publically complained of  trend of giving Venezuelan teenage girls breast augmentation as gifts.

In the United States saline implants are FDA approved only for use in girls 18 and older, but there are no laws or regulations against implanting in them those younger as an “off-label” use. In 2004, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons took the stance against breast augmentation in teens under the age of 18.

For more information about plastic surgery procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, Phoenix plastic surgeon Dr. Heidi Regenass offers advice and information on her website.

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Can Cosmetic Surgery Help in these Tough Economic Times?

March 10, 2009 at 9:38 pm · Filed under Plastic Surgery ·Tagged

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a surprising number of women see cosmetic surgery as a tool for surviving these tough economic times. The survey questioned 756 women between the ages of 18 and 64 on how they feel cosmetic procedures could effect their standing in the workforce.  Here are some of the results they found:

  • 80% said they feel undergoing cosmetic procedures could boost one’s confidence.
  • 73% say physical appearance and a youthful look play a role in one’s ability to get a job, new clients or a promotion.
  • 13% said they would consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure for a more competitive edge in the job market.
  • 3% said they have undergone cosmetic procedures for the sake of their careers.

Non-surgical options, such as Botox injections and derma fillers, allow busy working women a cosmetic boost without the need for downtime. More extensive rejuvenation, such as liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast surgery, on the other hand, requires some recovery time. Seattle breast augmentation patients, for instance, who seek enhancement at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, should expect 4-7 days of downtime after their surgery, though recovery times vary from patient to patient.

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To Get the Most Out of Your Plastic Surgery, Make Sure to Eat Right

January 24, 2009 at 1:00 am · Filed under Breast Augmentation, Plastic Surgery, body contouring, post bariatric surgery ·Tagged

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, one of the best things you can do to make your plastic surgery go smoothly is to eat right. 

 

It’s a fact that many of us who seek body contouring don’t eat right.  While it’s true that proper exercise and diet is essential to success with plastic surgery, skipping meals and going hungry is not the way to go.  Not eating right can cause complications during surgery, and hamper the healing process.

 

In a Novemer 2008 press release, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommended eating right before and after your plastic surgery.  When the body heals, it needs all the nutrients, protein and minerals it can get.  There is an alarmingly high rate of patients who have had trouble with their surgery due to malnutrition.

 

The ASPS also recommends taking a moderate does of nutritional supplements to make up for the vitamins and nutrients your diet misses.  Supplements shouldn’t be taken in place of a healthy diet, and you shouldn’t binge on them, thinking the more the better.  Rather, supplements are designed to fill in the gaps a natural diet doesn’t cover.

 

This is especially important for plastic surgery after massive weight loss, but when having any plastic surgery done, you should make sure you are eating right.

 

For more information about preparing for plastic surgery, Valencia, California plastic surgeon Dr. Lussier will offer you sound advice.

 

 

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Breast Augmentation Sizing Choices

December 9, 2008 at 4:41 pm · Filed under Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breasts ·Tagged ,

Choosing the right breast implants isn’t like test-driving a new car or trying on an outfit in a department store. There’s no real way of telling how implants will look on you after surgery, and one of the main reasons for breast enhancement dissatisfaction is miscalculation of implant size choice. Though there is no sure-safe method for choosing implants, there are methods that will help, implant sizers, computer imaging and careful consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Several implant sizing kits are available on the market, such as Purlz or Envision. Your plastic surgeon more than likely offers sizing kits for you to try. These “temporary implants” give you the chance to see how various size options will look on your frame and beneath your style of dress. Much improved over the old “rice test” which uses  rice inside a stocking for size experimentation, implant sizers can be worn descretely beneath your clothing in public for a more complete “test drive.”

Computer imaging is also a valuable sizing tool, not only for breast augmentation, but other procedures as well. During a sizing consultation, a digital photograph is taken of your torso and uploaded onto a computer allowing you to try various size options and roughly see the body proportion they offer.  Both sizers and computer imaging are valuable comunication tools, allowing you to visually communicate your expectations to your surgeon and your surgeon to visually show you when those expectations are unrealistic. Often we believe we want implants too large for our frame until we see the poor proportion results for ourselves through sizing tools.

New Jersey breast augmentation patients at the Parker Center for Plastic surgery use a combination of sizers, computer imaging and consultation to choose implant size.  Liz, the imaging specialist for Parker Center takes digital photographs of patients wearing implant sizers then uploads them on a password secure website for patients to view at home. This combination technique offers the best of both worlds and drastically cuts down on implant size miscalculations.

It’s been estimated that approximately 30% of breast augmentation revision surgeries are a result of implant size miscalculation. To assure you get it right the first time, experiment with various visualization techiniques. For more information about sizing or financing for breast enlargement New Jersey, contact the Parker Center.

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