Breast Augmentation

Important Things to Consider before Breast Augmentation

Last month, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released their annual cosmetic plastic surgery statistics, and it came as no surprise that breast augmentations (commonly known as “boob jobs”) remain the most frequently performed form of cosmetic plastic surgery in the United States.  Because the popularity of breast augmentation surgery is so widespread, people sometimes mistakenly believe that the procedure is simple and straightforward.  This is not the case.  In fact, one of the reasons why breast augmentation is so popular is because it is so versatile.  Every woman has her own individual goals and requirements, and the procedure can be modified in a variety of ways to customize it to the specific needs of the patient.  Enhancing the appearance of the breasts requires a bit of pre-planning, and there are several important choices that you will need to make before your breast augmentation procedure.

Important Things to Consider before Breast Augmentation

Choosing Your Breast Implants

Every breast augmentation patient understands that they will have to choose the size of their breast implants, and many look forward to “trying on” different sizes to see which gives them the look they want.  Deciding on the appropriate implant size often depends on the patient’s body frame, original breast size, shoulder width, as well as their height and weight, but the choices don’t end there.  Breast implants can also be filled with either a fluid silicone or sterile saline solution, and while the former is more popular, some women prefer saline implants because they can be inserted into the breast pocket while they are empty and then filled after they are inside, requiring smaller incisions and potentially leaving smaller scars.  Additionally, tear-drop shaped breast implants and cohesive “gummy bear” implants have both become very popular alternatives to traditional round breast implants.  Women can even choose between implants with a smooth or textured outer surface.  Each of these choices will affect how the breasts will ultimately look and feel and can, in some cases, even affect recovery time or the chance for complications. During a consultation, one of our Atlanta plastic surgeons will go over the pros and cons of each implant type so that you can together determine which is right for you.

Deciding on a Surgical Approach

Not only are there many different kinds of breast implants, but there are also many different ways to perform the breast augmentation procedure itself.  Surgical incisions, for example, are typically made in the fold underneath the breast, where they are easily concealed, but can also be made in the armpit, in the navel, or even around the areola, depending on the anatomy and the skin laxity of the patient.  A patient will also need to decide whether to have her breast implants placed above or below the pectoral (chest) muscles, and there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to both positions.  Like the choice of implant, these decisions will ultimately affect the look and feel of the breasts, the appearance of any scars, and the likelihood of breast surgery complications.  So it is extremely important that you carefully discuss these choices during your plastic surgery consultation with your surgeon so you can select the options that best suit your individual anatomy and medical history.

If you have further questions about breast augmentation, or about any of the other facial rejuvenation, breast, or body contouring procedures that we perform, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. to schedule a consultation.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to get all the latest plastic surgery news.

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Options for a Natural-Looking Breast Augmentation

In the fifty years since Atlanta Plastic Surgery was founded, our experienced staff and board-certified plastic surgeons have seen attitudes towards plastic surgery change a great deal.  However, in all that time, one procedure has remained consistently popular: breast augmentation, or as it is commonly known, the “boob job.”  Nevertheless, even in this area, aesthetic tastes have evolved.  Although it was not necessarily always the case, today’s health-conscious women tend to be more interested in subtle, natural-looking results that leave doubt in the mind of observers as to whether or not they have undergone plastic surgery at all.  Extremely natural looking breast augmentation results can be achieved using a combination of advanced technology and the latest plastic surgery techniques.

Options for a Natural-Looking Breast Augmentation

For many years, breast augmentation procedures were accomplished exclusively through the use of round (or, more accurately, spherical) breast implants.  While these could effectively increase both size and lift, they could also sometimes create an overly rounded fullness to the upper portion of the breast.  While many women find this look desirable, some feel that it looks unnatural and makes the implants far too obvious.  Today, advancements in breast implant technology make it possible to achieve a more subtle and more natural look with shaped breast implants.  By using a thicker, more cohesive silicone gel, these implants can be shaped like a teardrop, so that they can more accurately mimic the natural contours of the female breast.  Shaped implants also have a slightly textured surface, which not only anchors them more firmly within the breast cavity but also allows healing tissue to accept and integrate the breast implant more naturally, significantly reducing the risk of capsular contracture, a rare but potentially serious breast surgery complication.

Additionally, breast augmentation results can be further refined and made to look more natural through fat transfer techniques.  Used in a wide variety of plastic surgery procedures ranging from minor facial rejuvenation to the Brazilian Butt Lift, fat transfer works by removing a small amount of fat from the thighs or torso via liposuction and then reinjecting that fat into areas of the body that are in need of additional volume or projection.  During a traditional breast augmentation or breast reconstruction procedure, injecting fat between the breast bone and the implant edges will effectively “soften” the transition zone.  A survey published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® determined that breast augmentation procedures using this fat transfer technique reduce the intermammary distance and consistently provide more attractive and natural-looking results.

Although breast augmentation procedures are extremely popular, and performed on hundreds of thousands of women every year, it is always important to remember that every woman is unique.  Techniques that may be extremely effective for some might not necessarily be suitable for every patient.  In order to determine what specific plastic surgery procedures can best achieve your individual goals, contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Cumming offices to schedule a consultation.  One of our board-certified plastic surgeons will go over your specific case and evaluate what approach would be right for you.  Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to get all the latest plastic surgery news.

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3 Important Facts about Mommy Makeovers

The science of plastic surgery is constantly evolving.  Today, advancements in technology and surgical techniques have made it possible to achieve exceptional, natural-looking plastic surgery results that were all but impossible even a few short decades ago.  Some of the most interesting advancements involve the use of combination plastic surgery procedures, which address multiple issues during a single surgical session to reduce overall recovery time.  Of these combination procedures, the most popular by far is the Mommy Makeover, a customized combination of plastic surgery procedures designed to help restore the appearance of a woman’s body after pregnancy, childbirth, and breast feeding.  Here are a few key facts that you should keep in mind if you are considering a mommy makeover procedure.

3 Important Facts about Mommy MakeoversMommy Makeovers are Completely Customizable!

Every woman is unique, and pregnancy affects each one differently.  This means that a combination of procedures that might be appropriate for one woman may not necessarily be suitable for another.  A mommy makeover typically incorporates a tummy tuck to remove stretched and sagging skin from the torso and some form of breast lift or breast reduction to restore the position and appearance of breasts adversely affected by breast feeding or weight gain.  However, additional procedures like liposuction, spider vein treatment, arm lifts, or even thigh lifts, can also be included, as necessary, to address individual areas of concern.  When you meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss the specific list of procedures that will be best for you.

Mommy Makeovers Have Reduced Downtimes!

Any surgical procedure, particularly one that requires general anesthesia, will take a toll on the body and require a period of recovery.  For example, a tummy tuck or breast lift procedure can each require 7-10 days before you can comfortably return to even light work, much less get back to more intense physical labor.  When you have more than one area of concern that needs to be addressed, those recovery times can really add up.  Although combining more than one cosmetic procedure into a single surgical session does not mean that you heal any faster, it does mean that you will spend less time under anesthesia and that you will only have to go through the healing process once, rather than two or three separate times.

Mommy Makeovers Are Not Just for Mommies!

A “mommy makeover” is really just a convenient term used to describe a combination of procedures that address significant changes in multiple areas of the body. It is entirely possible that a woman, or even a man, may experience similar changes as a result of significant weight fluctuations or even the natural effects of age. Combination procedures like post-weight loss surgery can be specifically tailored to address individual areas of concern, potentially aiding patients of any age or gender to achieve the look they have always wanted.

For fifty years, Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. has been recognized throughout the medical community as the Southeast’s premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery center and each of our board-certified plastic surgeons has extensive experience performing even the most complex plastic surgery procedures.  If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for a consultation please contact one of our four Atlanta Plastic Surgery locations.  Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for all the latest plastic surgery news.

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How Should I Prepare for Breast Reconstruction

There are many different medical issues that can be addressed with plastic surgery, from relatively minor skin tightening and facial rejuvenation to extremely complex facial reconstruction and body contouring procedures. While all of these procedures can potentially make profound differences in patients’ lives, one that many plastic surgeons cite as having the greatest emotional impact is breast reconstruction. For nearly fifty years, Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. has been recognized throughout the medical community as one of the premier centers for breast reconstruction surgery in the Southeast, and we fully understand that dealing with breast cancer can be emotionally devastating. We also know that our patients have much more positive outcomes when they take the time to understand what to expect. In the first of this two-part series, we will go over the things that a breast cancer patient should do in order to prepare for breast reconstruction surgery.

Learn About Your Procedure

preparing-for-breast-reconstructionThere are actually many different ways to perform breast reconstruction. Some methods involve the use of artificial breast implants, not unlike those used in routine breast augmentation surgery, while others rely on natural tissue flaps. The particular technique that your surgeon uses will depend on your individual cancer diagnosis, method of treatment, and personal aesthetic preferences. Ignorance breeds anxiety, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about what your surgeon plans to do and why. Having a detailed and candid discussion with your plastic surgeon will help you to understand exactly what is going to be done and to anticipate what you might need during recovery.

Understand Your Surgery Costs

Health insurance policies will usually cover most or all of the cost of breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, but this is not always the case. Individual plans will vary and rules regarding coverage can sometimes change unexpectedly. Make sure to speak with a representative about the details of your policy to make sure you are covered, and find out what portion of the bill you’ll be expected to pay. Also, see if there are any limits on what types of reconstruction are covered. Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. also can provide additional patient financing for breast reconstruction through Care Credit® and Alphaeon™ Credit, and offers alternative bill pay options to assist you.

Prepare Yourself Physically

Any form of surgery is going to take a toll on the body, but there are certain things that you can do, ahead of time, to help encourage your natural healing factors and make your recovery go smoothly. Patients who are overweight, underweight, or who have preexisting health conditions (like high blood pressure) may be at higher risk for post-surgical complications. Before breast reconstruction surgery, make an effort to get as close to your ideal weight as possible by eating nutritiously and exercising regularly. Refrain from smoking, as it can compromise lung function and blood flow and potentially slow the healing process. Also try to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any other products that can adversely affect blood clotting, like Motrin, Vitamin E, and many herbal supplements, as these can also impede your recovery. Your surgeon will provide you with a complete list of substances that you should avoid along with your post-operative instructions. Don’t hesitate to call if you are unsure or have any additional questions.

Stay tuned in the coming months, when we will talk about the things that you should do after your breast reconstruction procedure in order to help ensure optimal results. If you would like to learn more about the options available at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C. so that we can schedule an appointment, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest plastic surgery news.

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The following pictures and videos contain nudity and actual surgery results. It is suggested that only those over the age of 18 view this page, or obtain parental consent before viewing.

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