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Cosmetic Surgery in Men
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Thank you for your interest in cosmetic surgery. The following is some information on breast augmentation surgery that we hope you will find helpful.
Perhaps
no plastic surgical procedure has caused as much media attention as the
breast augmentation. It is
one of the most popular cosmetic procedures today.
It is the third most common operation performed in our Center,
after liposuction and laser resurfacing.
It is also one of the most satisfying for both the patient and
surgeon, in its almost magical ability to transform human form.
Am
I a good candidate for a breast augmentation?
Candidates for breast
augmentation include women with small breasts who desire enlargement and
women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy. Fortunately, we live
in a time when it is possible to safely enlarge breasts, so that women
may achieve the proportions and shape they desire.
Where
is the incision made?
There are several ways
of placing the implant. An
incision may be made in the crease under the breast, along the edge of
the areola, or in the armpit. Each approach has its advantages and
disadvantages. The most common approach we use is the “inframammary
incision.” The
inframammary incision is placed in an inconspicuous location in the fold
underneath the breast, allowing the patient to wear a bikini or evening
wear with concealment of the scar.
How
large should I get my breasts?
The question of how
large to make the breasts is on every patient’s mind at the time of
consultation. Sometimes
patients bring in pictures from magazines to demonstrate what they have
in mind. Sometimes patients have
a certain volume in mind. A
girlfriend may have had “350 cc” implants and she looks great.
The size is a highly personal decision. We feel that our place is
to help patients make this decision, based upon our own experience and
judgment. There is no formula which will provide the correct size of
implant. It depends on many
variables - the size and shape of the chest, the amount of breast tissue
present, and the elasticity of the skin.
Does
a breast augmentation help with sagging?
Sagging of the breasts
may be improved by the breast augmentation.
The implants tend to fill out the pocket, helping to lift the
nipples as the slack is taken up. The
larger the implant size, the more lift is achieved.
However, this will not overcome more severe sagging and the
nipples may sit low on the breasts. However, women with troublesome
sagging who wish to correct this may benefit from a breast lift, which
may be performed at the same time as the augmentation.
What
kind of implants do you use?
There are two kinds of
breast implants available, silicone gel and saline filled.
As a result of the controversy (mostly unfounded) associated with
silicone gel-filled implants, almost all surgeons are using
saline-filled implants. These
implants consist of an envelope made of silicone rubber, a self-sealing
valve, and are filled with saline - which is simply salt water.
There is no evidence of health risk associated with these
implants.
Where
do you place the implant?
The breast implants may
either be placed behind the breast tissue or behind the chest wall
muscle. They are most
commonly placed behind the chest wall muscle as in this position they
tend to interfere less with mammograms, and are associated with less
risk of hard capsule formation. As
well, because the implant is covered by more tissue, the implant is more difficult to feel. In either case the implant does not interfere with breast
function and patients may still
breast feed.
Patients having a
breast augmentation need to be aware that the implants do wear over time
and may eventually need to be removed and replaced.
What
about after the surgery?
Immediately after
surgery, the local anesthetic is working, so that there is usually
minimal discomfort on awakening. The
breasts may feel numb or tight from stretching the tissues to accommodate
the implant. A bra which does up in front is already on.
Usually patients wake up quickly after surgery, and are able to
go home after about an hour.
After surgery, the
breasts tend to be swollen and bruised.
There is great variation among individuals in the amount of
swelling. The swelling gradually goes down over a period of about one
month. The nerves to the
skin and nipples are stretched by the surgery resulting in sensory
changes. Gradually, over
the course of about two months, these go away as the nerves recover.
In patients who had loose skin before the procedure, the early
appearance is often very natural. In
patients who did not have loose skin preoperatively, the breasts may feel
very tight after surgery. Gradually
the skin stretches to accommodate the implants.
As the skin stretches the implants gradually settle, a process
that may take several months .
Patients can walk right
away after surgery and perform light tasks.
However, arm movements are
going to be sore. Lifting
is restricted to 10 pounds for the first week.
Women with small children will not be able to lift them during
this time. Heavy housework, or lifting groceries is to be avoided.
Most patients who work at office jobs are able to return to work
in one week. However, those
whose jobs are more physical (waitresses, nurses) may require two weeks.
Patients whose work is very physical (assembly line worker,
firefighter) will need three weeks to recover.
Patients may start cardiovascular workouts at two weeks - walking
at a fast pace on a treadmill, for example.
Between two and four weeks, activity may be increased.
Aerobics may be started at three weeks.
Unrestricted exercise is permitted at four weeks.
It is important to remember that the breasts and chest wall
muscles will often be sore for several months. Patient satisfaction is
generally very high.
This introduction is intended to provide you with information about breast augmentation. Additional information, tailored to your particular needs, is provided at the time of consultation. The staff of the Swanson Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery is available to answer any other questions you may have or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson. We would be happy to assist you in finalizing your plans.
Contact us for more information on Breast Augmentation
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At the Swanson Center, Plastic Surgeon, Dr Eric Swanson MD provides an array of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery including breast augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, microdermabrasion, BOTOX, abdominoplasty, etc. Serving Kansas city and the surrounding area.
