Women who experience pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and natural aging often find that their breasts begin to lose firmness and elasticity. In order to regain a more youthful breast contour, breast lift surgery or breast augmentation surgery may be performed.

The best way to determine which procedure is most appropriate is by visiting a qualified plastic surgeon. He or she can evaluate your breasts, body shape, and discuss your ideal outcome in order to recommend a suitable surgical plan. Some patients may benefit from undergoing one of the procedures, while others may be better candidates for a combination of both.

Newer techniques in breast lift surgery can help patients achieve an elevated appearance using their own breast tissue. This method, called the NaturaBra breast lift, would eliminate the need for breast implants, as well as reduce the risk of rejection. When performing this technique, the surgeon uses the breast tissue to create an internal bra, which will help support the breasts in their new position. However, this procedure may not be suitable for all patients and should therefore schedule an appointment with an experienced surgeon.

Those in the Colorado area may wish to visit Denver breast augmentation specialist Matthew B. Baker, M.D., Ph.D. In addition to breast enhancement, Dr. Baker performs breast lift surgery and breast revision surgery. You may browse his website and contact his practice for further information.

Performance or Appearance? Lessons Learned from Simona Halep’s Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast surgery rarely makes international headlines quite like it did after the dramatic breast reduction of rising tennis star Simona Halep.

The 18-year old athlete was naturally endowed with a 34DD chest, which gained her a robust following among male tennis fans. But the weight hindered her on the court and discomforted her off the court. As such, her reemergence with 34C breasts–two full cup sizes smaller–brought much lamentation from her fans. But Halep felt it was necessary in order to keep an edge on her game.

Halep’s controversial decision highlights several issues regarding the role of plastic surgery. In spite of the outcry from Halep’s male adorers, her breast reduction may be seen as empowering and affirming. The fact that Halep chose to undergo a breast reduction for performance purposes rather than a breast augmentation for aesthetic reasons is an interesting inversion of the motives most commonly perceived (and misperceived) for cosmetic surgery procedures. Every woman has the right to shape and customize her body in order to meet her personal or professional goals, whether it’s through training, plastic surgery, or, in Halep’s case, both. Halep’s story brings two plastic surgery truths into clearer focus for the worldwide public: bigger is not always better and cosmetic surgery can effectively complement an active lifestyle.

For Andres Taleisnik, a plastic surgery specialist in Orange County, breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction procedures are always tailored specifically to the patient’s goals. With his office serving residents of Newport Beach, breast augmentation patients who visit Dr. Taleisnik are often equally invested in their appearance as they are in their physical fitness. The good news is that patients with superior cardiovascular health recover more quickly from breast surgery, meaning less disruption to their exercise routine. The better news is that skilled, experienced plastic surgeons such as Dr. Taleisnik can customize a procedure that will allow women to feel confident with their bodies without inhibiting their athleticism. Like Halep, Orange County breast lift, breast augmentation and breast reduction patients can continue or even improve their sportsmanship or physical fitness regimens after cosmetic surgery.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there were over 300,000 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2009. Of those, it is thought that one to five percent of patients have a breast deformity known as tuberous breasts. Women who have breast deformities often opt to undergo a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in order to correct an undesirable feature. Tuberous breasts (“tubular breasts or tubular breast deformity”) are a bothersome, congenital condition that is commonly treated with the use of breast implants. Other terms often associated with this include “Snoopy Dog Breasts” and “double bubble breast deformity.”

Although the cause is not known, this deformity typically develops in adolescence. Those who experience tubular breasts have small, underdeveloped breasts with large, puffy areolas. Usually, there is a large space between the breasts and some sagging, as well as a narrow base at the chest wall. Additionally, some women may experience difficulty breastfeeding due to the underdevelopment of the breasts. Because each woman experiences a unique degree of the tubular breast deformity, it is important for individuals to seek a plastic surgeon who has specialized training and experience with this particular characteristic. Over time and practice, surgeons who treat this disorder must learn to adapt to the different variations of the deformity.

Located in close proximity to Kansas City, breast augmentation surgeon Juan C. Nosti, M.D. offers various breast surgery procedures to help patients achieve a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Based on each patient’s individual anatomy, the procedure is personalized to fit her needs and desired outcome. Some patients may only require the use of either saline or silicone gel breast implants, while others may need to undergo a breast lift as well.

Women who have tuberous breasts are encouraged to learn of their options and visit a qualified plastic surgeon to gain further information. Those who wish to undergo breast augmentation may contact Shawnee Mission breast augmentation specialist Dr. Nosti.

Although the economic crisis resulted in a three percent decline in the amount of money spent on plastic surgery procedures in 2009, American women who had the extra money for plastic surgery were quick to increase the size of their breasts. For the fourth year in a row the top procedure among women was breast augmentation, with a reported 311,957 surgeries being performed in 2009, according to recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Who’s Getting Breast Augmentation?

While breast augmentation is a procedure that seems to appeal to a varying age range, including patients under the age of 18 and a handful in the 65-plus crowd, women are commonly getting breast augmentation between the ages of 19 and 34. Looking to enhance their physique during the prime of their life, it would seem that many women are looking at larger breasts as a way to make them appear more desirable, especially when it comes to dating and marriage.

It would seem that America’s obsession with larger breasts is still at the forefront of idealized beauty, only second to the slimmer physique that can be accomplished with liposuction. And with the media circus surrounding celebrity breast augmentations such as that of Jaime Pressly, Kate Hudson, and Heidi Montag, it’s no surprise that women these days would feel inadequate when it comes to their breast size.

Recently, the makers of Botox ® – Allergen Inc.– bought cosmetic surgery technology from Serica Technologies, Inc. Their cosmetic surgery unit makes biodegradable, silk mesh scaffolds that can be used to help regenerate human tissue. These products are used in reconstructive surgery, skin grafting, and breast augmentation. They add to the Orange County-based company’s growing line of cosmetic surgery products. Aside from Botox, Allergen also supplies Natrelle ® breast implants, lower face skin fillers, eye and skin care products, and the emerging Lap-Band ®.

With the introduction of the biodegradable mesh, breast augmentation and breast reconstruction surgeons can now offer their patients products from the same company. The reabsorbable mesh can be used for individuals who undergo a breast reconstruction, which will help to regenerate the breast tissue. Natrelle breast implants, used for women undergoing breast enhancement and reconstructive breast surgery, offer patients the option of either saline or silicone gel filling.

Breast surgery patients are encouraged to learn of their procedure and the products used prior to surgery. Doing so will help them be better prepared and at ease during their surgery. It is also important for women undergoing breast enlargement or breast reconstruction to follow all pre- and post-surgery instructions. This will help prevent any serious complications and allow for proper healing.

Interested individuals are encouraged to seek a qualified medical professional, like Orange County breast augmentation specialist Dr. Andres Taleisnik, regarding this new product.

One of the biggest uncertainties about any medical treatment is how the recovery process plays out and surgery, including plastic surgery is definitely no exception. Closely monitoring one’s post-operative progress is crucial in early detection and treatment of any probable risks and complications from having plastic surgery. Because breast augmentation is now the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the world, we’re going to examine all of the variables and circumstances that factor into a healthy and safe breast augmentation recovery.

Recovery time for breast augmentation can vary significantly, depending on where your breast implants are placed. You have two options for your breast implants placement. They can be placed over the muscle (subglandular) or beneath the muscle (submuscular). Subglandular placement requires less recovery time than submuscular. Women who have subglandular placement usually feel ready to get up and go in a couple of days.

Incision Options for Breast Implants

The incision type and location used in your breast surgery also affects the recovery time, amongst other factors, such as how visible scarring will be. There are a few incision options including the following:

• Areola incision (Periareolar)
• Armpit incision (Transaxillary)
• Under the breast fold incision (Inframammary fold)
• Belly button incision (Transumbilical)

Women usually can return to work after about a week. You will need more time for recovery if your work or personal life frequently entails things like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise routines. It is important to discuss recovery times with your breast surgeon prior to the procedure.

The Periareolar incision is made where the darker skin of the areola meets the lighter skin of the breast. This is the most popular incision used for breast implants. This location allows for the scar to blend naturally with your skin tone and is not very noticeable. The areola incision is suitable for both the subglandular and submuscular placements. You may be able to return to your every day activities after about two weeks.

The armpit incision is placed in the natural folds under your arm. The incision is about an inch long and is fairly easy to hide. The technique results in little to no bruising with the use of an endoscope. The armpit incision also allows for both types of breast implant placement, whereas incision at the areola is only used for subglandular implant placement.

The inframammary fold incision is placed in the crease under the breast, at the chest wall. This technique is commonly used in breast augmentation and usually accounts for about one to two weeks of recovery time.

The belly button incision is often referred to as the TUBA, which stands for trans-umbilical breast augmentation. The incision is placed in the belly button and the scar is minimal and easy to hide. This incision allows for both subglandualr and submuscular breast implant placements. The recovery time is fairly quick with minimal bruising.

Last month the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) surveyed their member surgeons to get an idea about current trends in breast augmentation, as well as statistical analysis of trends in all procedures. Most of the answers they received are not at all surprising, with one big exception.

The preference for natural looking results continues for the vast majority of plastic surgeons and their patients. For example, the average implant size used by most of the surveyed surgeons is 300 – 400 cc. For most patients, this size will result in full C cup breasts. More than 60% of surgeons place the implants under the chest muscle rather than on top of the muscle, again aiming for a natural appearance to the slope of the chest wall.

An overwhelming majority of ASAPS plastic surgeons prefer round implants as opposed to “anatomical,” or teardrop shaped implants. The survey did not detail the reason for the preference, but the plastic surgeons we’ve spoken with say that implants occasionally rotate and shift inside the breast capsule. Obviously, anatomical implants would look unnatural upside down. Additionally, most plastic surgeons feel that round implants look very natural when the right size and position is selected, and particularly for submuscular placement.

The ASAPS survey also found that 64% of surgeons prefer an incision near the crease underneath the breast. Although there are other options, notably around the areola, an incision under the breast can give the surgeon optimal access with the least amount of visible scaring.

The big surprise, is how many plastic surgeons and patients continue to choose saline-filled implants. The ASAPS survey showed that 60% of their members are still using saline implants, with an overwhelming majority of those selecting saline implants for first time patients. Furthermore, when silicone gel was chosen over saline filling, the reason most often cited was “patient preference.”

So, it would appear that many plastic surgeons still select saline-filled breast implants quite often. The question is, “Why?” Not only has the filling been shown to be safe and unlikely to leak, it both looks and feels more like real breast tissue.

Could it be that even though silicone gel implants were re-approved by the FDA in 2006, there’s still a lack of faith in the devices? Perhaps many patients, and even some surgeons, haven’t done extensive research on the options? Maybe the choice of saline is simply a result of habit?

Whatever the case may be, the president of the ASAPS noted that good results depend more on “patent-appropriate” surgical techniques more than on the type of implant chosen. If the procedure is done correctly, only a defective implant of either type would create a probable high-risk scenario.

by Dr. Gabrielle Young, M.D.

Today, at BreastImplants-Info.com, we’re taking this opportunity to showcase an article written by both a plastic surgeon and former breast augmentation patient, Dr. Gabrielle Young. Given her unique perspective on the procedure, we felt it would offer our readership great insight into the science behind breast implants, having elective cosmetic surgery in a recession and the social pressures of looking “just right” that teenage girls and young women face daily. (Special thanks to TampaBay.com / St. Petersburg Times.)

Here’s one possible upside to the economic downturn: Fewer teenage girls are getting breast implants.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 4,108 girls ages 18 and under had the procedure in 2008, compared with 7,882 the year before. Given the current economic outlook, 2009 may see further declines.

But as a doctor who has breast implants myself, I find it shocking that so many girls whose bodies are still developing are undergoing major surgery they do not need and may not fully understand. And I’m even more stunned that parents who should know better are indulging their daughters.

The physical risks of the procedure are well documented. Studies by implant manufacturers show that many breast implant recipients have at least one serious complication within the first three years, including infections, bruises, fluid collections, capsular contracture (painful hardening of the breasts), disfiguring scars, loss of nipple sensation, substantial stretch marks, irreversible thinning of the skin and migration of the implant.

Breast implants can interfere with self-examinations and mammograms, making early cancer detection far tougher. Implants also can make breast-feeding difficult or impossible.

Painful Choice to Advance Career

When I was 25, an aspiring model, it became clear that my B-cup breasts weren’t going to get me where I wanted to go in my career. So I opted for a conservative augmentation, to a C-cup.

I was expecting some discomfort after the surgery. No one prepared me for the feeling of constant sledgehammers crushing my breasts.

I had chosen to have my implants placed under the muscle, meaning my pectoral muscle was cut to place the implant in the proper position, to give my breasts a more natural look and feel.

It actually felt like my chest had been placed in a vise and squeezed. I had to be in a cloud of narcotic medications just to make it through the day.

My breasts were so swollen, I looked like I was wearing a personal flotation device for an emergency plane landing. I could not pick up a 3-pound weight, drive to get groceries or even put on lipstick for more than two weeks.

Once the pain ebbed, I was pleased with my new C-size breasts. They were ideal for my frame. But I allowed myself to be convinced by other swimsuit and fitness models that I should go bigger — all the way to double Ds. I was not discouraged by my plastic surgeon, but I don’t know that I could have been talked out of it anyway.

I had the second surgery less than a year later. The pain was worse the second time around. Despite that, I was happy with the results, because I thought it was what I needed to be a model.

Projecting the Wrong Image

Now I am a doctor, and my swimsuit-model figure doesn’t project the image I want to have.

Here’s just one of many stories I could tell: As a resident physician, I was speaking with a terminally ill patient about his treatment options. When I looked up at my attending physician, he was staring at my double Ds, which I had tried to conceal beneath two compressing sports bras and baggy surgical scrubs. The patient asked him if he agreed with my comments, and he could only blush. He had no idea what I had said.

The decision to go bigger was for the short-term goal of advancing my modeling career. I did not anticipate the long-term effects it would have on my professional life. No matter where I go, or what I say, people still look at me like I am a porn star, not a doctor.

And, like all breast implant recipients, I am facing surgery to have them replaced one day, because implants do not come with a lifetime guarantee. But I won’t change sizes, as once an implant is placed it is difficult to change sizes.

It’s Parents’ Job to Say ‘No’

From the time they can turn on the television, our children are bombarded with images of kids growing up too fast, images like Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and My Super Sweet Sixteen. It’s hardly surprising if girls feel like they are waging an internal war over beauty and self-esteem. And if they decide a quick little operation can help, and their parents won’t say no, who will stop them?

Most surgeons won’t perform augmentations on girls. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons doesn’t even track statistics on implants for girls under 18, since the group has taken a position against the practice. But clearly, not everyone is following suit.

These are our daughters, and the future professional women of our country. They are not specimens to be cut with a scalpel and modified simply to help them gain social acceptance or, even worse, self-acceptance.

If economic reality is helping more parents say no to young girls who want bigger breasts, that’s a good thing. But the economy will turn around eventually. Will parental responsibility turn with it?

Dr. Gabrielle Young recently completed her residency at the University of Louisville and is an osteopath. She plans to practice in the Tampa Bay area. For more information, visit her Web site, www.drgabrielleyoung.com.

Breast augmentation continues to remain one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in our country today. Even recent reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveal the breast augmentation surgery is now the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, knocking off liposuction. However, the results of these procedures have always produced mixed reactions from the women who have or want them.

While many women feel younger, sexier, and more alive as a result of their enhanced new figure, others lament about the lack of a natural appearance provided by their breast implants.

Vaser® Hi Def Breast

This struggle to achieve a more natural result has led many cosmetic surgeons to continually improve the procedure in the search of better end results. Recently, a new advancement in augmentation procedures is providing women with breast implants that more closely resemble a natural feeling breast.

This procedure, the Vaser® Hi Def Breast, adds a new twist to the typical enlargement surgery by combining it with liposuction. This advancement has led to a greater satisfaction rate among women opting for surgery, as their new breasts have a more natural and attractive appearance.

Vaser Hi Def Breast employs ultrasonic technology to remove specific fat pockets in the breast tissue, while leaving other fat cells and neighboring nerve tissue untouched. This enables your cosmetic surgeon to more subtly sculpt your breasts, giving them a more youthful, firm, and natural look.

The Ideal Candidate for Vaser® Hi Def Breast Augmentation

This procedure is not right for all women. As with traditional implant procedures, it is important to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon to make sure you are a good candidate for Vaser Hi Def Breast. As part of this consultation, your doctor should talk with our about your medical history and your goals for your surgery.

Ideal candidates for Vaser Hi Def Breast are women who:

• Are in good overall health
• Are physically fit
• Have reasonable expectations for the surgery
• Have good overall self-esteem

As with any major surgery, there are risks that accompany this breast augmentation process. A good candidate needs to understand these risks and be willing to accept them. Also, candidates must recognize that this procedure isn’t meant to drastically alter your appearance to make you feel like a completely different person. It is intended to subtly alter your appearance so that you have fuller, more contoured breasts that help you feel younger and more attractive.

Allergan, Inc., a breast implants manufacturer and worldwide leader in the body rejuvenation industry, is reemphasizing assurance in women considering breast augmentation to be highly informed before their first plastic surgery consultation by introducing The Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit. It is an answer for both women starting out, and plastic surgeons that want the right information in the hands of prospective patients.

The kit is a thorough, thoughtful and elegant package for every woman starting the process of achieving a new body image through breast augmentation. It is an intimate, at-home preparation for face-to-face consultations with plastic surgeons, and an ideal resource for patients to set a size goal. The Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit was developed with the help of two of America’s most prominent plastic surgeons, who participated in the kit’s orientation video featuring an informative actual breast exam.

Mr. Jeffrey Moore of communications firm 3v07, and director/producer for the program, established that the Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit’s primary driver must be an elegant approach for selecting what size implant each patient would like to set as their goal.

“This is such a personal, life-long decision that it is hard to believe that until this Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit many women would set a goal for their new profile by filling plastic sandwich bags with rice or hair gel to get an idea of what size they would like to be. A search of the Internet turns up one resource after another recommending this process. At best, some may take 20 minutes in a doctor’s office to determine their goal. Our first principal in development of the kit was to assure that size selection is now a personal, fun, at home experience women could take their time with.” Mr. Moore goes on to say, “The Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit size selection experience is elegant and complete. Women are provided with a beautiful bra and 4 different breast implant-like sizers to assure they are comfortable with their breast enhancement before starting the process. This is a great solution for both women and their doctors.”

Contemporary research clearly shows that practicaly every woman begins her path to breast augmentation by doing some form of research on the web. With the decision to offer this kit prominently through web services offered by Allergan and Natrelle™ patients can be empowered to approach their initial consultation confidently. The kit provides an excellent look at the initial consultation and covers each topic a woman will discuss with her doctor, giving her the perspective to make informed decisions. This includes styles of breast implants, incision choices and profile choices.

The Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit features a DVD orienting patients to the process of getting a new profile, a discussion brochure for the information they will cover with their Plastic Surgeon and a breast sizing system with a special brassiere and trial implants. The kit also includes a $50 rebate for Natrelle™ gel implants and $120 in savings on the Allergan aesthetic products BOTOX® Cosmetic (botulinum toxin type A), JUVEDERM™, LATISSE™ (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%.

The Natrelle™ Pre-Consultation Kit is $39.95 and available to patients only via the Internet at www.Natrelle.com starting April 1, 2009.