When
to Consider Breast Augmentation
Breast
augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty,
is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape
of a woman's breast for a number of reasons:
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To
enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal
reasons, feels her breast size is too small. |
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To
correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
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To
balance a difference in breast size. |
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As
a reconstructive technique following breast surgery. |
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By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's
bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. |
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Before
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After
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The
Best Candidates for Breast Augmentation
Breast
augmentation can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about
your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Schusterman.
The
best candidates for breast augmentation are women who
are looking for improvement in the way they look. If
you're physically healthy and realistic in your expectations,
you may be a good candidate.
Types
of Breast Implants
Generally
Dr. Schusterman uses two types of breast implants,
prefilled (with silicone or saline) and inflatable
(for saline only).
1)
Prefilled Breast Implants
A prefilled breast implant is a silicone shell filled
with a salt-water solution known as saline.
2)
Inflatable Breast Implants
The main advantage of the inflatable saline implant
is that being inserted non-inflated (empty) permits
the smallest possible incision. After insertion the
implant is inflated with saline.
Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast
augmentation is relatively straightforward. But as with
any operation, there are risks associated with breast
augmentation surgery and specific complications associated
with this procedure.
While the majority of women do not experience these
complications, you should discuss each of them with
Dr. Schusterman to make sure that you understand the
risks and consequences of breast augmentation.
Planning
Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
In
your initial consultation, Dr. Schusterman will evaluate
your health and explain which surgical techniques are
most appropriate for you, based on the condition of
your breasts and skin tone. If your breasts are sagging,
Dr. Schusterman may also recommend a breast
lift.
Be
sure to discuss your expectations frankly with Dr. Schusterman.
He will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives
and the risks and limitations of each. You may want
to ask for a copy of the manufacturer's insert that
comes with the implant he will use -- just so you are
fully informed about it. And, be sure to tell your him
if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications,
vitamins, or other drugs.
Dr. Schusterman will also explain the type of anesthesia
to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will
be performed, and the costs involved. Because most insurance
companies do not consider breast augmentation to be
medically necessary, carriers generally do not cover
the cost of this procedure.
If
financing is an issue with you, financing is available.
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Before
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After
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Preparing
for Your Breast Augmentation Surgery
Dr.
Schusterman will give you instructions to prepare for
surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking,
smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and
medications.
While
making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone
to drive you home after your surgery and to help you
out for a few days, if needed.
Your
surgery will be done in the state-of-the-art Museum
District Aesthetic Surgery Center, located nearby. The
center is designed to provide you with personalize care
by friendly, thoughtful and experienced staff. Its ambulatory
care concept offers you the advantages of reduced cost,
easy access and a brief stay in a pleasant environment.
Map.
Breast
Augmentation Surgery
Breast
augmentation is performed with a general anesthesia,
so you'll sleep through the entire operation. The method
of inserting and positioning your implant will depend
on your anatomy and Dr. Schusterman's evaluation. Dr.
Schusterman will also discuss with you the pros and
cons for the incision site specifically suited for you.
Every effort will be made to assure that the incision
is placed so resulting scares will be as inconspicuous
as possible.
The
common incision sites are:
1) Under the arm (auxillary): This incision is less concealed
than periareolar (2) and associated with less difficulty than the periareolar
incision site when breast feeding. Compared to the less complex inframammary
incision
(3), there is an increased chance of bleeding or bruising.
2) Around the nipple (periareolar): This incision is well concealed,
but is associated with a higher likelihood of inability to successfully breast
feed, as compared to the other incision sites.
3) Within the fold under the breast (inframammary): This incision
is less concealed than periareolar and associated with less difficulty than the
periareolar incision site when breast feeding. Compared to the less complex inframammary
incision (3), there is an Increased chance of bleeding or bruising.
4) Umbilical or navel (transumbilical): This incision results
in a single hidden scar (no breast scars) and no chance of causing difficulty
with breastfeeding. Only inflatable implants are used in this procedure. Implants
must be inserted entirely deflated and inflated only after they are in place.
Advantages of the transumbilical procedure include less invasive surgery, faster
recovery, no obvious scars and reduced operating time.
The
surgery usually takes one to two hours to complete.
Stitches are used to close the incisions, which may
also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may
be applied over your breasts to help with healing
The
Breast Implant Placement
Working
through the incision, Dr. Schusterman will lift your
breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either underneath
your chest wall muscle (Submuscular Placement)
or directly behind the breast tissue (Subglandular
Placement). The implants are then centered
beneath your nipples.
 1) The Submuscular Placement
The breast implant is placed behind the chest wall muscle (pectoral muscle).
This placement feels and looks more "natural" because the implant is
further away from the skin. It may require a longer surgery and recovery period,
but typically results in less capsular contracture (scar tissue formation), and
easier imaging of the breast with mammography.
 2)
The Subglandular Placement
A subglandular placement for the breast implant behind the breast tissue offers
shorter surgery, less pain and discomfort and briefer recovery, since muscles
are left intact and only skin and fat are cut. Larger implants may also be
used. This placement may result in more palpable implants, more capsular contracture,
and more difficult imaging of the breast with mammography. Keep in mind that
the only thing supporting the implant is the skin and breast tissue.
Dr.
Schusterman will discuss with you the pros and cons
of the two possible implant placement sites, and recommend
the site that best meets your needs.
Also,
you should be aware that breast implants don't always
last forever. They often require a future operation
to remove and replace the original implant.
After
Breast Augmentation Surgery
You're
likely to feel tired and sore for a few days following
your surgery, but you'll be up and around in 24 to 48
hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by
medication prescribed by Dr. Schusterman.
Within
several days, the gauze dressings, if you have them,
will be removed, and you may be given a surgical bra.
You should wear it as directed by Dr. Schusterman. You
may also experience a burning sensation in your nipples
for about two weeks, but this will subside as bruising
fades.
Absorbable
suture material is used to close the incision. Your
own body enzymes will dissolve the suture material
in about 60 to 90 days. A small piece of the suture
may extend out at each end of the incision. These
ends will be trimmed 1 week after surgery and after
that, no suture material will be visible, but the
swelling in your breasts may take three to five
weeks
to disappear.
Getting Back to Normal
You
should be able to return to work within a few days,
depending on the level of activity required for your
job.
Follow
Dr. Schusterman's advice on when to begin exercises
and normal activities. Your breasts will probably be
sensitive to direct stimulation for two to three weeks,
so you should avoid much physical contact. After that,
breast contact is fine once your breasts are no longer
sore, usually three to four weeks after surgery.
Your
scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks.
Then they may remain the same size for several months,
or even appear to widen. After several months, your
scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear
completely.
Routine
mammograms should be continued after breast augmentation
for women who are in the appropriate age group, although
the mammographic technician should use a special technique
to assure that you get a reliable reading, as discussed
earlier.
Your
New Look after Breast Augmentation
For
many women, the result of breast augmentation can be
satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate
their fuller appearance.
Regular examination by Dr. Schusterman and routine mammograms
for those in the appropriate age groups at prescribed
intervals will help assure that any complications, if
they occur, can be detected early and treated.
Your
decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal
one that not everyone will understand. The important
thing is how you feel about it. If you've met your goals,
then your surgery is a success.
The surgeon’s fees for Breast Augmentations start at $4,104.
If
Breast Augmentation / Breast Enlargement Surgery interests
you and you would like to learn more, contact Dr. Schusterman's
office at 713-794-0368 or email info@alwaysyouthful.com.
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Where
Dr. Schusterman Performs Breast Enlargement
/
Breast Augmentation Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Schusterman performs all plastic surgery
procedures at the well-equipped Museum District
Aesthetic Surgery Center and overnight stays
are in a luxurious Park View Suite at the
Park Plaza Hospital.
Both facilities make for a totally satisfying
experience.
Read
more about these fine facilities and a patient
testimonial. |
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*
Makeovers for Moms and Makeover for Moms are
trademarks
of Mark A. Schusterman, M.D., P.A.
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