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Surgeon
Directory
Adding Additional Saline -- This is possible but very few surgeons will do it. It is best to get the size right before surgery. See size page for help. Age -- Should not be a concern, we have seen many women in their 40s experience augmentations successfully. Adjustable Implants -- See Spectrum implants. African
American Women -- If you are African American, please considering
contributing your before & after photos,
as we currently only have one set. Thanks! Anesthesia
-- The are two kinds, local with twilight sleep so you won't remember
and general, which puts you completely under, in which case some doctors
place a tube down your throat. Antibiotics -- May be used to deter infection after surgery and in successfully treating Capsular Contracture. Anti-Nausea
Medicine -- Is available, including Zofran and Scopolamine, a patch
you wear the night before. Ask your doctor. Here is a tip on the meds
if you are getting sick: take the pain pill Armpit Incision -- See TransAx Asian Women -- If you are Asian, please considering contributing your before & after photos, as we currently do not have any of Asian women. Thanks! Aspirin
-- Do not take two weeks before or two weeks after as it can cause
bleeding. Back Pain -- Probably will not be a problem with implants as they do not weigh as much as real boobs, unless you get really large implants. Some experience some back pain during recovery. Bacteria -- The only way for bacteria to get inside the implant would be during surgery. Which means the OR was not sterile. If you find a good, ABPS certified surgeon this should not be a problem. Band -- Some doctors will have you wear a band above the implants to help push them down. You can also roll-up a sports bra to act as a band. Belly Button Incision -- Also known as the TUBA method. See the TUBA page. Black Women -- If you are African American, please considering contributing your before & after photos, as we currently do not have any of African American women. Thanks! Blood Clot - See Hematoma
Breast
Enhancing Pills -- Save your money, I even found 1 company that
was selling them using before and after photos from this site! Plus,
they are not approved by the FDA and can be dangerous. Breast Lift -- May be necessary if your nipple is below the crease of your breast. Check with your surgeon and get several opinions. Breathing Tube -- Used with general anesthesia. May make your throat sore for a few days. Bruising
-- Can be expected, especially with larger implants and/or the armpit
incision. As with any bruise, it will heal. Do not massage bruises!
Ask your doctor about Arnica Montana (available at Health Food &
Vitamin Stores) to help alleviate bruising. Cancer Detection -- Will be much easier if you go under the muscle.
Complete Submuscular, or Complete Unders: See Total Submuscular Compression -- Used to prevent capsular contracture. It is compression of the implant such that it takes up more space than it would in a more spherical shape. Mathematically they have shown that a compressed implant takes up more space than a non compressed one. What that means is that while it is being compressed the tissues around it are healing such that they are allowing the pocket to be large enough for the implant. It is a newer phenomena and there seems to be several docs using it. It can be achieved by wearing a compression bra continually, lying on your stomach or by the exercises you have described. I have seen it suggested with both smooth and textured implants. Corrective
Taping -- Using a tape technique to adjust placement of uneven implants. Deflation -- When an implant loses the liquid inside. Click here for photo and here for a story. Dentist -- I've heard some docs prescribe antibiotics when you see the dentist, but usually it is not necessary. Dog Walking -- Please consult your doctor as to when it is safe to walk your dog. Doctors -- Finding the right PS is the key to a good augmentation result. Make sure your surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. Check Our Surgeon Directory and read How to Check up on Your Doctor.  Rate
your Plastic Surgeon
Endoscopic
Breast Augmentation -- A small incision is made in the hollow of
the underarm and much of the surgery is performed under direct vision
using an endoscope. The procedure is visualized on a television monitor
allowing up-close and precise control of your breast augmentation surgery.
Endoscopic technique is optimal for achieving reliable, beautiful results,
when the underarm incision is used. The underarm scar fades over time
and blends into the skin creases well. The scar is usually not apparent,
even in a sleeveless dress or swimsuit. Fibrous Cysts -- Are very common. Feel
of Implants -- Implants feel a bit firmer than natural breast tissue.
Depending on how much tissue you have naturally will also make a difference.
Most men do NOT care, most probably wouldn't notice the difference anyway.
See How Men Rate Implants. NOTE: Contracture
can cause the breasts to feel hard. Gap -- Implants create a gap between the breasts. This gap does not occur in natural breasts, as they slope down from the center. Garlic Pills -- Do not take two weeks before or two weeks after as it may cause bleeding. General
Anesthesia -- Puts you completely out. Some docs prefer this so
you won't move during surgery. However, make sure your surgery is in
a hospital or accredited surgery facility. Dr. Tebbetts
explains this in his book, "The Best Breast."
The JCAH usually accredits hospital facilities and hospital-based outpatient
surgery facilities. The AAAASF specializes in accrediting outpatient
or ambulatory surgery facilities. Ask to see the accreditation certificate. Hematoma -- Is a blood clot that must be addressed by your doctor. To avoid, don't push yourself into doing things you shouldn't be. That's why you are not supposed to play tennis, golf, lift, etc. for 3-6 weeks after. Using common sense, you will be able to determine what you can and can't do. Also avoid certain drugs 2-4 weeks before and after surgery. The risk is about 2%, this risk is reduced if your surgeon dissects the muscle rather than cutting it as the cause is from uncontrolled bleeding during the surgery. Although not a surgical emergency, it should be taken care of within a day or two of when it is noticed. The blood collection, as long as it is not enlarging, can be managed with ice, support, reassurance of the patient and waiting. It will usually liquefy in 2-3 weeks and can be easily withdrawn with a needle and syringe. This requires only local anesthesia and carries minimal risk to the health of the patient. If the surgeon does the procedure, he should be able to remove the blood without injuring the patient or the implant. Hutchison
Implants -- No longer available. Office:225-927-6800 Fax:225-927-6874 Ibuprofen -- Not recommended two weeks before or two weeks after as it can cause bleeding, however, some doctors says it's ok. Implant Life -- The only research I found says 50% last 10 years. This is based on the older type implants. See Risks. Mentor & Inamed (formerly McGhan) now have a lifetime warranty with $1200 toward replacement surgery for the first 5 (Mentor) & 10 years (Inamed (formerly McGhan) ). Thus, I believe our current generation of implants will last much longer. Incision -- There are four possible incision locations. The areola (nipple) incision is probably the most common, followed by under the crease of the breast, the armpit, and the belly button. Whichever you choose, make sure your surgeon is experienced with surgery using the location you have chosen. Personally, I do not recommend the areola, as it can leave an obvious scar, as it did on me. Inverted
Nipples -- About 15% of women have inverted nipples. They do not
indicate any health problem unless they become inverted suddenly, in
which case you should see a doctor. Keloids
-- Are a very specific type of pathological scar that occurs mainly
on individuals with genetic origins in Africa, the Mediterranean, and
Southern Asia, but even then, they are not common. Local Anesthesia -- I have to agree with LaurienRN when she says "Local with IV sedation (aka Twilight) is the way to go if your PS agrees. No tube in the throat and rarely if ever, any nausea post op. Generally used for short procedures and is very safe. You are in a twilight sleep, but you feel no pain and will not remember any of the procedure. Also, you come out of it very quickly. Less "looped" afterward. Also limits hospital stay if necessary, less bowel problems afterward. You need an IV in your arm to administer to drug, and you our sleeping within seconds of administration." Look
of Implants -- After surgery, implants will ride high on the chest.
It will normally take 4-12 weeks for them to "drop" into place. The
more natural breast tissue you have and the smaller the implant, the
more natural the look. Keep in mind, most women wish they had gone larger!
Placing them under the muscle also allows for a more natural appearance.
As you age, your natural breast tissue will sag, the implant will not. Mammograms
-- Will be much easier to read if you go under the muscle. Mammograms
are sometimes suggested before BA for patients with a history of breast
cancer or to use as a base. Mondor's
Disease or Cord -- (pictured) Hardening or blood clot in a vein
leading away from the surface of the breast. This is a blocked vein
that it will go away in a month or two. If it is large or painful, you
can put a warm washcloth on the cord or to break up the matter that
is blocking the vein, massage the cord. Push on it and rub it and the
blockage will dissipate faster. Navel Incision -- Also known as the TUBA method. See the TUBA page. Nausea -- Is a common side effect of pain killers and anesthesia. Try taking pain meds on a full stomach. See "Anti-Nausea Medicine" above. Nipple
Sensation -- Usually changes of being more or less sensitive after
surgery and may take up to a year to return to normal. There is a small
chance the change may be permanent. You may also experience a temporary
burning sensation, but lessens with time. Other Surgeries -- May be planned for the same day. Recovery may be longer, but you will only have to go under anesthesia once. Overfill
-- By overfilling implants, but not beyond the manufacturer's guidelines,
the implants will be less likely to ripple. However, with the more fill,
they become more firm. Mentor
& Inamed (formerly McGhan) Size Charts. Studies show overfilled
implants are also less likely to rupture. Pain -- You should not feel any pain during surgery. It is the first 24-72 hours that will get you. Pain Meds -- Coming Soon. Physical Activity -- You should be able to return to sports such as tennis and golf in 4 to 6 weeks. More details on the Tips page. Pimples -- Between the breasts may pop-up from your new cleavage. Can be alleviated with powder and/or a cotton ball. PIP Implants -- Have not been FDA approved. Pre-filled, made in France 888-700-9831. Pregnancy -- Most docs recommend you have children before a BA. See Breast feeding. Ptosis -- Breast sag. Recovery
Time -- Most women say BA really does you in for the first 24-48
hours. You must have someone with you for the first 24 hours, if not
longer. If possible, allow yourself a week or two off from work, more
if your work requires physical activity. If you have young children,
have someone help you for a week or more. Please consult your physician
as to when you may resume lifting your children! Please see the tips
page. Ridges -- Depending on the implant size and the amount of natural tissue, you may notice the top ridge of the implant. Ripples -- Rippling comes from not having enough natural tissue to cover the implant or having a large implant. Having the implant filled all the way (overfill) may help deter the problem. Ripples are usually only seen when the body is in a certain position, which varies in each person. Risks -- Read Risks. Rupture
-- See Deflation Safety -- Read Encino & Beverly Hills, CA Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sean Younai's Safety of Plastic Surgery Article Sag -- BA automatically gives you a lift. If your nipple is below the crease of your breast, a "breast lift" may be necessary. Check with your surgeon and get several opinions. Saline -- Is salt water that is safely absorbed by the body. The shell of the implant is still silicone. These type of implants by Mentor & Inamed (formerly McGhan) have been FDA approved. Scars -- Your incision scar will be permanent, but most are light to nearly invisible. At first it may be thick & red, but should become thin and light. Vitamin A & E cream or vitamin E oil capsules, splitting them open, and applying the oil directly as often as possible. Neosporin may help (do not apply to fresh incision). I've also heard of using Rosa Mosqueta (which is essentially Rose Hip oil). Previous scar history does not indicate how your BA scars will heal. Dr. DeWire states most heavy scars (aka: hypertrophic scars) occur in about 10% of crease incisions, about 5% of areola and less than 1% of axillary (armpit) incisions. Sex -- A friend of mine had sex two days after. However, if you get your blood pressure up then swelling will occur, causing bleeding which can cause more scarring. Shooting Pains -- You may feel short, shooting pains in your chest after surgery. This is ok, but can continue up until about a year after. Silicone -- See our Silicone Page for silicone studies & research. Size -- Implants are sized by CC. To measure: 1 CC = 1 ML. 250 CC = 1 cup of water. Check Measuring Cup Size & Implant Size and Mentor & Inamed (formerly McGhan) Size Charts.
Smooth Implants -- Usually have less rippling and seem to be more appealing cosmetically. They tend to move more like natural implants and not get "stuck in place" like textured can do sometimes. However, they are thought to be more prone to contracture and therefore, massage is recommended. Smoking
-- Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, decreasing the flow
of blood and oxygen your body needs to heal properly causing healing
to take longer. Nicotine and carbon monoxide is known to inhibit recover
time, increases the risk of pulmonary complications and can impede wound
healing, which may decrease the quality of surgical results. Most plastic
surgeons urge patients not to smoke for at least 2 weeks before and
after surgery. Some plastic surgeons offer smoking cessation aids, such
as oral medication or nicotine patches. Consult your plastic surgeon.
Stairs -- Are not a problem, but, due to fatigue, don't go up and down too much. Strap -- Used by some surgeons to help the implants migrate down into the pocket. Steroids -- A few doctors are using this in hopes to deter capsular contracture. It's safe to use when prescribed by an MD and only taken for a short period. Stretch Marks -- Are not common because breast implants do not increase the the projection of the breast as much as the base diameter where there is more skin. Stretch marks are common with pregnancy because this causes the breast tissue to enlarge. Stretch marks may be more likely with larger implants as there will be more stretching of the skin required. String Implants -- These are currently not available and I do not recommend them. Surgery Time -- Takes about two hours, but plan on the entire 24 hours being shot! Sweat -- Between the breasts may form from your new cleavage. May want to try powder and/or a cotton ball. Swelling -- Most women will experience swelling after surgery, especially with larger implants. Ask your surgeon about taking Bromelain (available at Health Food & Vitamin Stores) to reduce swelling. Approximately 500 mg is taken daily for seven days prior to surgery and for 7-10 days following surgery. Dr. Byrd recommends taking the 500 mg in divided doses following each meal as in some people it may cause minimal gastric symptoms when taken on an empty stomach. Symmastia
-- (aka "bread-loafing " or "uniboob") This is when the breasts/implants
become like one breast. This is extremely rare. As long as you have
a good surgeon, this should not be problem. This may be covered by your
health insurance. See Correction
of Symmastia at Dr. DeWire's Site. Tanning
-- Is OK if you cover your nipples and/or the stitches although
some docs Telling Others -- Don't bother, unless you want to. People won't know unless you went extremely large or walk around in a bikini. Textured Implants -- Textured implants help deter contracture because of their rough surface but tend to cause more ripples than their smooth counterpart, especially in thin women. Because the texture adheres to the body, they usually do not move around like a natural breast would either. Because of the thicker shell, they may feel firmer as well. However, if they need to be removed, small chips of the textured silicone shell may come off and be left behind. They do not need to be massaged. Total
Submusculofascial or Total Submuscular: According to a board
certified plastic surgeon, the total "submusculofascial" approach
has several advantages, including reducing the risk of Capsule
Contracture. The implant is placed behind the pectoralis major and
minor muscles, the serratus anterior muscle, the rectus abdominus and
the external oblique muscles. There are several benefits to covering
the implant with these 5 muscles. The external oblique and rectus abdominus
muscles act as support for the implant so it helps reduce the risk of
long-term 'droop' of the implant, (a.k.a., 'bottoming out'). Also, there
is less problem with wrinkling/ripples because
more muscles are covering the implant and mammograms should theoretically
be more accurate. Note, although the procedure is called "Total
or Complete Submuscular" the implants are not 100% covered by muscle.
TUBA Incision or Method -- Incision through the navel/belly button. See the TUBA page. Tubular
Breasts -- Almost triangular shaped breasts, not round like a typical
breast. Information
of Tubular Breasts by Dr. DeWire. Personal
Tubular Breast Story. Under vs. Over the Muscle -- Under is more painful however, over is directly underneath the skin and therefore, shows the outline of the implant more. Mammograms are easier to read with unders. There are partial and complete unders. Underwire Bras -- If your doc recommends not wearing them, you can make a small snip in the bra and pull the underwire out. If your PS recommends an underwire, make sure you get one that fits. It should go all the way around the implant and not indent into it or you could end up with an indent on your breast. Viagra -- Do not take 24 hrs before surgery! Vitamin E -- Is rumored to help in healing scars. However, it may cause bleeding so don't take 2 weeks before & after.
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SURGEONS:
PHOTOS:
Tips
suggest
no tanning for up to a year.