Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Enhancement, Milwaukee, Plastic Surgeon, (WI)
| Breast Augmentation | ||
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| The best candidates for breast augmentation | ||
| The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for a change in their appearance. If you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate. | ||
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| Types of implants | ||
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A breast implant is a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or a salt-water solution known as saline. Because of concerns that there is insufficient information demonstrating the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Food & Drug Administration has determined that gel-filled implants, at the present time, should be available only to women participating in approved studies. Some women requiring replacement of their implants may also be eligible to participate in the study. Saline filled implants continue to be available to breast augmentation patients on an unrestricted basis, pending further FDA review. You should ask your doctor more about the specifics of the FDA decisions. | ||
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| All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk | ||
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Despite reports in the lay pres, there is no evidence that breast implants cause breast cancer. It is important to continue with monthly self -breast exam and regularly scheduled mammograms when you reach the age of 40. When you request a routine mammogram, be sure to go to a radiology center where technicians are experienced in the special techniques required to get a reliable x-ray of a breast with an implant. Additional views will be required. Modern surgical techniques have minimized complications but they include bleeding, infection, hardening and implant deflation. Implant deflation occurs because of a failure the valve or a wear wrinkle…should it occur, the saline in the implant will be resorbed harmlessly by your body. The major implant companies guarantee the implant and will cover the costs of replacement. Other concerns are nipple/areolar sensitivity (normal postoperatively close to 100% of the time) and the ability to nurse…definitely possible. While the majority of women do not experience these complications, you should discuss each of them with your physician to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of breast augmentation. | ||
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| The Consultation | ||
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A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering breast augmentation. During this meeting one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for surgery. You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information:
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| Preparing for your surgery | ||
When the date for your procedure has been set, we will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:
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| The Surgery | ||
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The surgery will be performed in our office based surgical suite. We use a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) for patients undergoing breast augmentation. Our medical staff will monitor your physical status throughout the surgery and during your recovery. The procedure generally takes 1-2 hours and then we care for you in the recovery room for at least one hour before you are discharged. The incision is usually made in the lower portion of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). Every effort will be make to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your skin and breast tissue to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples. Some surgeons believe that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for few days after the surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue. Be sure to ask about minimal incision breast surgery techniques. | ||
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The method of inserting and positioning your implant will depend on your anatomy and your surgeon's recommendation. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), or in the armpit. Every effort will be make to assure that the incision is placed so resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift your breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall muscle (the pectoral muscle). The implants are then centered beneath your nipples. Dr. Mixter believes that putting the implants behind your chest muscle may reduce the potential for capsular contracture. Drainage tubes may be used for several days following the surgery. This placement may also interfere less with breast examination by mammogram than if the implant is placed directly behind the breast tissue. Placement behind the muscle however, may be more painful for few days after the surgery than placement directly under the breast tissue. You'll want to discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives with the doctor before surgery to make sure you fully understand the implications of the procedure that he recommends for you. 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. | ||
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| After your surgery | ||
| You will be cared for in the recovery room for at least one-hour after surgery. You may experience some discomfort, ice packs to the chest and the pain medication prescribed will lessen the discomfort. There will be gauze sponges covering the incisions, a bra and breast strap will be in place. You are to wear the bra and strap night and day for the first week. The discomfort in your chest will diminish; the 1st 2-3 days are the most uncomfortable. Ice for 24-36 hours and resting with 3-4 pillows behind your back will help. | ||
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| Getting back to normal | ||
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You should be able to return to work within a 5-7 days, depending on the level of activity required for your job. Please follow our 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. You scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Vitamin E massaged into the healed incision improves the quality of the scar. After several months your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. | ||
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| Your new look | ||
| For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying, even exhilarating, as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance. Regular examinations by your plastic surgeon 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. | ||
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