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April 26, 2008

Breast Augmentation; Choosing the right size implant for you.

Posted by rosemont in Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation provides dramatic change. Lifting and filling the breast – creating a sexy fertile youthful look. Results from the operation often look their very best shortly after the operation. Breasts can be enhanced in a variety of ways.The pictures seen on the internet are usually taken 6 weeks to three months following the procedure.

Over time, a large implants (relative to the chest and breast size) can causes changes to the over lying breast tissue that make the breast look somewhat unnatural (ripples or wrinkles) without a bra or external support. Depending upon the size of the implant, the tissue is thinned and stretched in direct relation to the size of the implant. The larger the saline or silicone implant the more the overlying tissue is stretched and thinned in a relatively short time. If a saline implant is chosen this thinning of the tissues allows for the rippled implant to not only be seen but felt as well as the breast takes on the shape of the underlying implant. Silicone implants seem to contour more to the breast and have not been associated with rippling like the saline.

It is important when choosing and implant to choose one that is small or smaller than your own breast tissue so that it can be hidden and does not cause unwanted long term changes to the native natural breast tissue. One way of doing this is to measure the breast width. Take a tape measure and measure from one side of the breast tissue to the other. If the distance is 10 cm or less an implant size of 200 to 230 cc is usually a good choice. A distance of 11 cm usually can support an implant of 250 – 300 cc. In general, a breast width of 11.5 to 12 cm can support an implant of around 350 cc and 13-14 cm breast width generally supports an implant of 400 to 450 cc. Other characteristics of the breast that are evaluated at your consultation and include the amount of breast tissue filing the breast envelope and the amount of stretch the skin can tolerate as well as the desired breast size.

The goal of breast augmentation is to enhance the shape and size of the natural breast. Often what is seen on TV and on the internet are implants that are too big for the breast and soft tissue to support over the long term. These larger implants often stretch the breast and the skin so much so that when and if the implant is ever removed the breast itself is changed. This often necessitates a breast lift and replacement of another implant (usually silicone) to create a new breast with scars and thin skin.

It is important to consider the long term when choosing an implant. Remember bigger is not always better. Size does matter and smaller is often a more attractive choice over the long term. It’s often not the size but how it’s used that makes the biggest impression. At Chrysalis Cosmetics we want you to be happy for as long as possible by looking and feeling your very best. Our mission is to enhance your life. We want to help you make a good decision for today and tomorrow. Not everyone needs to or can be a D or DD cup. Let us help you make a decision that matches your anatomic tissues and keeps you looking your best for as long as possible. We look forward to discussing this further at your consultation.

Breast Augmentation; Your Choices in Sacramento California

Posted by rosemont in Breast Augmentation, Breast Enhancement

Is it time to enhance your look? In addition to eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, protecting your skin from the sun and taking time to enjoy life, cosmetic surgery can be the fastest and most exciting way to renew your look and confidence. There are many inspiring new options for both men and women. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in Sacramento California near Stockton, Roseville, Modesto adn El Dorado Hills as well as the United States was breast augmentation with almost 400,000 performed last year across the country. If you are considering this life-changing enhancement, you’ll want to consider some of the following options.
Dr. Charles Perry provides breast augmentation in Sacramento for dramatic change. Lifting and filling the breast – creating a sexy fertile youthful look. Results from the operation often look their very best shortly after the operation.

Under the muscle versus over the muscle? Most plastic surgeons use a dual plane technique to place the implant under a portion of the muscle. The muscle can keep the implant in place and the surrounding tissue soft. Implants can also be placed entirely under or above the muscle. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, so be certain to ask your surgeon, or call my office for a thorough explanation.

Where should the incision be placed? Breast enhancement can be performed through a variety of incisions. The most common is in the periareolar or around the nipple. This allows your surgeon to place the implant accurately in the fold of the breast. The scar is difficult to see as it lies between darker and lighter skin. It is usually placed at the bottom of the red area between 4 and 8 o’clock.

Another common placement is in the lower breast fold. This incision is becoming popular as more and more women are choosing to have silicone implants that require a larger incision (about 2 inches.) This requires less dissection through the breast tissue and is easily hidden under the breast.

One of the newest variations is through the armpit (or axilla.) Transaxillary breast enhancement has been around for some time, but until recently, was done in a blind fashion by passing a metal device that looks similar to a tire iron under the breast to create space and then insert the implant. An exciting new development that is much more precise is through the use of tiny cameras that allow the plastic surgeon to operate from a remote site and place the implant exactly in the position that looks best. This minimizes trauma and patient recovery is often much smoother. Transaxillary endoscopic breast augmentation is an exciting new advancement being performed by our office in Sacramento serving Roseville, rocklin, Folsom, Stockton, Yuba City, Modesto and beyond.

One other option is the umbilical incision. The incision is made in the belly button. A large rod is passed under the skin to the breast and then a large balloon is expanded to create a space. The implant is then inserted blindly into this pocket. You may have seen this on television, but surgeons in Sacramento do not commonly use this method, as it is not as precise and the implant manufacturer’s warranties are voided if this method is used.

Saline versus Silicone? Silicone feels more natural. It costs a little more, requires a larger incision and additional follow up. The FDA recommends MRIs at three years following the procedure and every two years afterwards. They cost around $2600 often at the patient’s expense, but many people feel it’s worth it. Saline implants allow a smaller incision and are absorbed naturally if there is ever a leak. We offer both options. A breast lift may also allow for a perkier breast.

With so many choices, it is an exciting time to consider enhancing your appearance. Celebrate the life and beauty this year, and the skin not covered by your swimsuit be sure to put on your sunscreen or consdier a laser skin resurfacing procedure. Enjoy your body to the fullest. Look and feel your best. Let us know if we can help. Consider a consultation. Your surgeon will be happy to suggest a variety of surgical and non-surgical options to help you look as good as you feel. For your convenience, most plastic surgeons offer financing.

Dr. Charles Perry, M.D. is a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Perry has been performing surgery since 1997. For additional information and pictures please visit Dr Charles Perry’s article at Consumer Guide to Cosmetic Surgery.

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