Breast Augmentation
What is the proper incision size for a breast augmentation?
I have been asked by many patients about the length of the incision for a breast augmentation. Recently, one plastic surgeon has been advertising on the radio about his new “Stealth” incision technique. What is the story?? The bottom line is that all patients want as inconspicuous a scar as possible. This makes sense….
Food and Drug Administration Affirms Safety of Breast Implants
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met to evaluate current information regarding the safety of silicone gel filled breast implants. William Maisel, MD MPH, chief scientist for the FDA center for devices stated that silicone gel implants were safe. In Nov, 2006, after 15 years of scientific study, the FDA approved silicone…
Heidi Montag’s Plastic Surgery Disaster
While doing some grocery shopping tonight (yes, plastic surgeons do grocery shopping) I saw this month’s Life & Style cover story “Heidi’s New Surgery Disaster.” Being a cosmetic plastic surgeon this naturally piqued my curiosity so I bought the magazine and read it when I got home. The essence of the article is a…
When is the best time for a Mommy Makeover?
For many women, a Mommy Makeover is a logical step to take once they have completed their families. Although there’s no specific definition of what constitutes a Mommy Makeover, in general, they usually involve a tummy tuck and some kind of breast enhancement, which could be a breast augmentation, breast lift/a>t or reduction, depending…
What are the challenges of breastfeeding after implants?
Occasionally, during a breast augmentation consultation with me in our Stony Brook plastic surgery practice, a woman expresses concerns about her ability to breastfeed later on, should she wish to do so. With so many women committed to breastfeeding their infants, I want to be certain you have the facts about breast enhancements and…
Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants – What are the differences?
Silicone is material that has a rubbery texture. A breast implant consists of a solid silicone shell (bag) filled with either saline (salt water) or silicone gel. All breast implants are made by spraying a mold with or dipping a mold into liquid silicone. When the silicone dries, the implant is then peeled off…
Breast Implant Placement – Is it better to place above or below the muscle?
Breast implants are placed into a pocket under the breast. The terms “above the muscle” and “below the muscle” are frequently bandied about. Which is better? Patients have opinions, surgeons have opinions. Certainly, I, a plastic surgeon who has performed a fair number of breast augmentations, have an opinion. Before I render than opinion,…
Three dimensional imaging for breast augmentation – A useful tool or just another marketing ploy? Part III
Part III – A comparison of the available systems – one plastic surgeons personal opinion There are currently two systems available for computerized imaging and simulation of breast augmentation surgery. Portrait 3D manufactured by AxisThree, a company funded by Siemens and started in 2002. AxisThree claims to use technology developed by Siemens in the…
Three dimensional imaging for breast augmentation – A useful tool or just another marketing ploy? Part II
Part II – How three dimensional imaging is used in my breast augmentation practice When I see a patient in consultation for breast augmentation, I inquire as to what the patient is looking to achieve. I examine the patient and make recommendations as to what implant I think is best for them. The exact…
Three dimensional imaging for breast augmentation – A useful tool or just another marketing ploy? Part I
Part I – What three dimensional imaging systems are I have always enjoyed technology. Since I was a teenager in the early 1970’s, I loved electronics (computing wasn’t even a hobby back then). For my pre-med major in college, I studied Biomedical and Electrical Engineering at Northwestern. It was there that I obtained a…