Blog

august 16, 2009

Thinking about Breast Augmentation?

This article by Dr. Houser was featured in the May2009 issue of Ticked Pink Magazine.

As a plastic surgeon who performs a large number of breast implant surgeries, I find that women who are contemplating this procedure have similar concerns and questions. By understanding the decisions that you are likely to encounter during this process, you should avoid any unpleasant surprises along the way.

Thinking about breast augmentation? If you are nervous, worried, or overwhelmed, then you are perfectly normal. What should you do next?

Do your homework

Start by talking with friends who have had plastic surgery. Do some research on the internet. Look for a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After you have narrowed your search, your next step is to make an appointment for a consultation.

The Consultation

Your consultation with a plastic surgeon should last about an hour. Expect to have a conversation about what you would like to achieve through your breast augmentation. Do you want to dramatically increase the overall size of your breasts? Or maybe you just want a small size increase and would like to improve the shape and fullness of your breasts. During your consultation, the physician will also examine your breasts and discuss his/her recommendations with you. Other issues that should be addressed with the surgeon are breast implants (silicone or saline), sizing, anesthesia, incision placement, recovery, and of course, any questions that you have.

Saline or Silicone?

Both have pros and cons. Most agree that silicone implants feel more natural, and the majority of my patients choose silicone, but you should talk this over with your plastic surgeon. For more information visit www.breastimplantsafety.org.

Sizing

Nothing causes as much anguish in the breast augmentation process as choosing a size. Everyone looks at before and after photos on the internet, but be careful—they can be misleading. I caution patients against relying on these photos when determining size. Because your plastic surgeon knows your particular body, he/she will be your best source of guidance on sizing.

Placement Incisions

Implant placement and the incision site are complex subjects to be discussed in detail between patient and surgeon. To provide a brief introduction; breast implants are placed either above the muscle (subglandular) or below the muscle (submuscular). The implants are inserted through an incision either at the breast crease (inframammary), at the edge of the areola (periareolar) or in the underarm area (transaxillary). Although some surgeons use other incisions, these techniques are not widely accepted by most board certified plastic surgeons.

For More Information

In the United States, plastic surgeons perform more breast augmentations than any other surgery. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, in an accredited facility, it is a safe surgery that can make a dramatic impact on a woman’s self image. For more information visit www.plasticsurgery.org.

About Dr.Robert Houser

Dr. Houser is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) and is a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. To learn more about Dr. Houser and the procedures that he provides visit www.drroberthouser.com.