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Hi, I'm Joe Wallace, one of the hundreds of writers here at LifeTips.com. Enjoy these 130 Breast Procedures Tips! If you’re a business, why not hire the expert writers at LifeTips? And if you’re a writer, apply for freelance writing gigs.
Having Breast Reconstruction after a Mastectomy
A mastectomy is a procedure where the breast tissue is removed in one or both of the breasts. This procedure is common in breast cancer patients where the breast tissue is infected with cancer cells. Many mastectomy patients opt to have a breast reconstruction surgery after the mastectomy to recreate the breast artificially.
A breast reconstruction after a mastectomy will be very similar to a breast augmentation procedure where a saline or silicone implant is used to recreate the appearance of breast tissue. In many cases the procedure is performed in stages where the first stage involves implanting the shell and gradually increasing the amount of filler material in the shell. This may be done over the course of several weeks or even months. Some types of shells may be left in as permanent implants while others will have to be removed once they reach the desired capacity and replaced with a more permanent implant.
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Finding a Qualified Breast Implant Surgeon
Finding a qualified breast implant surgeon is very important because a surgeon who is well-qualified, highly skilled and experienced can produce results that are physically appealing. There are a number of different ways in which a patient can go about finding a qualified breast implant surgeon. This may include using the database on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons maintains a database of surgeons who are members of the society and allows visitors of the Web site to search their database by a number of factors, including the surgeon’s name, the type of procedure and location. Membership in the society does not guarantee the skill level of the surgeon, but it does guarantee the surgeon has met certain criteria such as graduation from an accredited medical school, participation in specific training in plastic surgery, adherence to strict ethical guidelines and participation in continuing education programs.
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Are Breast Implants Right for You?
Patients who are considering undergoing breast augmentation surgery may consult with one or more plastic surgeons prior to making the decision get breast implants. During this consultation, the surgeon can determine whether or not the patient is an ideal candidate for breast augmentation and may make recommendations about which type of breast implants -- saline or silicone -- might help the patient achieve optimal results.
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Understanding Cohesive Gel Implants
Cohesive gel implants are a new type of silicone gel implants which have a superior ability to maintain its shape. These implants are commonly known as "gummy bear implants" because the material used to fill the implants has a feel and consistency very similar to the popular candy known as Gummy Bears.
The disadvantages to these types of breast implants are largely related to the surgical procedures. Specifically, a transumbilical breast augmentation is not possible with cohesive gel implants. The method involves folding the implant and inserting it through a long narrow tube. Furthermore, these types of breast implants have procedures that require longer incisions than procedures involving saline or silicone implants because the cohesive gel implants hold their shape so well and cannot be compressed easily.
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Consulting with a Cosmetic Surgeon before a Breast Procedure
The initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon before a breast procedure such as a breast augmentation, a breast reduction, a breast lift or breast reconstruction is extremely important. Some may argue this initial consultation is even more important than the actual day of the surgery. During the initial consultation the patient will not only learn about the available options, but will also have the opportunity to learn more about the surgeon’s qualifications to perform the procedure.
During the initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, the patient will be examined to determine which procedures will most likely be able to produce the desired results. Additionally, the patient will be examined and will answer a series of questions that will demonstrate whether the patient is an ideal candidate for the particular breast procedures required.
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The Importance of Before and After Breast Implant Photos in Selecting a Surgeon
Patients who neglect to ask potential plastic surgeons to provide before and after breast implant photos run the risk of selecting a subpar surgeon who is not capable of producing the high quality results the patient is seeking. A well-qualified and skillful breast augmentation surgeon will likely be extremely eager to show before and after breast implant photos to patients who are considering breast augmentation surgery. For these surgeons, the before and after photos of previous patients are a visual resume which potential patients can use to evaluate the skill level of the surgeon.
If possible, patients should also ask to see after photos taken during the recovery process and after the breasts have fully recovered from the procedure. This is important because it will provide information into how long the healing process will take and how much swelling and bruising is involved. Some plastic surgeons may take after photos when the compression bandages are removed and about midway through the recovery process in addition to taking photos after the patient has fully recovered from the procedure.
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Can You Afford the Cost of Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation is not an inexpensive procedure. Furthermore, it is considered to be a cosmetic surgery so it's unlikely that many health insurance plans will cover it. Determining the exact cost of breast augmentation can be difficult because it depends on a number of factors, including the surgeon’s experience and skill level, the hospital where the procedure is performed and even the part of the country where the procedure is performed. An approximate value for the cost of breast augmentation surgery ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.
Patients who do not have enough money saved up to undergo breast augmentation surgery may still be able to have the procedure performed. In these cases, the patients should carefully evaluate their feelings to determine how important the procedure is to them. If they feel the procedure will be worthwhile and will result in a pronounced increase in self esteem, the patient may opt to find alternative ways to finance the procedure such as working out a payment plan with the cosmetic surgeon, taking out a loan to finance the procedure, using an existing home equity loan to finance the procedure or even charging the procedure on a credit card and repaying the debt according to the agreement with the credit card company.
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Risks Associated with Breast Augmentation Surgery
The risks associated with breast augmentation range from infections and post-operative bleeding to general dissatisfaction with the results. Patients who opt to undergo breast augmentation surgery should be aware there are inherent risks associated with breast augmentation surgery. Although most procedures are fairly routine and when performed by a qualified and skilled surgeon, the risks will be minimal, there is always the possibility for complications or dissatisfaction with the results.
Capsular contracture is one of the most common risks associated with breast augmentation. When this occurs the scar tissue surrounding the implant reacts to the foreign body by contracting and constricting the implant. This can result in distortion and pain from the hardened implant. Capsular contracture may be treated by either removing the scar tissue or completely removing the implant. In the event that removal of the implant is necessary, surrounding tissue might also be taken out.
Infection, although rare, is another risk associated with breast augmentation surgery. Infections may occur at the incision sites or around the implant and usually develop within four to six weeks after the procedure. The risk of infection is minimized by scrubbing the incision sites with antimicrobial agents prior to the procedure.
Excessive postoperative bleeding is also possible after breast augmentation surgery. This excessive bleeding may cause both swelling and pain. If excessive bleeding persists, the surgeon may need to perform an additional procedure to stop the bleeding and remove blood, which is accumulating around the surgical site.
Other risks associated with breast augmentation surgery include an adverse reaction to the anesthesia and a change in nipple sensitivity. Patients may react negatively to anesthesia, which will be evident with symptoms such as rashes, difficulty breathing, increased or decreased heart rate, hives, wheezing, anxiety, fainting, dizziness, nausea or vomiting. Changes in nipple sensitivity may include numbness, oversensitivity or under sensitivity. Patients should discuss all risks with the surgeon prior to the procedure.
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Are Silicone Gel Breast Implants Safe?
In 1992 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ban on the use of silicone gel breast implants. Although this ban was made without the support of conclusive evidence documenting the need for such a ban, it has helped to fuel the theory that silicone gel breast implants are not safe. While many surgeons and patients believe the silicone gel implants produce the most realistic results, there were strict limitations on the use of silicone implants until recently.
On Nov. 17, 2006 the FDA issued a press release announcing the approval of silicone gel breast implants made by two companies for the use in reconstructive surgeries for women of all ages, as well as augmentation surgeries for women over the age of 22. This approval came after 10 years of extensive research which led the FDA to conclude the use of silicone gel breast implants was safe for the intended purposes.
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Understanding a Breast Lift Procedure
A breast lift procedure, or a mastopexy, is often confused with a breast augmentation surgery. While a breast augmentation is performed to improve the size and the shape of the breasts, a breast lift is performed to lift and reshape breasts that are sagging. Itdoes not change the size of the breasts. During this procedure, the nipple and areola are relocated to the desired location and excess skin is removed and pulled taut to create a more appealing appearance. The overall appearance of the breasts will likely be improved, but the size will remain the same.
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Saline Breast Implants vs. Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone was first used as the filler material in breast implant procedures in the early 1960s. However, by 1992 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a ban on the use of silicone implants amidst claims that a variety of disease could result if the implants were to rupture and the silicone circulated through the body. These claims were not substantiated by the FDA, but nevertheless, the imposed this ban. There are a few exceptions in which the use of silicone implants is permissible.
Silicone implants were more popular until the ban was issued by the FDA in 1992. At this time, saline implants became increasingly popular. Saline implants are essentially silicone shells which are filled with a saline substance which closely resembles other fluids in the body. Therefore, there is less concern if the implants rupture because the implants will simply deflate and the saline solution will be absorbed into the body.
Many patients choose silicone implants because they tend to produce a more natural look and feel. Saline implants do not closely resemble natural breast tissue, but because they are assumed to be safer, many patients and surgeons are willing to sacrifice a more natural look for saline implants.
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The Potential for Plastic Surgery Complications
As with any type of plastic surgery, there is always the potential for complications during breast-related procedures. Complications resulting from a breast procedure can range from general dissatisfaction with the results to breast implant deflation or even health-related complications.
Capsular contracture is one of the complications which may result during plastic surgery. In this condition, the tissue surrounding the implant reacts to the implant by squeezing it. When this occurs, the implant may become more compact and the shape may be altered. This can be quite painful and may also result in an undesired effect.
The risk of infection also exists during plastic surgery. In procedures such as breast augmentation, less than 2 percent of all patients suffer from an infection post-operatively, but the risk always exists. Carefully cleansing proposed incision sites with antibacterial soap can help to reduce the risk of infection.
Patients can also help to minimize the risk of complications by discussing their desired outcome with the surgeon before the procedure and asking to see before-and-after pictures of procedures the surgeon has completed in the past. This will help to ensure the patient and the surgeon are in agreement about the desired appearance.
