With the constantly changing economic conditions, I sometimes talk with patients who want plastic surgery but aren’t sure how to pay for it. For example, a woman may desire breast augmentation in Rhode Island to enhance her appearance and self-esteem, but she may need to delay so that she can save up the money.

The good news: There are several payment options available.

• Talk with your surgeon and explain your concerns. While I do not offer this at my practice, some surgeons will allow you to spread out your payments and pay a set amount each month. In addition, there may be treatment options that will affect the price. Your surgeon can explore these options with you. For example, perhaps you want to smooth away lines on your forehead and around your eyes, but you can’t afford the cost of a traditional facelift. BOTOX® Cosmetic may be able to achieve a significantly less expensive solution.
• Ask your surgeon about medical payment programs. For example, patients at my practice can use CareCredit, which is a patient payment plan. Although it’s similar to a credit card, the CareCredit card is used specifically for health-related expenses, including plastic surgery. It offers a simple payment plan without hidden costs. You can learn more at CareCredit.com.

In my cosmetic plastic surgery practice, the most common questions asked during a breast augmentation consultation are, “What will my implants feel like?” and “Will my implants feel real?” This is a very understandable concern. Though I wish our patients could experience exactly how implants will feel inside their body prior to surgery, in real life it is not possible for them to experience that until the breast enhancement is completed. We do offer our patient implant sizers to try on. Though this process does not provide an answer to how the implants will feel inside the body, it does offer a good visual as to how they will look in clothing and how the patient’s body proportions will be improved.

In general, I tell women who are contemplating breast augmentation in my Champaign, IL or Bloomington, IL practices that, yes, both silicone and saline implants will feel real.

The easiest way to describe the difference between saline and silicone is to make the analogy that silicone implants generally tend to feel like the breasts of females who have had babies – that is, quite soft. In fact, sometimes they feel similar to fatty tissue. In contrast, saline implants feel more like the breasts of very young women, particularly those who have not had babies and whose breasts feel a little more substantial. In general, remember what your breasts felt like in your mid to late teens, and that is very much the type of feel that saline implants tend to have.

I think that most plastic surgeons would agree that typically silicone implants feel softer and appear more similar to a natural breast shape than saline implants. However, the degree of difference in the look and feel between saline and silicone implants varies when considering a few factors.

One consideration is that many thinner patients do not have a lot of breast tissue prior to breast augmentation. (They may wear an A cup and have thin chest tissue, for example.) In this situation, it is usually best to select silicone implants, as thinner patients have less tissue to conceal the implant. However, if there is sufficient breast tissue before the surgery, saline implants can feel quite natural and are easily camouflaged by the existing tissue. During saline breast augmentation surgery, I prefer to place the implants under the pectoral muscle, which makes them less palpable and provides further camouflage. The placement of implants beneath the muscle tends to lead to fewer problems, very likely because there is not any contact between the implant and the breast tissue itself.

Another consideration in achieving a natural look and feel is the size of the implant being used. In most cases, excessive volume will result in a firmer breast. If the patient desires natural looking breasts, then selecting less volume may be a factor to consider. Nearly 100% of patients are very satisfied with the look and feel of their implants, whether they are saline or silicone implants, as long as they have selected an experienced, knowledgeable surgeon.

Note: National statistics show that silicone prostheses have a higher capsular contracture rate, which can result in a revision surgery if this develops. For this reason, while I use both saline or silicone implants in my practice, I tend to use saline implants for the most part. I find saline to be reliable, satisfying, very well accepted and nearly free of post-operative revisions and/or complications.

The decision to have breast augmentation in Indianapolis is a very personal one, and it’s one only you can make.

However, you’re not the only one who will be affected by it. Your friends and family members will have their own feelings and opinions about your choice for cosmetic enhancement, and sometimes this can create conflict. In order to reduce tension and prepare your family for your decision, I recommend the following strategies:

• Don’t surprise your family with your new look. Discuss your surgery with family members and allow them to express their feelings, fears and hesitations. This is especially important for children who are old enough to be aware of the change, particularly impressionable teens.
• Allow your family to come with you to your initial consultation. This way, they can ask the surgeon questions and feel assured and informed about the procedure.
• Do your research. Know the risks and benefits associated with breast augmentation so your family knows you are making and educated choice.
• Listen to their concerns openly and patiently. Open communication between family members is essential to having a great recovery and enjoying your results. Remember that many people react to the idea of plastic surgery in Indianapolis with fear. If they are unaccepting of your decision, it may be due to a lack of understanding on their parts or misconceptions they have about the procedure.
• Choose a qualified surgeon. This will help reduce many of the fears or worries your family may have about your safety.

When it comes to performing procedures such as breast augmentation in Marin, I believe that two heads are better than one. That’s why I love working with Dr. Furnas. Our work has become so well synchronized that we are able to perform plastic surgery procedures quickly and efficiently. This offers many benefits to our patients, such as:

• Improved recovery. Less time on the operating table means less recovery time for you. Because Dr. Furnas and I have worked together for so long, we are able to anticipate each other’s needs and perform surgery smoothly and easily. Most of our breast enhancement patients are able to return to work in just 2 to 4 days.
• Reduced risk of complications. By choosing experienced, skilled surgeons who work well together, you reduce the risk of surgical error. Dr. Furnas and I are both dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest level of care, and are both available to you before and after the procedure.
• Multiple perspectives. Two sets of trained eyes are very beneficial during cosmetic surgery. It allows Dr. Furnas and me to scrutinize every aspect of your surgical plan in order to produce the best possible results.

Although weight loss is a great achievement, a significant loss can leave you with loose, saggy skin. We offer a range of options for breast enhancement after weight loss at South Bay Plastic Surgeons, and we customize every procedure to create beautiful, personalized results for each patient.

For women in the Long Beach area, breast enlargement is not the only option for breast enhancement after weight loss. Although augmentation is an excellent solution, breast lift surgery can also help restore the shape of breasts after weight loss. Here’s what separates the two procedures:

• Breast augmentation uses either silicone or saline implants to replace volume and fill out the breasts. We help each patient find the perfect size and type of implant to create a beautiful yet natural looking silhouette. Other options, such as implant placement and type of incision can help individualize this procedure for women with a wide range of cosmetic needs.
• Breast lift (mastoplexy) is an excellent option for women who don’t need to add fullness but are more concerned with restoring a youthful shape. Surgery often involves tightening skin, reshaping breast tissue and repositioning the nipples. Each procedure is adjusted to meet the patient’s particular needs.

During consultations with our team at South Bay Plastic Surgeons, many women find that combining the two procedures is the best way to create the results they desire. Combining procedures after weight loss is a great way to achieve seamless results and celebrate your new body.

It’s always important to be an educated consumer, no matter what kind of purchase you’re preparing to make. It’s particularly essential when you’re considering investing in breast augmentation, which has the potential to transform your life both physically and emotionally.

I find that my Walnut Creek area breast augmentation patients who are well-informed tend to be more confident and comfortable through every phase of their plastic surgery journey.

So how do you find a plastic surgeon who is highly qualified and willing to take the time to help you understand your options for breast augmentation? To help you with that search, I’ve developed the following ABCs:

A: Advancements in techniques and technology are important to understand. Research the procedure you’re considering by looking at websites such as RealSelf.com, which provides a wealth of helpful information. Talk with other women who have had the procedure, and see if they have recommendations.

B: Before-and-after photos should be an essential part of your surgeon-selection process. Study several plastic surgeons’ websites, and review their photo galleries. Look for photos that portray subtly beautiful results.

C. Consult with the surgeon before you make your final decision. Make an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation to discuss your questions, even the very personal and complex ones. For example, you may want to know if you can combine your breast augmentation procedure with liposuction. At my Walnut Creek area practice, I often discuss such questions during a consultation. An experienced plastic surgeon will appreciate your desire to learn all you can about the procedure and will want you to feel confident about your decision. That self-assurance can help you relax during your procedure, heal more quickly – and love your results.

Plastic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation in Sacramento, are just as vulnerable to trends as fashion and clothing are. For instance, in the ’80s, very large breast implants were in style. Now, however, many women are choosing smaller implants.

When women ask me about current breast implant trends, I emphasize that it’s more important for the patient to focus on the breast implant style that suits her individual body and goals. Trends fluctuate, but I encourage my patients to choose what they think would be the most flattering size for their own bodies rather than base their decisions on what the media portrays as being “in style.” I explain that women who are the most pleased with their results are the ones who select their implant size and profile based on their own desires, not on trends or fads.

Are you considering breast augmentation to enhance your appearance? Then, focus on what you envision for your post-procedure breasts. To achieve a result that you love, discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon. You’ll feel more comfortable and confident about the surgery, and you’ll be able to look forward to shopping for new clothes that flatter your new body.

Mommy Makeovers help women reverse many pregnancy-related changes to their bodies. The procedure can restore the body to its more youthful, pre-pregnancy appearance. Although the Mommy Makeover is very popular with recent mothers, moms of any age can benefit from these popular treatments.

Whether your kids are headed off to preschool or headed off to college, a Mommy Makeover may be just the boost you need. It often combines a tummy tuck and liposuction with a breast lift or breast augmentation on Long Island. Moms find it can help restore their physical appearance so it once again matches their vibrant attitude toward life.

These are the most common components of a Mommy Makeover:

• Breast Enhancement: Either a breast lift or breast augmentation to enhance the shape and size of a woman’s breasts. Some patients have both procedures to take advantage of the added benefits.
• Tummy Tuck: This is a great way to remove excess skin, tissue and fat from the abdomen, and it can even help remove stretch marks.
• Liposuction: Women use this to remove small pockets of fat around the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is often an excellent complement to the other procedures.

It’s exciting to see how women are combining procedures to reach their cosmetic goals on Long Island. Breast augmentation and other popular procedures can help a woman look and feel great at any age.

If you have been considering breast augmentation in the Philadelphia area, there’s good news on the horizon. Researchers at the University of Akron in Ohio recently reported the development of safer breast implants using nanotechnology. The new implant material is an alternative to silicone rubber and is designed to minimize complications after surgery.

What is nanotechnology?

To put it simply, nanotechnology is a field of science that creates functional structures from extremely small particles, such as atoms. The smaller-sized components exhibit different properties than their larger counterparts and can therefore be used for different applications.

What are the benefits?

In addition to reducing complications, breast implants using nanotechnology may be especially helpful for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer because the nanostructured material will be able to deliver cancer drugs locally, thereby improving treatment and minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy.

Are current implants safe?

Both saline and silicone implants are approved by the FDA for safety and have a long history of use. Saline implants are made from a saltwater solution that can be naturally absorbed by the body, while new-generation silicone implants are made of a cohesive material that will not leak if ruptured. Keep in mind, however, that there can be risks associated with any synthetic material that is introduced into the body. By choosing an educated and skilled surgeon, you can greatly improve your chances for a successful implant procedure.

With regards to exercise, I feel that early exercise increases bleeding risk and diverts healing energy away from the surgical site. As a result, I advise light activity only for four weeks after surgery, then lower body low-impact exercise starting after that. By five or six weeks after surgery, breast augmentation patients near Scottsdale can ease back into exercise, but should avoid bench press or pushups long-term, as these exercises can push the implants apart over time. Very high impact exercise like waterskiing, kickboxing or snowboarding should be avoided for at least three months after surgery, which is when the internal healing tissues reaches peak strength.

Besides exercise, eating properly after surgery is important. Patients are provided with a list of things to avoid eating around the time of surgery to minimize bleeding risks. Garlic is one of the biggest culprits on this list as well as some vitamins and herbs as well (including Ginko biloba, St. John’s Wort, and vitamin E to name a few…). Immediately after surgery patients should stick to an easy-to–digest diet like soup, toast and rice, and can advance their diet as they see fit. Staying well hydrated with water and sports drinks are important, too.

Patients often ask if vitamins after surgery are helpful. I recommend a multivitamin (with minimal to no vitamin E). I also provide patients with arnica and bromelain, which are supplements that can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.

As far as surgical garments, I generally place patients in a surgical bra with a compression strap that helps to support the breasts and gently settles the implants down into the breast pockets. This bra is worn for a week after surgery. After that, patients can switch into a light sports bra or yoga bra, and can also use normal non-underwire bras if they are comfortable. Underwire bras are avoided for 4 months or so to avoid pressure of the wire into the lower breast skin.

With all of these ways to improve their postoperative recovery, patients can play an important role in their own healing process. Patients are usually excited with their results and are eager to do whatever they can to promote the smoothest recovery possible. Although some restrictions (like limited exercise and lifting) are inconvenient, all of these recommendations are designed to maximize results and minimize complications. When I explain this to patients, they are happy to accept short term limitations in exchange for the best long term results.